Pancake Sushi Rolls with Salmon and Avocado: the perfect Russian–Japanese fusion for breakfast, brunch or a party appetizer.
Pancake sushi rolls might sound unusual, but they are one of my favorite dishes. Imagine smoked salmon and avocado wrapped with cream cheese, a sprinkle of garden cress, a touch of creamy horseradish, all rolled inside thin Russian pancakes and sliced into bite-sized pieces to dip in soy sauce. They make a delightful breakfast, brunch or party starter.
These rolls are a fun way to enjoy sushi flavors in the morning. Traditional Philadelphia-style rolls are delicious, but rice can feel heavy with coffee. Swapping rice for thin, flexible Russian pancakes keeps the sushi concept but turns it into a breakfast-friendly treat.
Russian pancakes are made to be filled, both sweet and savory. I often use jam or condensed milk for a quick sweet option, but smoked salmon or caviar also make for an elegant savory choice. That tradition inspired these pancake sushi rolls.
Combining my favorite Russian pancakes with my favorite Japanese sushi turned out even better than I expected. Pancakes are sturdy enough to hold the filling and keep the rolls neat, so they travel well to a brunch or party tray.
Although I’ve been trying to eat healthier lately, I also believe in occasional indulgence. Avocado and salmon offer good nutrients, and enjoying a moderate portion of something you love is part of a balanced approach. Treating yourself to a decadent bite now and then doesn’t need to bring guilt.
I recently discovered an entertaining site called Eastern European Sushi that reimagines nostalgic Soviet dishes as sushi-style creations. It made me smile and underscored how fun fusion food can be.
To make these rolls, start by preparing a good stack of Russian pancakes. They keep well for a couple of days and reheat quickly in the microwave, so making a batch ahead makes assembly faster. Once the pancakes are ready, lay one out, spread cream cheese, layer smoked salmon, add horseradish, avocado slices and garden cress, roll tightly into a log and slice into individual pieces. The process is quick and rewarding. Check the recipe below for exact amounts and step-by-step instructions.
Pancake Sushi Rolls
Ingredients
- 4 Russian pancakes, about 28 cm (11 inches) in diameter
- 100 grams (3.5 oz) cream cheese
- 100 grams (3.5 oz) smoked salmon
- 4 teaspoons creamy horseradish sauce
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
- 4 tablespoons garden cress
- Black pepper, to taste
- Wasabi paste and soy sauce, to serve
Instructions
- Allow the pancakes to cool. Place one pancake on a work surface. Spread one quarter of the cream cheese over the lower third of the pancake. Arrange one quarter of the sliced salmon on top and spread about 1 teaspoon of creamy horseradish sauce.
- Add avocado slices, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon garden cress and a pinch of black pepper.
- Fold the bottom edge of the pancake over the filling and roll tightly to form a log. Repeat with the remaining pancakes and filling.
- Slice each log into 4–5 pieces. Serve with wasabi paste and soy sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
This recipe yields 4 logs with 4–5 pieces each. Nutrition is calculated per serving (4 rolls).
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 266 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11 g | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Cholesterol: 33 mg | Sodium: 305 mg | Potassium: 334 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 1 g | Vitamin A: 430 IU | Vitamin C: 6.3 mg | Calcium: 92 mg | Iron: 15.4 mg
What is your favorite fusion food? I’d love to hear your ideas.
Regards,
Elena