Love sushi, but not the hefty price tag?

You’re not alone.

Sushi, in its many forms, is one of my favorite things to eat – but I don’t eat it very often, because it’s quite expensive.

At a high-end sushi restaurant, you’ll pay up to $10 for basic rolls, and up to $20 for the fancier options. Even grocery store sushi can cost up to $10 or $12 per roll.

If you are looking ways to enjoy sushi on a budget, then you’ve landed on the right web page. Here are 7 of my favorite hacks and recipes that will allow you to enjoy sushi – without blowing your paycheck.

#1: Make It Yourself

If you’ve never made homemade sushi rolls before, it’s time to give it a try.

It’s not difficult, nor is it time consuming if you prepare the rice beforehand.

How to make cheap California rolls at home. You'll spend WAY less when you make homemade sushi at home!

Once you have the rolling technique down, you’re on your way to making sushi on a budget. Here are two budget-friendly recipes:

#2: Consider Supermarket Sushi

Is supermarket sushi worth it? Find out more, and tips to save money on sushi!

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with supermarket sushi. In fact, this is a very typical way to eat and enjoy sushi in the birthplace of sushi: Japan.

Supermarket sushi rolls vary in price, but you can usually find a basic California roll for $5.99 or $6.99.

There is a supermarket in the Twin Cities that does discounted sushi on Wednesdays, where they sell a variety of rolls for $5.99 each.

Trader Joe’s sells decent cooked sushi rolls (California rolls, spicy California rolls, shrimp tempura rolls).

ALDI sells frozen sushi rolls (yes, frozen) that are thawed in the microwave (yes, microwave) that are actually pretty tasty. I buy a package pretty much every time I go to ALDI.

Frozen sushi from ALDI: Find out how I rated it - ALDI Sushi review.

Also, check out Japanese grocery stores for great homemade sushi.

#3: Make Sushi Bowls/Poke Bowls

Cheap Quinoa Poke Bowls: Enjoy poke bowls without spending a ton of money! Click through for recipe.

Poke bowls are very easy to make at home.

If you’re not familiar, poke is a Hawaiian dish that’s akin to a deconstructed sushi roll.

You start with a base of sushi rice, add raw fish or another protein, lots of toppings, and sauce.

There are a million different ways to top poke bowls that start out with a base of rice. Here are some ideas:

  • Seaweed
  • Scallions
  • Cucumber
  • Edamame
  • Avocado
  • Cream cheese
  • Pineapple
  • Mango
  • Fried onions
  • Furikake
  • Sesame seeds
  • Protein: Salmon, tuna, shrimp, crab salad, tofu
  • Sauce: Yum yum sauce, soy sauce, spicy mayo, eel sauce, etc.

Make it at home: Cheap and easy quinoa poke bowls

Make it at home: Spicy tuna sushi bowls (fully cooked)

Spicy tuna sushi bowls. Get your sushi fix for less!

#4: Consider Alternatives To Raw Fish

Sushi rolls and sashimi featuring raw fish usually come with a hefty price tag.

But there’s more to sushi than raw fish.

Whether you’re making your own rolls at home or ordering in a restaurant, here are some delicious alternatives to try:

  • Tamago (A slightly sweet Japanese-style omelete)
  • Cucumber
  • Avocado
  • Carrots
  • Asparagus
  • Sprouts
  • Cream cheese
  • Pickled vegetables
  • Chicken teriyaki
  • Cooked shrimp
  • Cooked crab
  • Tofu
  • Tempeh

Many of these fillings are great if you’re making sushi for kids.

Make your own homemade teriyaki chicken at home for just $1.40 per person! Click through for recipe.

#5: Visit AYCE Sushi Restaurants

All-you-can-eat sushi restaurants offer one of the best ways to fill up on sushi – without spending a fortune.

You may not find the fancier rolls at sushi buffets, there is often a decent variety of the more basic rolls.

Sushi buffets usually cost between $19 and $35 for the all-you-can-eat option. Lunch prices are typically lower than dinner prices so plan accordingly.

Be warned: Some places will monetarily “penalize” you if you take more sushi than you eat.

#6: Search For Coupons

Groupon.com is still a great place to get coupons to use at local businesses and restaurants – including sushi restaurants.

Another option: Follow local sushi restaurants on social media for possible deals and promotions.

Also, many sushi restaurants offer discounted sushi during happy hour.

#7: Supplement With Cheaper Food

I have a personal rule: Never go out for sushi on an empty stomach.

If you’re looking to fill up on sushi, expect to pay a decent amount of money. Instead, consider these tips to supplement your sushi meal:

  • Have a snack before dinner
  • Order edamame or miso soup as an appetizer
  • Order one sushi roll and a cheaper side dish

Love Sushi? Share Your Tips!

How do you enjoy sushi on a budget? I want to hear your tips. Please share them below, so we can all eat more sushi without spending a lot of money!