Effortless Salisbury Steak Gravy

Featured in: Family-Friendly Dinners Everyone Will Love

Turn ground beef into soft, tasty patties with breadcrumb and onion, then let them soak up a savory mushroom sauce. You'll have a cozy dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 21:33:45 GMT
Four beef steaks smothered in mushroom sauce on a plate with some greens on the side. Pin it
Four beef steaks smothered in mushroom sauce on a plate with some greens on the side. | cookingkitchn.com

Grab some fish sticks, some creamy avocado, and a crunchy cucumber to whip up these Fish Stick Sushi Rolls. They're crispy, fun, and great if you're craving takeout vibes at home. Sushi rice and nori wrap everything up just right. They're a cool mix of old-school comfort and Japanese-style you can do at home. Making sushi doesn't have to be tough—these make any weeknight or family hang-out way more fun (and they won't break the bank).

Irresistible Fish Stick Sushi

Trying this easy mashup is perfect if you're just starting out or watching your wallet. No need to fuss with raw fish—frozen fish sticks make these super simple but still satisfying. The crunchy outside, soft avocado, and yummy rice layer up for a bite you’ll want again and again. Feel free to toss in anything you like—these rolls are easy to customize!

What You Need for Fish Stick Sushi

  • To Make the Rice:
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups sushi rice
    • 2 1/4 cups water
  • For Your Fillings:
    • 2 ripe avocados, sliced thin
    • 1 English cucumber, cut into thin strips
    • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
    • 4 sheets nori seaweed
    • 1/2 cup Kewpie mayo
    • 8 frozen fish sticks, cooked crispy
  • For Dipping:
    • Wasabi paste
    • Soy sauce
    • Spicy mayo (optional)
    • Pickled ginger

Simple Steps to Roll

Slice and Serve
Chill your sushi for five before cutting. Slice into eight with a wet, sharp knife. Lay them out on a nice plate and set out the dips.
Roll Everything Up
Set nori down shiny side facing you and cover with a thin, even layer of rice (leave the top bare). Flip so the rice is on the outside. Stack your fillings in the bottom third, then roll up tightly. Dab a little water to close it.
Get Your Rolling Gear Ready
Wrap your mat with cling wrap. Have a bowl of water nearby for sticky hands. Chop all your veggies and keep a towel handy to wipe your knife.
Crisp Up Fish Sticks
Follow the package instructions and bake till they're extra crispy. If they're too fat, slice them lengthwise and let them cool down for a few.
Make the Rice
Rinse the rice until it runs clear. Use a pot or rice cooker with the measured water. Warm up vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Mix this into the cooked rice and fan it so it gets shiny.

Smart Sushi-Making Tricks

Let rice hang out at room temp so it works better. Don't pack too much into your rolls or they'll fall apart. Use a wet knife for slices that stay neat. Fish sticks should be super crunchy going in—they'll soften inside the roll. Give your roll a firm-but-gentle squeeze to help them stay together.

Fun Ways to Serve

Show off your rolls on a big plate with little bowls of soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi nearby. Stir some Sriracha into mayo for an easy spicy kick. Want to go all out? Add a bowl of miso soup or a cucumber salad on the side. Sprinkle on a few more sesame seeds or toss some herbs around for extra flair.

Keeping and Making Ahead

If you want the best texture, eat your sushi within a couple of hours. Make your rice up to six hours early and cover it with a damp towel so it doesn’t dry out. Fish sticks are best cooked right before you make everything. Freezing or saving these rolls for tomorrow isn’t a great idea—they lose their crunch and go soft fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use grated onion on the breadcrumbs?
Grated onion lets out its juices and soaks into the breadcrumbs. It keeps the meat moist and adds more flavor so your patties stay nice and soft.
→ What's the reason for mixing the beef till sticky?
Stirring until the mixture gets a little sticky helps the patties keep their shape so they won't fall apart in the pan or sauce.
→ Is it okay to prep this early?
You sure can! Make and chill the patties ahead of time. For best flavor, try to cook the sauce right before eating, but leftovers taste great reheated too.
→ How should I plate this up?
Most folks pile these on mashed potatoes for soaking up all that gravy. Rice or cooked egg noodles work just as well, too.
→ What’s the point of simmering patties in the sauce?
Letting the beef finish cooking in the mushroom sauce means all the flavors mix together and make the gravy even richer.

Conclusion

Turn plain ground beef into mouthwatering patties mixed with onion and breadcrumbs, then let 'em finish in a creamy mushroom sauce. It comes together quick and hits the spot for comfort food.

Effortless Salisbury Steak Gravy

Beef patties made from seasoned ground meat get extra tasty as they cook right in a hearty mushroom sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Sophia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Western

Yield: 5 Servings (Five patties with sauce)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 lb (500g) ground beef.
02 1/2 onion (brown, yellow, or white).
03 1 garlic clove, finely chopped.
04 2 tbsp of ketchup.
05 1 egg.
06 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
07 1 crumbled beef bouillon cube.
08 3 tsp of dijon mustard or 2 tsp dry mustard powder.
09 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs or 1/3 cup regular breadcrumbs.
10 1 tbsp olive oil.
11 2 minced garlic cloves.
12 1/2 onion, finely diced.
13 5 oz (150g) mushrooms, cut into slices.
14 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter.
15 3 tbsp all-purpose flour.
16 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce.
17 2 teaspoons dijon mustard.
18 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth.
19 1/2 cup water.

Instructions

Step 01

Add the breadcrumbs to a bowl. Shred the onion directly into the bowl using a grater. Let it rest for a couple of minutes and mix with your fingers to combine.

Step 02

Combine all the Salisbury Steak ingredients in the bowl. Work it together with your hands until the mixture feels slightly sticky, which helps the patties hold their shape.

Step 03

Shape the mixture into 5 oval patties about 3/4 inch (1.5 cm) thick, pressing them firmly.

Step 04

Heat a skillet over high heat with some oil. Cook the patties for 1 minute on one side until browned. Carefully flip and cook the other side, but leave the inside raw. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 05

If the skillet is dry, drizzle a bit more oil in it. Toss in the chopped onions and garlic. Stir and cook for around 2 minutes until the onions soften.

Step 06

Throw the sliced mushrooms into the skillet. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Step 07

Turn down the heat to medium. Stir in the butter and melt it. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 30 seconds.

Step 08

Little by little, pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Once smooth, stir in the remaining gravy ingredients.

Step 09

Add the patties back to the skillet along with their juices. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir now and then, letting the sauce thicken. If it gets too thick, splash in a bit more water.

Step 10

Move the patties to a plate. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed. Pour the gravy with mushrooms over the patties. These are great with mashed potatoes!

Notes

  1. This was updated from the December 2015 version.
  2. Goes perfectly with mashed potatoes.

Tools You'll Need

  • Frying pan.
  • Cheese grater.
  • Mixing whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Contains wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 286
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 25 g