Vegan Sushi Rolls
Make delicious vegan sushi rolls at home with this easy recipe! Using a nori sheet, seasoned sticky rice, and fresh veggies like cucumber strips, avocado slices, and red bell pepper, you’ll create sushi that’s both flavorful and fun to roll. With step-by-step instructions and tips for using a bamboo sushi mat, you’ll master the art of homemade vegan sushi in no time. Plus, there’s a gluten-free option for everyone to enjoy. Perfect for sushi lovers and home cooks alike!
Equipment
- Bamboo sushi mat
- Sheet of plastic wrap to keep your mat clean
- Rice cooker or instant pot for perfectly cooked rice
- Very sharp knife for clean cuts
- Large bowl for mixing rice
- Cutting board for prepping ingredients
- Small bowl of water to keep your fingers wet while rolling
Ingredients
- 2 cups of rice sushi rice, white rice, or black rice
- 2 ½ cups cold water
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 nori sheets
- 1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips
- 1 avocado sliced into inch strips
- 1 cucumber sliced into thin strips
- ½ cup sautéed shiitake mushrooms
- Optional: vegan cream cheese spicy mayo, or hearts of palm
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse your sushi rice thoroughly under cool water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop using 2 cups of rice to 2 ½ cups of water. For extra flair, you can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Once cooked, transfer the rice to a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Season the Rice
- In a small saucepan, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt over medium heat until dissolved.
- Drizzle the mixture over the rice and gently fold it in with a rice paddle to avoid crushing the grains.
Step 3: Prepare Your Fillings
- Cut your veggies (like cucumber strips, red bell pepper, and avocado slices) into thin strips.
- Sauté shiitake mushrooms in a little sesame oil until golden brown.
Step 4: Assemble Your Roll
- Place a sheet of nori (shiny side down) on your bamboo sushi mat, covered with a piece of plastic wrap.
- Spread an even layer of rice on the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top of the rice. Use wet fingers to prevent sticking.
- Add your fillings in a single layer near the bottom edge of the rice.
Step 5: Roll It Up
- Using the bamboo mat, roll the sushi tightly, applying gentle pressure.
- Seal the edge with a bit of water and transfer to a cutting board.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
- Using a very sharp knife, slice the roll into 4-6 pieces. Clean the knife with cool water between cuts to keep the slices clean.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and a drizzle of spicy mayo.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Vegan Sushi Rolls
- Always let your sticky sushi rice cool to room temperature before assembling.
- Use a sheet of plastic wrap over your bamboo mat to prevent mess.
- Experiment with variations like vegan california rolls (imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber), avocado rolls, or even tofu sushi.
- Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure all other ingredients, like nori and vinegar, are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition
Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 6gFiber: 3g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!