Experience the fusion of health and taste with this Vegan Sushi Rolls recipe. It's an excellent way to enjoy sushi without any animal products. The rolls are filled with colorful vegetables, tempeh and cashews, resulting in a nutrient-rich dish that doesn't compromise on flavor. Pair it with a homemade sesame miso sauce for a complete gastronomic adventure.
Some ingredients in this recipe may not be readily available in your pantry. The first is tempeh, a traditional Indonesian product made from fermented soybeans. It's packed with protein, making it a popular substitute for meat in vegan dishes. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most health food stores. Another ingredient is nori, a type of seaweed commonly used as a wrap for sushi. It is usually available in the Asian section of supermarkets.
Ingredients for Vegan Sushi Rolls
Tempeh: A protein-rich alternative to meat, tempeh brings a hearty texture to the sushi rolls.
Soy sauce: Adds savory umami flavor to the tempeh.
Carrot and Purple cabbage: These vegetables add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the rolls.
Nori: This is the seaweed wrapper traditionally used in sushi making.
Black rice: Also known as forbidden rice, black rice gives these sushi rolls a unique appearance and nutty flavor.
Avocado: Its creamy texture balances the crunch of the other vegetables.
Cucumber: Cucumber slices provide a refreshing contrast to the sushi's other flavors.
Cashews: Gives the sushi an unexpected crunch and a hint of nutty flavor.
Olive oil, Lime juice, Maple syrup, White miso paste, Black sesame seeds, Ginger: These are the ingredients for the sesame miso sauce. It's a tangy, sweet and savory sauce that complements the sushi perfectly.
One reader, Kizzie Pellegrino says:
The vegan sushi rolls recipe was a game-changer for me! The combination of tempeh, fresh veggies, and the sesame miso sauce was absolutely delicious. The flavors were so vibrant and the rolls were easy to make. I'm so glad I tried this recipe - it's now a staple in my kitchen!
Techniques for Crafting Perfect Vegan Sushi Rolls
How to marinate tempeh: In a medium bowl, pour the soy sauce over the tempeh and set aside to marinate for at least 25 minutes.
How to cook tempeh: Heat a medium nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tempeh strips and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown and lightly charred. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
How to build the sushi rolls: Lay a sheet of toasted nori, shiny side down, on the bamboo mat or clean work surface. Pat about ¼ of the rice evenly over the nori, leaving about a 1/2 inch of space at the top. Layer the fillings and roll the sushi.
How to make sesame miso sauce: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, maple syrup, miso, sesame seeds, and ginger, if using. Whisk to combine.
How To Make Vegan Sushi Rolls
You’re definitely on a roll with these vegan sushi rolls using black rice and purple cabbages rolled and divided into mouthful slices.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Sushi:
- ⅓cuporganic tempeh,cut into thin strips
- ⅓cupsoy sauce
- 1medium carrot,grated
- ¼head purple cabbage,grated
- 3nori,sheets toasted
- black rice,cooked according to package directions, and cooled
- ½cupavocado,thinly sliced lengthwise
- ⅓cupenglish cucumber,seeded, cut into thin strips
- ⅓cupcashews,coarsely chopped
- water,for sealing
For Sesame Miso Sauce:
- 3tbspolive oil
- ¼cuplime juice
- 3tbspmaple syrup
- 2tspwhite miso paste
- 2tspblack sesame seeds
- 1tspginger,fresh, grated, optional
- bamboo sushi mat,optional
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, pour the soy sauce over the tempeh. Set aside to marinate for at least 25 minutes.
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While the tempeh marinates, prepare the rest of the ingredients.
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Heat a medium nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tempeh strips.
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Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown and lightly charred. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
-
In a medium bowl, toss together the carrot and cabbage.
Build the sushi rolls:
-
Lay a sheet of toasted nori, shiny side down, on the bamboo mat or clean work surface.
-
Pat about ¼ of the rice evenly over the nori, leaving about a 1/2 inch of space at the top.
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Layer a few slices of avocado over the rice toward the bottom of the nori sheet.
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Top with cucumber, carrot-cabbage mixture, tempeh, and chopped cashews.
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To close the sushi roll, brush a bit of water across the empty edge of the nori.
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Using both hands, roll the filled end of the nori sheet over onto itself, carefully tucking all of the ingredients inside.
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Continue rolling until the nori sheet covers the rice and seal with the damp edge. Repeat with remaining nori sheets and fillings.
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With a sharp knife, cut each roll into 6 to 8 pieces, depending on preference.
Make the sesame miso sauce:
-
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, maple syrup, miso, sesame seeds, and ginger, if using. Whisk to combine.
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Serve the sushi rolls with the sauce for dipping.
Recipe Notes
- If you wet the knife before slicing, it will cut through the nori more cleanly. But be careful!
Nutrition
- Calories: 405.14kcal
- Fat: 27.57g
- Saturated Fat: 4.25g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.02g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.53g
- Carbohydrates: 34.28g
- Fiber: 5.05g
- Sugar: 17.72g
- Protein: 11.38g
- Sodium: 1741.67mg
- Calcium: 125.38mg
- Potassium: 769.64mg
- Iron: 3.29mg
- Vitamin A: 218.35µg
- Vitamin C: 50.82mg
Pro Tip for Mastering Vegan Sushi Roll Techniques
When preparing your vegan sushi rolls, it's important to ensure that all ingredients are sliced thinly and evenly. This not only makes the sushi easier to roll, but also ensures a balanced flavor in every bite. Additionally, when cutting the sushi rolls, use a sharp knife and cut in one clean, swift motion to prevent the roll from falling apart. Wetting the knife slightly before each cut can also help create cleaner slices. Lastly, don't forget to press the sushi roll firmly (but gently) with the bamboo sushi mat as you roll, this helps to keep everything tightly packed and holds the roll together.
Time-Saving Tips for Vegan Sushi Roll Preparation
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and tools needed before starting the recipe to streamline the process.
Use a rice cooker: Utilize a rice cooker to easily cook the black rice while you prepare the other components of the sushi rolls.
Prep the tempeh in advance: Marinate the tempeh ahead of time to save time during the actual cooking process.
Organize your workspace: Keep your work area organized and clean to work efficiently while assembling the sushi rolls.
Prep the vegetables in advance: Chop and prepare the vegetables ahead of time to save time during the assembly process.
Use a sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to easily and neatly cut the sushi rolls into pieces.
Multi-task: While the tempeh is marinating, use that time to prepare the other ingredients to save time overall.
Streamline the rolling process: Once you get the hang of rolling the sushi, you can streamline the process and roll multiple rolls at once.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegan Sushi Rolls Recipe
organic tempeh - Substitute with marinated tofu: Marinated tofu can provide a similar texture and flavor to tempeh in the sushi rolls, and it is a popular vegan protein option.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar rich, savory flavor that works well in sushi recipes.
purple cabbage - Substitute with shredded kale: Shredded kale can provide a similar vibrant color and crunchy texture to purple cabbage in the sushi rolls, adding a nutritional boost.
nori - Substitute with soy paper: Soy paper can be used as a substitute for nori for those who may have an allergy to seaweed or prefer a milder flavor.
black rice - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative to black rice, providing a nutty flavor and chewy texture in the sushi rolls.
avocado - Substitute with mango: Mango can offer a sweet and creamy texture similar to avocado, adding a tropical twist to the sushi rolls.
english cucumber - Substitute with daikon radish: Daikon radish can provide a similar crisp and refreshing crunch to English cucumber in the sushi rolls.
cashews - Substitute with blanched almonds: Blanched almonds can offer a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor to cashews in the sushi rolls.
lime juice - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar can provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor similar to lime juice, enhancing the sushi roll's taste.
white miso paste - Substitute with yellow miso paste: Yellow miso paste can be used as an alternative to white miso paste, offering a milder and slightly sweeter flavor profile.
Presenting Vegan Sushi Rolls
Elevate the sushi rolls: Carefully arrange the sushi rolls on a sleek, rectangular plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the plate with delicate, vibrant edible flowers to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the sushi rolls to stand out and become the focal point of the dish.
Enhance with microgreens: Sprinkle a few carefully placed microgreens around the sushi rolls to add a fresh and visually appealing element to the dish.
Create a soy sauce design: Use a small, fine-tipped squeeze bottle to create an intricate design with soy sauce on the plate, adding a sophisticated touch to the overall presentation.
Add a wasabi dollop: Place a small dollop of wasabi on the plate, artistically shaping it to complement the arrangement of the sushi rolls.
Incorporate elegant plating techniques: Utilize precise and artistic plating techniques, such as using tweezers to delicately position each component, to elevate the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Use sleek, modern serveware: Present the sushi rolls on a sleek, modern serveware, such as a minimalist slate platter or a stylish ceramic plate, to enhance the contemporary presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Vegan Sushi
- Medium nonstick pan: A medium nonstick pan is used to cook the marinated tempeh strips until they are golden brown and lightly charred.
- Bamboo sushi mat: A bamboo sushi mat is used to roll and shape the sushi rolls.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife is used to cut the sushi rolls into individual pieces.
- Medium bowl: A medium bowl is used to marinate the tempeh and toss together the carrot and cabbage.
- Small bowl: A small bowl is used to combine the ingredients for the sesame miso sauce.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to mix the ingredients for the sesame miso sauce together.
- Clean work surface: A clean work surface is used to assemble the sushi rolls.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Vegan Sushi Rolls
- For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your vegan sushi rolls immediately after preparing them.
- If you have leftovers, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Keep in mind that the nori may become slightly soggy over time, but the rolls will still taste delicious.
- To maintain the best quality of the avocado, brush the exposed surface with a bit of lime juice or lemon juice before wrapping the rolls to prevent browning.
- If you want to prepare the rolls in advance, you can store the fillings separately in the refrigerator and assemble the rolls just before serving.
- This will help maintain the texture of the nori and prevent the rolls from becoming soggy.
- While it's not recommended to freeze assembled sushi rolls, you can freeze individual components:
- Tempeh can be marinated, cooked, and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using in the rolls.
- Cooked black rice can be frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw and reheat with a bit of water before using in the rolls.
- Sliced vegetables can be frozen for up to 2 months, but they may lose some of their crunch after thawing. It's best to use fresh vegetables when possible.
- The sesame miso sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Give the sauce a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
How To Reheat Leftover Vegan Sushi Rolls
To reheat leftover vegan sushi rolls, the best method is to use a microwave. Place the rolls on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. This method helps to preserve the texture of the nori and prevents the rice from drying out.
Another option is to reheat the rolls in a steamer basket. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the sushi rolls in the steamer basket and cover the pot. Steam for 2-3 minutes or until the rolls are heated through. This method helps to keep the rolls moist and prevents them from becoming soggy.
If you prefer a crispy texture, you can reheat the rolls in a toaster oven or conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the rolls are heated through and the nori is slightly crispy.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the rolls in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil or sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the rolls and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to reheat the rolls until they are heated through but not overcooked. Overheating can cause the rice to become mushy and the nori to lose its texture. If you have any leftover sesame miso sauce, you can reheat it separately and serve it alongside the rolls for dipping.
Interesting Trivia About Vegan Sushi Rolls
The vegan sushi rolls recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional sushi. It's a great way to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into your diet while still enjoying the flavors and textures of sushi. Plus, the sesame miso sauce adds a unique and flavorful twist to the dish. So, if you're looking for a creative and tasty vegan meal, give these sushi rolls a try!
Budget-Friendly Vegan Sushi Rolls at Home
The vegan sushi rolls recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like tempeh, carrots, cabbage, and rice makes it budget-friendly. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for variations based on seasonal availability, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavors.
Are Vegan Sushi Rolls Healthy?
This vegan sushi roll recipe is generally healthy, offering a balance of nutrients from various plant-based ingredients:
- Tempeh provides a good source of protein and fiber
- Nori is rich in iodine, essential for thyroid function
- Vegetables like carrots, cabbage, avocado, and cucumber offer vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats
- Black rice is a whole grain, providing complex carbohydrates and antioxidants
However, the recipe does include a significant amount of soy sauce, which is high in sodium. Consuming too much sodium can lead to health issues like high blood pressure.
To further enhance the nutritional value and make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for low-sodium or reduced-sodium soy sauce to minimize the dish's salt content
- Include a variety of colorful vegetables to increase the diversity of vitamins and minerals, such as bell peppers, radishes, or sprouts
- Experiment with other whole grains like quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and nutrients
- Incorporate more heart-healthy fats by adding ingredients like sliced almonds or a drizzle of sesame oil
- Boost the protein content by including additional plant-based sources like edamame or tofu
- Serve the sushi rolls with a side of miso soup or a small salad to make it a more well-rounded meal
By making these small adjustments, you can elevate the nutritional profile of this vegan sushi roll recipe, ensuring a delicious and nourishing dining experience.
Editor's Take on This Vegan Sushi Roll Recipe
The vegan sushi rolls recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The marinated tempeh adds a savory depth, complemented by the crunch of fresh vegetables and creamy avocado. The sesame miso sauce provides a delightful umami kick, tying the dish together. The use of black rice adds a unique twist, both visually and nutritionally. Overall, this recipe offers a refreshing take on traditional sushi, showcasing the versatility and creativity of plant-based cuisine.
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Why trust this Vegan Sushi Rolls Recipe:
This #food# recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any #food# enthusiast. The use of tempeh and soy sauce provides a rich umami taste, while the vibrant colors of carrot and purple cabbage add visual appeal. The inclusion of avocado and cucumber brings a refreshing element, complemented by the crunch of cashews. The #food# is further elevated by the zesty lime juice and the depth of flavor from white miso paste and black sesame seeds. Trust in this #food# recipe for a delightful and satisfying #food# experience.
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