Easy Vegan Sushi
Give your meals a healthy makeover with this vegan sushi recipe, filled with fresh, nourishing ingredients for a light and satisfying dish.
Servings 2 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 sushi nori sheets shredded
- 1 tsp sushi soy sauce
- 1/2 cup frozen edamame crushed
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 capsicum finely chopped
- small bunch coriander
- 1/2 lime juice
- 1 tbsp vegan mayo
- 1/2 tsp wasabi
- small can sliced beetroot
- salt and Pepper to taste
- hemp seeds or black sesame to garnish
Instructions
Prepare Mixtures
- Prepare the rice and nori. Rinse and cook the sushi rice and let it cool slightly. Mix shredded nori with the rice. Divide the mixture into two.
- Prepare the avocado mixture. Mash the avocado and mix with lime juice, chopped coriander, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Prepare the edamame and capsicum mixture. Mix cooked edamame with diced capsicum, vegan mayo, soy sauce, and wasabi until well combined.
- Add pickled beetroot. Dab beetroot sliced with paper towel or tissue to remove excess liquid.
Assemble the Sushi Layers
- Divide the mixtures. Evenly divide each of the three mixtures and beetroot slices into two.
- Layer each mixture. Evenly place slices of beetroot at the bottom of a small round bowl or a small cake tin. Spread the avocado mixture evenly over the beetroot and press with the back of a spoon until the surface looks flat. Repeat the same with edamame mixture, rice mixture until the bowl or the cake tin is filled to the top.
Plate the Layered Sushi
- Invert the bowl on a plate. Place the serving plate upside down on the middle of the sushi bowl, Holding the bowl and the place securely with both hands, turn them around such that the bowl is sitting upside down on the plate. Lightly lift the bowl and there you have a 5-star Japanese restaurant style sushi served elegantly on a plate.
Notes
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pairing these sides with your vegan sushi enhances the flavours while adding variety and balance to the meal, making it a satisfying and complete dining experience. Enrich your sushi meal with these pairings:- A side of miso soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the fresh flavours of the sushi and adds a comforting element to the meal.
- Green salad: Serve the sushi with a simple salad made of mixed greens, cucumber, and a light sesame dressing for added crunch and freshness.
- Pickled ginger: A small dish of pickled ginger on the side helps cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the sushi experience.
- Cold beverage: Try serving your sushi with iced green tea or a light, crisp white wine for a refreshing pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is sushi vegan? Traditional sushi often contains fish or seafood. However, vegan sushi substitutes these with plant-based ingredients like avocado, cucumber, tofu, and pickled vegetables, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
- What type of rice is used for vegan sushi? Sushi rice, a short-grain Japanese rice, is typically used. It's seasoned with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to achieve the characteristic flavour and sticky texture essential for rolling.
- Do I need a sushi mat to make vegan sushi? While a bamboo sushi mat (makisu) aids in rolling, it's not mandatory. You can roll sushi using a clean kitchen towel or by hand, though a mat provides more uniform rolls.
- Can I make vegan sushi gluten-free? Yes, by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, you can prepare a gluten-free vegan sushi roll.
- How do I store leftover vegan sushi? It's best to consume sushi immediately for optimal freshness. If storing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate, but note that the texture may change. It's recommended to eat within 24 hours.
- What fillings can I use in vegan sushi? Popular vegan fillings include avocado, cucumber, pickled radish, carrots, tofu, and sweet potato. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables and plant-based proteins to suit your taste.
- What sauces pair well with vegan sushi? Common sauces include soy sauce or tamari, sriracha mayo, and wasabi. For added flavour, you might also consider teriyaki or hoisin sauce.