Vegetarian Sushi Rolls Recipe: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Sushi is often seen as a delicacy that requires seafood, but vegetarian sushi rolls are a delightful and accessible alternative that everyone can enjoy. Bursting with fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and seasoned rice, these rolls offer a delicious and healthy option for sushi lovers and those looking to eat more plant-based meals.

Whether you’re a seasoned sushi maker or trying your hand at it for the first time, this vegetarian sushi rolls recipe will guide you through everything you need to create beautiful, tasty rolls right in your own kitchen.

Not only are these rolls vibrant and flavorful, but they also make for an impressive appetizer or a light meal. The combination of crunchy cucumber, sweet bell peppers, and rich avocado wrapped in nori sheets creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Plus, making sushi at home is a fun activity that can be customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Ready to roll?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian sushi rolls recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy sushi without relying on fish or seafood. It is:

• Fresh and healthy – packed with crisp vegetables and nutrient-rich avocado.
• Customizable – easy to swap ingredients based on what you have or prefer.
• Easy to make at home – no fancy equipment needed beyond basic sushi tools.
• Perfect for sharing – great for parties, family meals, or meal prep.
• Gluten-free and vegan-friendly – when using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Additionally, making your own sushi allows you to control the freshness and quality of ingredients, making it a healthier and more enjoyable experience than takeout. This recipe also pairs wonderfully with many other vegetarian dishes, such as those found in Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice (short grain rice)
• 2 ½ cups water
• ⅓ cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 6-8 sheets nori (seaweed sheets)
• 1 medium cucumber, julienned
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 avocado, sliced thinly
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 2-3 green onions, sliced thin
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• Soy sauce or tamari for dipping
• Pickled ginger and wasabi (optional)

Equipment

• Rice cooker or saucepan for cooking sushi rice
• Bamboo sushi rolling mat
• Sharp knife for slicing rolls
• Mixing bowl for seasoning rice
• Wooden spoon or rice paddle for folding rice
• Plastic wrap (optional, to wrap the rolling mat)
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. Prepare the sushi rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rinsed rice and 2 ½ cups water in a rice cooker or saucepan. Cook according to the rice cooker’s instructions or bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steam, covered, for another 10 minutes.
2. Season the rice: While the rice cooks, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture using a wooden spoon or rice paddle. Be careful not to mash the rice. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the vegetables: Julienne the cucumber, carrot, and red bell pepper. Slice the avocado thinly and chop the green onions. Keep all vegetables fresh and ready to use.
4. Set up your rolling station: Place the bamboo sushi rolling mat on a clean surface. If desired, wrap the mat with plastic wrap to prevent sticking. Place one sheet of nori, shiny side down, on the mat.
5. Spread the rice: With wet hands (to prevent sticking), spread a thin, even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top edge free of rice for sealing the roll.
6. Add the fillings: Arrange a line of cucumber, carrot, red bell pepper, avocado slices, and green onions horizontally across the rice, about 1 inch from the bottom edge of the nori.
7. Roll the sushi: Using the bamboo mat, carefully lift the edge closest to you and roll it over the filling, pressing gently but firmly. Continue rolling until the nori edge seals the roll. Use a little water on the edge to help it stick if needed.
8. Slice the rolls: Using a sharp, wet knife, slice each roll into 6-8 pieces. Clean the knife between cuts to ensure clean slices.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on the rolls. Serve with soy sauce or tamari, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side.

Tips & Variations

“To prevent the rice from sticking to your hands or the knife, keep them wet throughout the process.”

• Try adding other vegetables like thinly sliced avocado cucumber, asparagus, or pickled radish for extra crunch and flavor.
• For a creamier texture, include a spread of vegan cream cheese or mashed avocado inside the roll.
• Add a touch of heat with a drizzle of sriracha or spicy mayo (vegan mayo for plant-based).
• Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as ponzu or a simple mix of soy sauce and lime juice.
• Make Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals that complement these vegetarian sushi rolls perfectly.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian sushi rolls are versatile and pair well with various side dishes and beverages. Serve them alongside a light miso soup or a refreshing seaweed salad for a complete meal.

For an appetizer-style spread, include edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt or a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing.

If you want to explore more plant-based recipes to accompany your sushi night, check out the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Conclusion

Making vegetarian sushi rolls at home is a rewarding and enjoyable way to indulge in fresh, healthy flavors without seafood. This recipe offers a simple yet versatile foundation to get creative with your favorite veggies and seasonings.

The process of making sushi can be a relaxing and fun culinary experience, allowing you to impress friends and family with your homemade skills.

With every bite, you’ll appreciate the delightful combination of textures—from the tender sushi rice to the crisp vegetables and creamy avocado. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for a lighter meal option, these vegetarian sushi rolls are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Don’t forget to explore other vegetarian delights on our site like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for more inspiration!

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