Sushi lovers and health enthusiasts alike, rejoice! If you’ve been craving the deliciousness of sushi but want a wholesome twist, this brown rice veggie sushi recipe is exactly what you need.
Made with nutrient-packed brown rice and fresh, crisp vegetables, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’ll leave you satisfied and energized. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy bite, plus it’s a fantastic source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to traditional white rice.
Whether you’re a seasoned sushi maker or a curious beginner, these veggie rolls are simple, fun, and customizable to your taste.
Perfect for a light lunch, a shareable appetizer, or a stylish dinner party dish, brown rice veggie sushi is a healthier, plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or presentation. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and easily adaptable for all dietary preferences.
Ready to roll? Let’s dive into why this recipe will become your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This brown rice veggie sushi recipe is a refreshing take on classic sushi with a nutritious upgrade. Using brown rice not only boosts the fiber content but also provides a satisfying texture that complements the crisp veggies beautifully.
It’s gluten-free, vegan, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can swap in your favorite veggies, add herbs or sprouts, and even experiment with different dipping sauces.
It’s simple enough for weeknight meals yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get kids excited about eating their vegetables!
Finally, this recipe promotes mindful eating by encouraging you to prepare and roll your sushi at home, controlling ingredients and reducing waste. For more wholesome plant-based ideas, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sushi rice (short-grain or medium-grain)
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced purple cabbage
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Soy sauce or tamari, for dipping
- Pickled ginger and wasabi, optional for serving
Equipment
- Rice cooker or pot with lid for cooking rice
- Bamboo sushi rolling mat (or a clean kitchen towel)
- Sharp knife for slicing rolls
- Mixing bowl for rice seasoning
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large spoon or rice paddle
Instructions
- Rinse the brown sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This helps achieve a better sushi rice texture.
- Cook the rice: In a rice cooker or pot, combine the rinsed rice and 1 1/4 cups water. Cook according to your rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes.
- Prepare sushi vinegar: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
- Season the cooked rice: Transfer rice to a large bowl. Gently fold in the sushi vinegar mixture with a wooden spoon or rice paddle. Be careful not to mash the rice; use a slicing motion to mix and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the rice cools, julienne cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and slice avocado thinly. Set aside.
- Lay out your rolling mat: Place a bamboo sushi mat on a clean surface. Place one sheet of nori shiny side down on the mat.
- Spread rice evenly: With wet hands (to prevent sticking), spread about 3/4 cup of rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge.
- Add veggie fillings: Arrange a line of cucumber, carrot, avocado, bell pepper, and cabbage horizontally across the center of the rice.
- Roll the sushi: Using the mat, roll the sushi away from you, pressing gently but firmly to keep the roll tight. Seal the edge by moistening the bare nori strip with a little water.
- Slice the roll: Using a sharp, wet knife, slice the roll into 6-8 equal pieces. Clean the knife between cuts for neat slices.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 6-10 with remaining nori sheets and ingredients.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on the sliced sushi rolls. Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi if desired.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Keep your hands damp while handling sushi rice to prevent sticking. Use a sharp knife to slice rolls cleanly and avoid squashing your sushi.
Variation: Feel free to add other veggies like thin asparagus spears, blanched green beans, or even marinated tofu strips for extra protein. For a spicy kick, add a thin layer of vegan sriracha mayo inside the roll.
Pro tip: Toast your sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before sprinkling to enhance their nutty aroma.
Explore more creative plant-based sushi ideas in our Carrots Vegan Sushi Rolls Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (2 rolls) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 430 mg (varies with soy sauce) |
Vitamin A | 30% DV |
Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your brown rice veggie sushi with classic sides like pickled ginger, wasabi, and a dipping bowl of soy sauce or tamari. For a refreshing drink, pair it with chilled green tea or a light cucumber lemonade.
Complement your sushi with a fresh seaweed salad or miso soup for a complete Japanese-inspired meal. You might also enjoy our Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal as a hearty accompaniment or alternative dish.
Conclusion
Making brown rice veggie sushi at home is a rewarding and delicious way to enjoy a healthy, plant-based meal. Not only does it offer the vibrant flavors and textures you love in traditional sushi, but it also adds the nutritional benefits of whole grains and fresh vegetables.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to incorporate more wholesome, vegan-friendly meals into their routine without sacrificing taste or creativity.
With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and plenty of room for customization, you can make sushi night a regular occasion at your home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these rolls are sure to impress.
For more wholesome and tasty vegetarian recipes, explore our collection of Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.
📖 Recipe Card: Brown Rice Veggie Sushi
Description: A healthy and delicious sushi roll made with nutty brown rice and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a light lunch or snack.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 4 sheets nori seaweed
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Soy sauce, for serving
- Pickled ginger and wasabi, optional
Instructions
- Rinse the brown rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 40 minutes.
- Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt; fold into cooked rice and let cool.
- Place a nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat.
- Spread a thin layer of rice evenly over the nori, leaving 1 inch at the top.
- Arrange cucumber, carrot, avocado, and bell pepper in a line near the bottom edge.
- Roll the sushi tightly using the mat, sealing the edge with water.
- Slice the roll into 6-8 pieces with a sharp knife.
- Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 38g
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