Homemade Vegetable Sushi
A vibrant and refreshing plant-based sushi roll that brings the delicate art of Japanese cuisine into your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- •2 cups sushi rice (short-grain white rice)
- •2 1/4 cups water
- •1/3 cup rice vinegar
- •2 tablespoons sugar
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •4 sheets nori (dried seaweed)
- •1 medium cucumber, julienned
- •1 medium carrot, julienned
- •1 ripe avocado, sliced into thin strips
- •1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- •Soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for serving
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then combine with 2 1/4 cups water in a pot and bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved, then fold this mixture into the cooked rice and let it cool to room temperature.
- 3
Place a bamboo sushi mat on a flat surface and lay one sheet of nori on it, shiny side down.
- 4
Spread a thin, even layer of rice over the nori, leaving about an inch of space at the top edge.
- 5
Arrange a small amount of cucumber, carrot, avocado, and bell pepper strips in a line across the center of the rice.
- 6
Lift the edge of the bamboo mat closest to you and roll it tightly over the filling, tucking as you go to create a firm cylinder.
- 7
Wet the empty edge of the nori with a tiny bit of water to seal the roll, then repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- 8
Use a very sharp, slightly damp knife to cut each roll into 6-8 bite-sized pieces.
💡 Chef tips
- Keep a small bowl of water with a splash of vinegar nearby to dip your fingers in; this prevents the sticky rice from clinging to your hands.
- If you don't have a bamboo mat, you can use a clean kitchen towel wrapped in plastic wrap to help shape the rolls.
- For best results, consume the sushi within 2 hours of preparation to ensure the nori remains crisp and the avocado stays fresh.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished sushi should have firm, glossy rice, vibrant crunchy vegetables, and a clean, savory-sweet flavor profile that pairs perfectly with a touch of salty soy sauce.