This Vegan Sushi Sandwich Onigirazu combines the freshness of avocado, crisp cucumber, and crunchy carrots, all wrapped in a delicate sheet of nori. It’s a fun, creative spin on traditional sushi that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing. The balance of flavors and textures creates a satisfying, light meal perfect for any time of the day.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite veggies, or even tofu or tempeh for added protein. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, snack, or a light dinner, the onigirazu is a simple and satisfying meal option that’s sure to impress. The clean, natural flavors are complemented beautifully by the soy dipping sauce, making it the ultimate vegan sushi experience.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large sheets of nori (seaweed)
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1 cup sushi rice, cooked
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1/4 cup rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 avocado, sliced
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1/4 cucumber, julienned
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1/4 carrot, julienned
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2 tablespoons pickled radish (optional)
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1/4 cup baby spinach or lettuce
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Soy sauce (for dipping)
Directions:
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Prepare the sushi rice: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir well and set aside to cool.
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Cut the nori sheets in half. Lay one half of the nori on a clean surface, shiny side down.
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Place a small portion of the sushi rice in the center of the nori and gently press to flatten, leaving about 1 inch from the edges.
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Layer the avocado slices, cucumber, carrot, pickled radish (if using), and spinach on top of the rice.
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Carefully fold the sides of the nori over the filling, then fold the top and bottom to form a square or rectangular sandwich.
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Repeat with the second sheet of nori and the remaining ingredients.
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Serve immediately with a side of soy sauce for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
The Appeal of Onigirazu
What sets the Vegan Sushi Sandwich Onigirazu apart is its innovative approach to combining two beloved food concepts. It brings the flavor-packed ingredients of sushi into a portable, handheld form. Onigirazu is typically served as a single portion, unlike traditional sushi rolls that are often sliced into smaller pieces. This makes it easier to eat while on the go, making it a great option for lunchboxes or picnics.
Another significant advantage is how easily it can be personalized. The fillings are incredibly adaptable; you can swap the tofu katsu for another protein like tempeh or marinated mushrooms if preferred. The creamy spread, such as Spero Smoked Salmon Sunflower Cream Cheese, can be replaced with any vegan cream cheese or even hummus for a different flavor profile. For an extra burst of umami, you can add teriyaki sauce or roasted sweet potatoes.
The Tofu Katsu: A Crunchy, Flavorful Filling
The tofu katsu is the star of this dish. When prepared correctly, it provides the perfect balance of crispiness on the outside with a tender interior. Tofu is an incredibly versatile ingredient, and when pressed and marinated, it can be transformed into a satisfying filling for this sandwich. The tofu slices are coated in a batter of flour, cornstarch, salt, and paprika before being breaded in crunchy breadcrumbs. After cooking in an air fryer or on the stove, the tofu becomes crispy and golden, providing a delightful texture contrast to the other ingredients in the onigirazu.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can pan-fry the tofu in a minimal amount of oil or bake it for a healthier alternative. Using an air fryer to achieve the crispy texture without deep frying is an excellent option for those who want to reduce oil consumption while still enjoying that satisfying crunch.
Perfect for Meal Prep and On-the-Go
One of the best things about the Vegan Sushi Sandwich Onigirazu is its convenience. After assembling, the sandwich can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for hours. If you’re packing lunch or preparing meals for the week, this dish is an excellent choice. It can easily be prepped ahead of time and enjoyed cold or at room temperature, which makes it a no-fuss option for busy days.
For those who have a packed schedule or enjoy making meals in advance, onigirazu fits seamlessly into meal prep routines. You can even vary the fillings each time to keep things exciting. The preparation time is relatively short, and once you master the technique of wrapping the nori around the fillings, it becomes a quick and efficient recipe to put together.
How to Assemble the Vegan Sushi Sandwich Onigirazu
Although wrapping the onigirazu might seem intimidating at first, it’s actually very straightforward once you get the hang of it. The key is to use just enough rice to secure the ingredients without overwhelming the nori. A rice paddle can help you evenly spread the rice, and a small bowl of water will help keep the rice from sticking to your fingers. The assembly involves layering rice, vegetables, tofu, and any additional fillings in the center of the nori. The edges are then folded in and secured with a bit of rice and water, similar to how you would wrap a burrito. Once wrapped tightly, the sandwich can be flipped to secure everything in place.
It’s worth noting that the tofu katsu should be prepared beforehand so it’s ready to be added to the sandwich, but the rice should also be prepped and cooled for easier handling. After wrapping, the onigirazu is ready to be enjoyed or wrapped for storage.
Creative Variations
While the traditional Vegan Sushi Sandwich Onigirazu is already full of flavors, there’s plenty of room for creativity. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can make this sandwich as simple or as complex as you like, adding or substituting ingredients based on what you enjoy or have available. Here are a few ideas for variations:
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Sweet Potato Onigirazu: Replace the tofu with roasted sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet filling. The soft texture of the sweet potatoes complements the crispy nori perfectly.
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Teriyaki Tofu: Marinate the tofu in a delicious homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce before frying or baking for an extra layer of flavor.
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Mushroom Onigirazu: Swap tofu for thinly sliced mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, that have been sautéed in soy sauce and garlic for an umami-packed filling.
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Spicy Tofu Katsu: Add some heat to your tofu katsu by incorporating chili flakes or sriracha into the batter. This will provide a spicy kick to balance the creamy avocado and pickled vegetables.
Why Choose Onigirazu for Your Next Meal?
There are several compelling reasons to try the Vegan Sushi Sandwich Onigirazu. Not only is it a fun and innovative way to enjoy sushi, but it’s also incredibly customizable, making it suitable for various dietary needs. The dish is naturally vegan and can easily be made gluten-free by choosing the right ingredients, such as gluten-free breadcrumbs or rice vinegar. Onigirazu is packed with nutrients, including healthy fats from the avocado, protein from tofu, and plenty of vitamins from the vegetables.
Additionally, the portability of this dish makes it ideal for busy individuals, lunchboxes, or picnics. It’s also a great way to impress guests with something unique and delicious.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Vegan Sushi Sandwich Onigirazu is an exciting and delicious twist on traditional sushi that provides both the flavor and convenience of a sandwich. Its versatile nature means you can customize the fillings to suit your tastes, whether you’re looking for a simple and fresh option or something more hearty. The crispy tofu katsu adds a satisfying texture, while the creamy avocado and pickled vegetables offer the perfect balance of flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a snack, or a meal prep option, this onigirazu recipe is an excellent choice. It’s easy to prepare, travel-friendly, and sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. So, if you’re craving sushi with a twist, give this Vegan Sushi Sandwich Onigirazu a try!