Inspired by: @wakamama
Unleash your inner chef and impress your guests with these extraordinary gourmet vegan handrolls! This innovative plant-based recipe blurs the line between traditional and animal-free cuisine, transforming familiar flavors like "Beef Tartare," "Chilli Crab," and "Uni & Truffle" into stunning, healthy, and ethical creations. Perfect for a special dinner party, a unique weekend project, or simply elevating your plant-based meals, these handrolls are designed to delight your senses. As one reviewer enthusiastically put it, they're simply "🥰😋"!
Why Make These Plant-Based Handrolls?
Are you looking for creative vegan recipes that truly stand out? Do you want to serve something impressive and delicious without relying on animal products? This recipe solves that dilemma by offering sophisticated plant-based alternatives to classic sushi bar favorites. Whether you're a seasoned vegan looking for something new, or simply curious about how versatile plant-based ingredients can be, these handrolls offer a delightful culinary adventure.
Imagine serving vibrant, flavorful handrolls that mimic the richness of "tartare," the spice of "crab," and the umami depth of "uni" – all made entirely from plants. This recipe is your guide to creating these culinary illusions, showing just how incredible vegan food can be.
Ingredients
For the Handrolls
- Fresh nori sheets
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt)
For the "Beef Tartare" Filling
- 1 medium beetroot, cooked and finely diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Dash of chilli oil (optional, for a kick)
For the "Chilli Crab" Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) hearts of palm, drained and finely shredded or mashed
- 1 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chilli sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 spring onion, finely sliced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt to taste
For the "Uni & Truffle" Filling
- 1/2 cup roasted carrot or pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon silken tofu
- 1/2 teaspoon white miso paste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nori or dulse flakes (for ocean flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon truffle oil
- Pinch of kala namak (black salt, for eggy/sulfuric note, optional)
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan (for sushi rice seasoning)
- Sushi mat (optional, for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sushi Rice: Cook sushi rice according to package directions. While still warm, gently fold in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until well combined and glossy. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the "Beef Tartare" Filling: In a small bowl, combine the finely diced cooked beetroot, chopped red onion, capers, fresh parsley, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Add a dash of chili oil if desired for a subtle heat. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare the "Chilli Crab" Filling: In another bowl, gently shred or mash the drained hearts of palm. Mix in the vegan mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, sliced spring onion, and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste.
- Prepare the "Uni & Truffle" Filling: Combine the roasted carrot or pumpkin puree, silken tofu, miso paste, ground nori/dulse flakes, truffle oil, and a pinch of kala namak (if using) in a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Season with salt and white pepper.
- Assemble the Handrolls: Take one nori sheet and place it rough side up. Scoop a small amount of sushi rice onto one corner, spreading it thinly across one half of the sheet, leaving the other half mostly clear for rolling.
- Add Fillings: Place a spoonful of your chosen plant-based filling (Tartare, Chilli Crab, or Uni & Truffle) in a line across the rice. You can also combine small amounts of different fillings for a mixed experience.
- Roll the Handroll: Starting from the corner with the rice and filling, gently roll the nori sheet diagonally into a cone shape, ensuring it's tight but not tearing. A little water on the edge can help seal it.
- Serve Immediately: These handrolls are best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the nori.
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your soy sauce (if using for dipping) is gluten-free tamari. Most nori sheets are naturally gluten-free.
- Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for dipping, and ensure your vegan mayonnaise and tofu are substituted if you have a soy allergy (e.g., chickpea-based mayo, or omit tofu in "Uni" if necessary).
- Other Creative Fillings:
- Spicy "Tuna" Handroll: Use finely diced and seasoned tomato or watermelon, marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha.
- Smoked "Salmon" Handroll: Thinly sliced carrots, marinated in liquid smoke, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, then baked until tender-crisp.
- Tempura-Style: Include a strip of crispy baked tofu or tempeh for added texture.
Tips & Hacks
- Perfect Sushi Rice: Rinse your rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness. Allow it to cool slightly before handling; warm rice is easier to work with than hot or cold.
- Nori Freshness: Store nori sheets in an airtight container away from moisture to keep them crisp. Damp nori is difficult to work with and loses its signature crunch.
- Don't Overfill: It's tempting to pack your handrolls, but less is more. Overfilling makes them hard to roll and prone to falling apart.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of low-sodium soy sauce, a dash of wasabi, or a creamy vegan mayonnaise mixed with sriracha for an extra layer of flavor.
Related Articles
- Crispy Banana Blossom Vegan Fish Tacos - Explore another creative plant-based "seafood" alternative.
- Easy One-Pot Vegan Moroccan Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine - Discover more versatile and flavorful vegan main dishes.
- Hearts of Palm Calamari with Tartar Sauce - Learn more about using hearts of palm as a seafood substitute.
- Make your own vegan sushi at home - Dive deeper into the art of homemade vegan sushi!
Get Creative in Your Kitchen!
These gourmet vegan handrolls are a testament to the incredible creativity and flavor possibilities of plant-based cooking. They're a conversation starter, a feast for the eyes, and a delight for the palate.
We'd love to see your creations! Try out these recipes and share your plant-based handroll masterpieces on abillion. Don't forget to tag us and inspire others with your culinary adventures!
