Festive Holiday Snack Sushi Rolls (Printable Version)
Colorful sushi rolls with fresh vegetables, ideal for festive parties and gatherings. Vegetarian and gluten-free options.
# What You'll Need:
→ Sushi Rice
01 - 1 cup sushi rice
02 - 1 1/4 cups water
03 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
04 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Fillings
06 - 1/2 small red bell pepper, julienned
07 - 1/2 small yellow bell pepper, julienned
08 - 1/2 small cucumber, julienned
09 - 1 small carrot, peeled and julienned
10 - 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced
11 - 2 tablespoons pickled ginger, chopped
12 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese or vegan cream cheese (optional)
→ Assembly
13 - 6 sheets nori (seaweed)
14 - 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
15 - 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
16 - Soy sauce or tamari, for serving
17 - Wasabi and extra pickled ginger, for serving (optional)
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rinsed rice and water in a small saucepan, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes, turn off the heat, and let stand covered for an additional 10 minutes.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Gently fold the seasoning mixture into the warm rice with a spatula until evenly distributed. Allow the seasoned rice to cool to room temperature.
03 - Place a single sheet of nori, shiny side facing down, on a bamboo sushi rolling mat. With damp hands, spread a thin, even layer of cooled sushi rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge.
04 - Evenly sprinkle black and white sesame seeds over the surface of the rice.
05 - Lay a row of each prepared filling—julienned bell peppers, cucumber, carrot, avocado, chopped pickled ginger, and cream cheese if using—across the bottom third of the rice layer.
06 - Using the bamboo mat, lift the edge of the nori and roll tightly, keeping the fillings in place. Seal the edge of the nori with a small amount of water to secure the roll.
07 - With a sharp, damp knife, slice each sushi roll into 4 evenly sized pieces for clean presentation.
08 - Arrange the cut rolls on a serving platter. Present with soy sauce or tamari, wasabi, and extra pickled ginger as desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Bright colors and fresh flavors create a festive appetizer.
- Adaptable for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.
02 -
- Swap soy sauce for tamari to make these gluten-free.
- Using vegan cream cheese makes these rolls completely plant-based.
03 -
- Dampen your knife before slicing for clean cuts.
- Blanch asparagus for extra color and texture in the filling.