I frequently get a craving for sushi. Japanese food is something I have yet to conquer in the kitchen, even though my recent ramen bowl was a great success. Japanese food has been made overcomplicated by our American taste buds- in Japan, restaurants are small family owned businesses that serve one specialty. They might only make sushi, or udon bowls, and spend their life perfecting that craft. While it is fun having such diversity at a Japanese restaurant here when you want a bento box or tempura udon, sometimes I crave a simple sushi roll. No cream cheese, no fried shrimp, no special sweet sauces. Just a piece of fish on rice, with a dab of wasabi holding them together. The beauty of Japanese food is that the person has spent their life making their favorite food.
I could eat sushi-grade raw fish on fluffy rice pillows every day, but this bowl incorporates my favorite sushi flavors while getting me to eat lots of veggies. The foolproof sushi rice is quick and easy, incorporating the sweet rice vinegar flavor with seaweed by smashing it all together. Lots of raw sliced, ribboned, and chopped vegetables go on top with sweet pickled ginger, creamy avocado, and a dash of soy sauce to imitate dipping a piece of sushi. Simple, yet satisfies a sushi craving easily- without a trip to the nearest Asian supermarket for sushi-grade fish.
Veggie Sushi Bowls (serves 2)
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 sheet nori seaweed
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1 medium-sized carrot
- 1/6 of a head of red cabbage
- 1/2 small avocado
- Garnishes: sesame seeds, pickled sushi ginger, soy sauce
Cook rice according to package directions. Combine the warm cooked rice with rice vinegar and a crumbled sheet of nori (seaweed).
Cut a cucumber into small matchsticks. Using a vegetable peeler, peel a whole carrot so you have long ribbons. Slice off thin sheets from the side of a red cabbage and chop into smaller pieces. Dice avocado as well for topping.
Divide the rice and cut vegetables into two bowls. Top with avocado, sesame seeds, pickled sushi ginger, and a drizzle of soy sauce. Dig in!
楽しむ (Enjoy)!
Marisa
Jessi Even says
Great job on this! What a smart friend I have!
Marisa says
Thanks, Jessi! It was really delicious!
Krista @ Tiny n Fit says
Genius idea! Sounds yummy!
Marisa says
I can never get enough sushi so I figured I need to learn how to make it- without making perfect rolls. A messy bowl of all the right flavors works for me!
Carly @ Snack Therapy says
Oh BABY yeah. This looks amazing and absolutely perfect for the hot summer months.
Marisa says
Yes- agreed. Because who wants to cook? I am much more motivated in the summer to eat my raw veggies!
jen says
saw this on mfp yesterday and we made it up for dinner last night. it was so great! all the flavour of sushi rolls with less prep. hubby and i both enjoyed it immensely and our 2 1/2 year old ate most of it, too! thanks 🙂
Marisa says
Thanks for coming by and letting me know you tried my recipe, Jen! I agree- like sushi but less prep! Have a great day 🙂