Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (2024)

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Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) is a fun and delicious twist on traditional sushi. This dish is perfect for those who love sushi but want a more filling and handheld option. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make Onigirazu using plant-based ingredients: teriyaki tofu, avocado, cucumber and carrot slices!

Sushi Sandwich

Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (1)

Onigirazu is a relatively new addition to the world of sushi, having been invented in the 1990s in Japan. The name "Onigirazu" comes from the words "Onigiri," which means rice ball, and "Nigiru," which means to grasp or hold. The dish is essentially a deconstructed rice ball, with the rice and fillings wrapped in a sheet of nori to form a sandwich-like shape.

One of the great things about Onigirazu is its versatility. The filling options are endless, and you can use any combination of ingredients that you like. Traditional fillings include cooked fish, pickled vegetables, and umeboshi (pickled plum), but you can also use tofu, avocado, cucumber, carrots, or any other ingredients that you enjoy.

Finally, Onigirazu is a portable and convenient meal that's perfect for those who are always on the go. You can wrap each piece inparchment paperor plastic wrap to keep it fresh, making it a great option for lunchboxes, picnics, or road trips.

Check out other vegan Picnic recipe ideas!

Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (2)

Ingredients

To make this recipe, you'll need:

Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (3)

Teriyaki Tofu:

  • Firm or medium-firm tofu
  • Soy sauce
  • Mirin
  • Sugar

Sushi rice:

  • Short-grain rice
  • 2 ½ cups of water

Other toppings

  • Avocado
  • Nori seaweed sheets
  • Carrot
  • Cucumber
  • Vegan sriracha mayo (optional)
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Make the Teriyaki Tofu:

Cut the tofu into rectangular pieces.

Combine the soy sauce, mirin and sugar to make the Teriyaki sauce.

Fry the tofu pieces until golden brown and crispy on both sides, then pour the Teriyaki sauce and simmer on low heat and flip occasionally until most of the sauce has evaporated.

Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (4)

Assemble the Onigirazu

To assemble the Onigirazu, place a sheet of nori on a flat surface with the shiny side facing down. Spread a layer of sushi rice on top of the nori, in a square shape.

Layer the teriyaki tofu, avocado, cucumber, and carrot on top of the rice.

Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (8)
Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (9)
Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (10)

Add another layer of sushi rice on top of the fillings, pressing down gently to compact the ingredients.

Fold the sides of the nori over the filling, then fold the bottom of the nori over the filling and tuck it in tightly. Repeat with the other sheets of nori and filling ingredients. Transfer the Onigirazu to parchment paper or plastic wrap to close.

Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (11)
Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (12)
Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (13)

Variations

Another hack to make the vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) is to use the viral TikTok tortilla folding method, check it out here!

If you have tried my recipe, please let me know what you think by leaving me a review on this page or tagging me onInstagram @veggieanh. I would love to see your creations!

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📖 Recipe

Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (14)

Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich)

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  • Author: Veggie Anh
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) is a fun and delicious twist on traditional sushi. This dish is perfect for those who love sushi but want a more filling and handheld option.

Ingredients

UnitsScale

Teriyaki Tofu:

  • 400 g firm or medium-firm tofu
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp mirin
  • 1 tbsp sugar

Sushi rice:

  • 2 cups short-grain rice
  • 2 ½ cups of water
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced
  • 4 sheets nori seaweed
  • 1 small carrot, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cucumber, sliced into thin strips
  • vegan sriracha mayo (optional)
  • sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Make the rice

  1. If using a pot: Rinse and drain the rice a few times until the water runs clear. Combine the rice with water in a medium-sized pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  2. If using a rice cooker: Rinse and drain the rice a few times until the water runs clear. Combine the rice with water in the rice cooker and cook until the rice cooker signals finished.

Make the Teriyaki Tofu:

  1. Cut the tofu into rectangular pieces.
  2. Combine the soy sauce, mirin and sugar to make the Teriyaki sauce.
  3. Fry the tofu pieces until golden brown and crispy on both sides, then pour the Teriyaki sauce and simmer on low heat and flip occasionally until most of the sauce has evaporated.

Assemble the Sushi Sandwich:

  1. To assemble the Onigirazu, place a sheet of nori on a flat surface with the shiny side facing down. Spread a layer of sushi rice on top of the nori, in a square shape.

  2. Layer the teriyaki tofu, avocado, cucumber, and carrot on top of the rice.

  3. Add another layer of sushi rice on top of the fillings, pressing down gently to compact the ingredients. Add the sesame seeds and vegan sriracha mayo.

  4. Fold the sides of the nori over the filling, then fold the bottom of the nori over the filling and tuck it in tightly. Repeat with the other sheets of nori and filling ingredients. Transfer the Onigirazu to parchment paper or plastic wrap to close.

  5. Use a sharp knife to cut the Onigirazu in half.

  6. Serve the Onigirazu with soy sauce or any other dipping sauce of your choice.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Meal, Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Other Japanese recipes

  • Vegan Matcha Tiramisu
  • Dumpling Noodle Soup with Sesame Broth
  • Vegan Sukiyaki (Japanese Hotpot)
  • Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegan Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich) - Veggie Anh (2024)

FAQs

How to eat a sushi sandwich? ›

Fold the corners of the seaweed sheet inwards, using the cling wrap to secure the rice sandwich tightly. Cut in half to eat and serve.

Can you meal prep onigirazu? ›

Filled with tuna mayonnaise, omelette, avocado, and the fluffiest sushi rice, it's the perfect meal to prep ahead and eat for lunch or dinner. I served mine with a spicy sriracha mayo and it was so good.

How long does onigirazu last in the fridge? ›

The onigirazu is best when enjoyed on the same day, but can be stored uncut, wrapped in kitchen towel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The kitchen towel will help to prevent the rice from drying out. Just cut the onigirazu in half on the day you're ready to enjoy!

How much is onigirazu? ›

There are over 20 onigirazu to choose from, ranging from one with umeboshi and boiled eggs to chicken karaage and a recreation of pork belly ramen with chicken ramen-flavored rice. The onigirazu here is prepared to order with rice that comes out hot, served in plastic wrap, for a filling meal for under $10.

Can I make onigirazu the night before? ›

Onigirazu is best made in the morning with fresh rice and eaten the same day, but you can make it in the evening and refrigerate it overnight too (you'll just have drier rice). Once you've got the hang of packaging it up (it doesn't take long), onigirazu can easily become a lunch staple.

How many calories are in onigirazu? ›

Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
Calories:370
% Daily Value*
Total Fat: 0g0%
Saturated Fat: 0g
7 more rows

Do you put mayo in sushi? ›

Mayonnaise has not been used traditionally in Japan. Therefore, it is not a traditional ingredient of sushi. However, these days, some restaurants serve some sushi dishes that contain mayonnaise. Some sushi has mayo on it but not on everything.

How do you respectfully eat sushi? ›

How to Eat Sushi
  1. Avoid putting a lot of soy sauce in your dipping bowl. ...
  2. Do not put wasabi onto the fish, but mix it without spilling into the soy sauce.
  3. Use your fingers to pick up sushi, not your chopsticks.
  4. Gently touch the fish side of your sushi to the soy sauce rather than dipping the rice.

Should sushi be eaten immediately? ›

Sushi includes raw fish that ideally needs to be eaten within a day. This rule not only means that the sushi will taste its best, but ensures that it's safe, as raw fish can go off quickly. However, if raw fish sushi like sashmi is properly stored in the fridge, it can last 1-2 days.

What does onigirazu mean? ›

Onigirazu literally means “no squeezing” or “no shaping” – making “Onigiri” involves squeezing and shaping rice, whereas this is not required when making “Onigirazu”, hence the “razu”, meaning “without” or “none”.

What is the difference between onigiri and onigirazu? ›

What is the difference between onigiri and onigirazu? So, onigirazu is a take on the traditional onigiri, a type of Japanese rice ball. While onigiri is traditionally shaped into a ball or triangle of cooked rice, onigirazu takes a flat square or rectangular shape just like a rice sandwich.

What to use instead of nori for sushi? ›

What is Soy Paper Used For? It's usually used as a replacement for nori on sushi rolls to hold the ingredients together. You'll also see it used for some desserts and spring rolls. Soy paper offers a neutrality to these dishes that allows the other ingredients to shine.

Is onigiri healthy or unhealthy? ›

This traditional Japanese specialty has good nutritional value. It contains sodium, good carbohydrates and fibre and, depending on the choice of other ingredients for the filling, it can even be a good source of protein.

How is onigiri different from sushi? ›

Onigiri looks similar to sushi but it's a different meal. Onigiri doesn't use raw fish and sushi rice (flavored rice with vinegar seasonings). The characteristic triangle shape imitates the mountains where the Gods lived. Also, sushi is a special meal even in Japan, but onigiri is an ordinary everyday meal.

What is onigiri explained? ›

Onigiri (おにぎり) are Japanese rice balls made of steamed rice that you compress into a triangular, ball, or cylinder shape and are usually wrapped in a nori seaweed sheet. You can flavor them lightly with just salt or add a variety of fillings.

What is the difference between onigiri and gimbap? ›

Samgak kimbap was first introduced from Japan in the 1990s. Some people describe it as Korean onigiri (오니기리), owing to its similarity to the dish; Onigiri is a general term for Japanese rice balls. However, in Korea, samgak kimbap typically refers to the triangle rice ball fully wrapped with dried seaweed.

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