Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Inari Avocado Roll because it’s a refreshing twist on traditional sushi. The combination of creamy avocado and sweet inari creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s simple to make at home, requires no raw fish, and is completely vegan. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, appetizer, or part of a sushi platter, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sushi rice
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Inari (sweet tofu pockets)
- Avocado, sliced
- Nori sheets (seaweed)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Soy sauce, for dipping
- Pickled ginger and wasabi, for serving
Directions
- Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions. While still warm, mix in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare your sushi rolling mat by placing a sheet of nori shiny side down.
- Spread a thin, even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top edge.
- Slice the inari pockets into thin strips and place them horizontally along the center of the rice. Add avocado slices on top.
- Using the mat, carefully roll the sushi away from you, applying gentle pressure to shape it evenly. Seal the edge with a bit of water.
- Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife dipped in water to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 sushi rolls (24–30 pieces), serving 2–3 people. Preparation time is around 30 minutes, with no additional cooking time beyond the rice preparation.
Variations
- Add cucumber or julienned carrots for extra crunch and color.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo or teriyaki sauce for a flavor boost.
- Make it a poke-style bowl instead of rolls by layering sushi rice, avocado, and chopped inari.
- Add tofu or tempura vegetables for a heartier version.
- Use brown sushi rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
Storage/Reheating
Inari Avocado Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado can brown and the rice can harden over time. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To keep the rice soft, place a damp paper towel over the rolls before sealing the container. Reheating isn’t recommended for sushi, but you can let refrigerated rolls come to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. What is inari?
Inari is a sweet, marinated tofu pouch made from fried tofu (aburaage) simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.
2. Is this sushi vegan?
Yes, the Inari Avocado Roll is completely vegan and does not contain any animal products.
3. Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?
Sushi rice is recommended because of its sticky texture, but short-grain rice can work in a pinch.
4. Where can I buy inari?
Inari pockets are available at most Asian grocery stores or online in the refrigerated or canned section.
5. How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
You can brush the avocado slices lightly with lemon or lime juice before rolling.
6. Can I make this roll without a sushi mat?
Yes, you can use parchment paper or plastic wrap to help roll the sushi if you don’t have a bamboo mat.
7. Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice and slice the inari and avocado ahead of time. Assemble just before serving for best freshness.
8. What sauces pair well with this roll?
Soy sauce, ponzu sauce, spicy mayo, or a drizzle of eel sauce (vegan versions available) all pair well.
9. Can I use other fillings?
Absolutely! Try adding julienned cucumber, mango, or pickled radish for variety.
10. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure your inari pockets are made without wheat-based seasonings.
Conclusion
The Inari Avocado Roll is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy textures, making it a standout vegan sushi option. Simple yet elegant, it’s a dish that’s easy to prepare at home and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re new to sushi making or a seasoned fan, this roll offers freshness, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite.
PrintInari Avocado Roll
The Inari Avocado Roll is a vegan sushi roll featuring sweet marinated tofu pockets (inari) and creamy avocado wrapped in nori and sushi rice. It’s a refreshing and satisfying fusion of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors that’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 rolls (24–30 pieces)
- Category: Sushi, Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: No-Cook (except rice)
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 inari (sweet tofu pockets)
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Soy sauce, for dipping
- Pickled ginger and wasabi, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions. While still warm, stir in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until well combined. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
- Place a sheet of nori shiny side down on a bamboo sushi mat.
- Spread an even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top edge.
- Slice the inari pockets into thin strips and place them horizontally along the center of the rice. Top with avocado slices.
- Using the mat, gently roll the sushi away from you, applying light pressure to shape it evenly. Seal the edge with a little water.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in water to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Notes
- Brush avocado slices lightly with lemon or lime juice to prevent browning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Serve the rolls at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (6–8 pieces)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg