Vegan Tofu Sushi

Recipe

Servings: 2-3

Cook time: 45-60 minutes

For the Tofu:

• 1 package extra firm tofu

• 1 tbs soy sauce

• 1 tbs sesame oil

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp onion powder

For the Sushi

• 1 cup white rice

• 1 package nori wraps

• 1/2 cucumber sliced into thin strips

• 1/2 avocado sliced into thin strips

For the Sauce (optional):

• 2 tbs peanut butter

• 1 tbs soy sauce

• 1/2 tbs agave or maple syrup

• 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce

• 1/2 tsp ginger minced

• lime juice of 1/2 lime

• 1-2 tbs water for thinning

1. Cook rice according to directions on bag.

2. Press the tofu for 10 minutes or so to get the liquid out. Slice into thin strips and then add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices and stir to coat.

3. Bake or air fry at 400°F for 10-20 minutes, until tofu is brown and crispy.

4. While the tofu and rice are cooking, make the sauce by combining all ingredients and stir until smooth. Add water as needed to get the consistency you like.

5. Let rice cool.

6. Assemble sushi by adding about 1/2 cup of rice to one nori sheet and spread it using your fingers. Make sure to leave half an inch empty at the bottom of the sheet and a few inches at the top as well. Next add the tofu, cucumber and avocado slices to the bottom side and tightly roll the sushi.

7. Slice the roll by using a serrated knife and very gently move the knife back and forth over the roll. If you put too much pressure on the roll it will come apart.

8. Drizzle with sauce and enjoy. You could also dip it in soy sauce and wasabi if you like.

This was my first time making my own sushi at home and it was surprisingly easy and delicious! It is a bit time consuming, at least it felt like it was, but I think it would be a fun date night idea. I have actually made sushi one other time on a culinary field trip to a restaurant in high school, and the one thing I remember most is that the hardest part about making sushi is cutting the rolls! You have to be very gentle with your knife and move it back and forth in order to keep everything in place. The peanut sauce I made with this was actually supposed to be for spring rolls that I was also going to make but I didn't feel like making them so I used the sauce for the sushi instead and I really enjoyed the combo! The sushi is good on its own with some soy sauce but the peanut sauce does add some nice flavor as well as more fat and protein to the meal to make it more filling. Comment below if you try this at home!