In the mood for sushi but need something vibrant, veggie-focused? Asparagus sushi is your answer! This tasty alternative is mildly sweet with a crunchy mouth feel perfectly balanced out with the fact that it is also incredibly easy to do at home. An asparagus sushi is ideal light lunch, finger food, or entrancing to sushi platter, it is an excellent way to force in the goodness of fresh-vegetable inside a mouth-watering, original package.
Hungry for sushi but want it to be healthier and vegetarian? Asparagus sushi is another cool crispy alternative to the traditional fish or vegetables sushi rolls. Asparagus rolls are quite easy to prepare at home and are good at vegetarians or vegans, or anybody who wants to get addicted to unusual fillings. This is a recipe on how to make delicious asparagus sushi at home with few ingredients and with these easy step by step instructions.
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Why Asparagus Sushi?
Although raw fish is a key element of traditional sushi, vegetable sushi (or yasai maki) is widely available and is simply delicious, especially to vegetarians, vegans, or people who do not wish to eat raw ingredients. Asparagus has a high firmness when gently blanched and its own, earthy flavor makes it a perfect candidate to be used in sushi. It keeps its shape and offers a beautiful color of green, and complements the tangy sushi rice perfectly.
What You’ll Need:
After all, sushi is one of the most intimidating foods to make at home, but with a sprinkle of patience and the use of a few appropriate ingredients, you will be rolling like a pro!
Yields: Approximately 2-3 rolls (12-18 pieces) Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Sushi Rice:
- 1 cup (approximately 200g) Japanese short grain rice
- 1 ¼ cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Asparagus Filling:
- 8-10 medium-sized asparagus spears
- Ice water (for blanching)
- For Assembling:
- 2 – 3 nori pads (roasted seaweed)
- Bonus ingredients: Try adding thin avocado strips, cucumber, bell pepper or sriracha slow drizzle for an extra added touch.
- Wasabi, pickled ginger and soy sauce for serving
Equipment:
- A rice cooker or heavy bottomed pot
- Long non-metallic pot with a large bowl
- Wooden spoon or rice paddle
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Bamboo sushi mat (makisu)
- Little dish of water (tezu)
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Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sushi Rice
- Wash the sushi rice in cold water until the water becomes clear.
- Mix water and rice in a pot and boil. Simmer on low heat, cover and cook away until the mixture thickens (15 minutes).
- Leave the rice to rest (covered) 10 min after cooking.
- Combine the vinegar, sugar and salt in a small bowl. Toss it into the rice as it cools off by fanning. Set aside.
2. Blanch or Grill the Asparagus
- Cut down the woody end of the asparagus.
- Blanch: Put in a boiling water and leave to cook a maximum of 1 to 2 minutes and transfer the blanched product into cold water to preserve the crunch and color.
- OR simply grill them lightly in sesame oil (3-4 mins) to give them more of a smoky taste.
- Add a pinch of salt.
3. Set Up Your Rolling Station
- Put a bamboo mat on a flat surface and add a sheet of nori shiny side down.
- On wet hands, use the nori to spread a generous but thin layer of sushi rice, and leave a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Add the Fillings
- Put two or three asparagus plants, laid horizontally, in the middle.
- Optional: Include cream cheese, avocado or cucumber to get additional texture and flavor.
5. Roll It Up
- With the mat, roll the nori over the filling, applying pressure with your hands.
- Put some glue on it with a bit of water at the edge to help it stick.
- Repeat once more on the other nori sheets and fillings.
6. Slice and Serve
- With sharp knife and wet knife cut the rolls into 6 to 8 pieces.
- Serve in soy sauce, pickled ginger and a small piece of wasabi.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Light & Healthy: Calorie friendly, rich in fibres and Asparagus nutrients.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: 100 percent meat free, flexible.
- Great for Beginners: No raw fish, quick to prepare, and children and friends love making sushi.
Pro Tips:
- Have a bowl of water at hand when dealing with sushi rice otherwise it is sticky.
- Wish to add more flavour? Roll the toasted sesame seeds on the rice.
- A whole-grain variation would be cooked using brown rice.
Whether you are uninitiated to sushi, or hoping to get some easy meat-free sushi, asparagus sushi rolls are tasty, fresh, filling and great. Great as lunch, dinner or at your local DIY sushi night. Experiment with it at home; get rolling and into a better habit, one bite at a time!