Nori Rolls with Vegetables

Fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to assemble, these DIY seaweed rolls are a celebration of crisp vegetables and creamy textures. Perfectly suited for a quick healthy snack or a light, refreshing meal, they bring the essence of Japanese-inspired flavors right to your kitchen without any cooking required.

Save

The beauty of these rolls lies in their simplicity. By using a bamboo mat to tightly wrap nutritious fillings in roasted seaweed, you create a handheld treat that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you add sushi rice for heartiness or stick to pure vegetables for a grain-free crunch, these rolls are sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 1 medium cucumber, julienned
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 cup mixed sprouts (e.g., alfalfa, radish, or broccoli)
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 small red bell pepper, julienned
• 8 sheets nori (roasted seaweed)
• 2 cups cooked sushi rice (optional for heartier rolls)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• Soy sauce or tamari, for dipping
• Pickled ginger and wasabi, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

If using sushi rice, mix the cooked rice with rice vinegar and let cool to room temperature.

Step 2

Place a sheet of nori shiny side down on a bamboo sushi mat or clean kitchen towel.

Step 3

Spread a thin layer of rice (if using) over the lower third of the nori, leaving a 2 cm border at the top.

Step 4

Arrange some cucumber, avocado, sprouts, carrot, and bell pepper in a line across the rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Step 5

Using the mat, roll up the nori tightly over the fillings, pressing gently to seal at the top edge with a bit of water if needed.

Step 6

Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 8 rolls.

Step 7

Slice each roll into bite-sized pieces with a sharp, damp knife.

Step 8

Serve immediately with soy sauce or tamari, pickled ginger, and wasabi if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a grain-free and low-carb option, omit the sushi rice entirely and increase the quantity of julienned vegetables to fill the nori sheets.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To add more protein to your meal, consider including thin strips of firm tofu or savory marinated mushrooms alongside the fresh vegetables.

Serviervorschläge

Complete your light meal by serving these rolls with a crisp side salad. They pair wonderfully with a cup of green tea or a light, crisp white wine.

Save

Serve these vibrant nori rolls immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast between the crisp seaweed and the tender, fresh vegetable fillings. Dipped in savory tamari with a touch of wasabi, they offer a truly satisfying and healthy dining experience.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make nori rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these up to 4 hours in advance. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Slice just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. The nori may soften slightly over time, so same-day assembly yields the crispiest results.

→ What vegetables work best in nori rolls?

Julienned cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, avocado, and fresh sprouts create ideal texture contrasts. You can also add thinly sliced radishes, steamed asparagus, blananced green beans, or lightly sautéed mushrooms. Aim for vegetables that stay crisp when raw or slightly cooked.

→ Do I need a bamboo rolling mat?

A bamboo mat makes rolling easier and more uniform, but it's not essential. A clean kitchen towel or even a piece of parchment paper works well. The key is applying gentle, even pressure as you roll to create tight cylinders that hold their shape when sliced.

→ How do I prevent nori rolls from falling apart?

Don't overfill your rolls—leave adequate space at the edges. Moisten the top border with water before sealing to help the nori adhere. Slice with a sharp, damp knife using gentle sawing motions. If using rice, spread it thinly and evenly for better structural integrity.

→ Are these nori rolls suitable for meal prep?

They work well for same-day prep but don't typically last beyond 24 hours refrigerated as the vegetables release moisture and the nori softens. For meal prep, store vegetables pre-cut and rice cooked separately, then assemble fresh when ready to enjoy.

→ What can I use instead of soy sauce?

Tamari makes an excellent gluten-free alternative. Coconut aminos provide a slightly sweeter, soy-free option. You can also try ponzu for citrusy notes or simply serve with seasoned rice vinegar and a pinch of sea salt for lighter dipping.