Cauliflower Rice Sushi Roll
Cauliflower rice sushi rolls are a delicious take on a traditional white rice sushi roll. Cauliflower chopped until fine and is then mixed with nutty tahini and sweet maple syrup, and wrapped with avocado, asparagus and cucumber. A light dinner treat for a night in.
The night started as many SF outings do, with a few taps to the horn, signaling a prompt arrival. I hopped down the flight of stairs in haste, since I knew ahead of time that sushi is where we were headed. I opened the car door and scooted into the seat and gave my dear friend a long embrace before we made our way to the restaurant. Noticing that we were just circulating the same four blocks from my house, I pulled out my phone to Google maps the directions, but no we don’t need that she reassured me, because we've arrived. I looked out the car window and to my right, there it was. Carved out of a tiny alley, with a laundry mat on one side and a bus stop on the other, with a leafy tree shading the entrance, was a hidden sushi bar. I was taken aback. After many walks down the same block, not once did the florescent ‘open’ signage hanging from the darkened rectangular window catch my gaze. As we walked past the open doors, we’re greeted by the owner with a warm embrace that only comes from years of a loyal following.
So here we are, sitting by the window, with a cup of earthy green tea in one hand and eyes fixed on the passerby’s who unconsciously stroll past the same window as I always did. This spot quickly became a favorite of mine in the city. One that’s just hidden enough from the masses, holding onto its neighborhood charm.
And for the days that the sushi bar is closed I make this – a Cauliflower Rice Sushi Roll. Cauliflower rice is swirled with nutty tahini and a drizzle of maple syrup giving it a punchy flavor that works so well with the roasted and raw veggies. So when your neighborhood spot is closed for the night just pick up a caluliflrower head and have at it - a scrumptious roll that is light on the tummy but bold in flavor.
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients for the Cauliflower Sushi Roll:
- 4 sheets of nori
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1/4 head of a cabbage
- 1 packet of asparagus
- 1 cucumber
- 1 carrot
- half an avocado
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
-1 tablespoon rice wine
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- sea salt
- tamari
Instructions:
Start by roasting the asparagus (drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt) on 410F for 15 minutes. Let that cook while you chop your carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, and avocado into small thin strips (like in the photo above). Make the cauliflower rice by simply chopping off the florets (leave out the stems) and pulsing it into your food processor for about 30 seconds - pulsing every time. It will be ready when it has a light rice consistency. Then bring the rice cauliflower to a saucepan that has been heating with the coconut oil. Stir it around, heating the cauliflower for about 4 minutes. Then add in the rice wine, maple syrup, tahini and salt. Mix well.
Now for the sushi - lay out one nori roll and add enough rice on top to spread a thin even layer, almost meeting each corner. You want to leave enough space between the edge of the nori and the rice so that when you roll the nori sticks to the opposite side (see photo here). The easiest way to make the roll is by adding a small amount of each ingredient to the left hand side, taking up no more than 1/4 of the entire nori roll. Wet one side of the nori with a tiny amount of water and then tightly roll the veggies towards that side. With a sharp knife, cut into small pieces and enjoy your delicious veggie sushi with a sprinkle of tamari and sesame seeds!
YOUR TURN!
Have you guys tried cauliflower rice before? Maybe in another meal other than sushi? I gotta say, I think it's pretty great. It mimics rice but leaves you feeling very, very light. And leaves enough room for some dessert - the best part of the night.
SIMILAR RECIPE!
Miss the rice? I have a feeling you will love this Forbidden Rice Sushi Roll, which happens to be one of my first recipes on the blog :) If you try it, let me know how it goes by commenting below!
Hope you guys like this one! I'm going to start adding cauliflower rice to my big salad bowls, filling them up with lots of hearty veggies and citrus fruits to make it into a real meal.
Remember to tag me on Instagram - #8thandlake - so I can see your lovely creations! There's nothing I love more than seeing your photos and recreations of the meals you find here. Thats what they're here for, to make your own :)
You can also find me on Snapchat with more photos and clips of my everyday life - username - marie8thandlake and on Pinterest - to see what my dream reality would look like ;)
Lots of love from the West Coast,
xx M
PS: The beautiful cream colored plate, rice bowl and saki cup are from the lovely MM Clay Ceramics in San Francisco. Have a look at her handmade collections here!