Rice Paper Sushi without Seaweed

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❤️ Why you’ll love it

I absolutely love how this recipe gives a fun and delicious twist to traditional sushi by using rice paper instead of seaweed. The result is a light and fresh sushi roll with a mild, slightly chewy texture from the rice paper that is just so good.

The combination of creamy avocado, sweet mango, and smoky roasted red pepper not only adds a beautiful pop of color to the rolls but also a variety of flavors and textures that work so well together.

Plus, the use of rice paper wrappers not only makes this recipe unique but also a great option for anyone who may not be a fan of the strong, fishy flavor of nori sheets.

🧾 Key ingredients

This recipe is a beautiful twist on traditional sushi, using simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. Here are the key ingredients you will need:

Rice vinegar is a key ingredient in sushi rice, giving it the distinct sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. You can find rice vinegar in the Asian section of your grocery store.

Avocado and mango are the stars of this sushi, adding a creamy, sweet flavor and a pop of color.

Roasted red pepper is a unique addition to this sushi, adding a sweet and smoky flavor that compliments the other ingredients well.

Rice paper sheets are used to wrap the sushi, giving it a light and delicate texture that is different from traditional norimaki. You can find rice paper sheets in the Asian section of your grocery store.

Wasabi and mayo are used as optional condiments, adding an extra kick of flavor to the sushi. You can find wasabi in the Asian section of your grocery store. For a vegan version, you can use vegan mayo.

Black sesame seeds are used as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a nutty flavor to the sushi. You can find black sesame seeds in the spice aisle of your grocery store.

Pickled ginger is a traditional accompaniment to sushi, adding a sweet and tangy flavor that helps cleanse the palette between bites. You can find pickled ginger in the Asian section of your grocery store.

🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

🥘 Equipment

To make this unique and delicious rice paper sushi, the most important piece of equipment you will need is a good quality sharp knife. As you will be rolling the sushi without a bamboo mat, a sharp knife will ensure that you can neatly and precisely cut your rolls into perfect, bite-sized pieces.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Begin by rinsing your sushi rice under cold water using a fine mesh sieve. Then, in a pot, pour in fresh cold water and rice vinegar. Add the rinsed rice and salt to this pot.

STEP 2
Once the ingredients are in the pot, bring it to a boil. When it starts boiling, turn the heat low and simmer until the water disappears. Then, remove it from the heat and cover it with a lid. Let it stay covered for 5 minutes. Your sushi rice is now ready.

STEP 3
Next, prepare your fillings. Slice your roasted red peppers, mango, and avocado. These will be the fillings for your sushi rolls.

Making the rice paper sushi

STEP 1
Take two rice papers with a diameter of 6 inches (approximately 16 cm) and gently submerge them in lukewarm water, one at a time. After they are submerged, transfer them to a dry and smooth surface, partly covering each other.

STEP 2
Now, scoop some of the cooked sushi rice in the middle of the rice paper, leaving the edges free.

STEP 3
Then, place a couple of slices of roasted red pepper, mango, and avocado on top of the rice.

STEP 4
Fold the sides of the rice paper towards the middle.

STEP 5
Then, roll them up from the bottom to the top as tight as you can. This will be your sushi roll. Repeat this process for the remaining rice papers.

STEP 6
Finally, drizzle your sushi rolls with wasabi mayo and sprinkle some black sesame seeds on top. Cut the rolls into 5-6 pieces using a sharp knife. Your rice paper sushi without seaweed is ready to be enjoyed.

💡 Expert tip

The key to this recipe is the preparation of the rice paper. It is crucial to remember to use dry hands when handling the rice paper sheets. Wet hands can activate the rice paper, causing it to stick together or become too soft, making it difficult to work with.

🔄 Variations

If you are a fan of a little heat in your food, consider adding some chili oil to your sushi rolls. This will give them a spicy twist and add a unique flavor that complements the sweetness of the mango and the creaminess of the avocado.

If you are looking for a more traditional sushi flavor, you can incorporate some Japanese-inspired ingredients. Try adding some Japanese mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms. These will bring a rich, umami flavor to your rolls and are a great way to add some variety to your sushi.

If you want to add some protein to your sushi rolls, consider incorporating tofu. It is a great source of plant-based protein and has a mild flavor that will pair well with the other ingredients. You can either sauté the tofu with some soy sauce and sesame oil or use it in its plain form for a different texture.

Try any of the fillings from my other sushi recipes: sweet potato sushi rolls, sushi without fish, or smoked tofu sushi.

🥣 Serving ideas

This rice paper sushi without seaweed is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It makes for a perfect appetizer or snack, and it can also be served as a main course.

I love to serve it with a side of pickled ginger and a drizzle of soy sauce or tamari for a traditional sushi flavor. It is also great with some hot mustard or chili oil for an extra kick of heat.

If you are looking for a refreshing and light meal, these sushi rolls can be served with a side of seaweed salad or a cucumber salad.

They are also a great addition to a sushi platter, along with some traditional seaweed-wrapped sushi rolls and some veggie tempura.

❄️ Storing tips

Storing and reheating rice paper sushi rolls is a bit tricky due to the delicate nature of the rice paper. However, it is still possible to enjoy the leftovers the next day.

To store the leftovers, place the sushi rolls in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. It is important to note that the rice paper will harden in the refrigerator, but the flavors of the filling will continue to meld and develop.

I do not recommend freezing the rice paper sushi rolls. The rice paper has a high water content, and freezing it will compromise the texture and make it rubbery and less appetizing. Therefore, it is best to enjoy these rolls fresh or store them in the refrigerator for a day or two.

I also do not recommend reheating them, as the rice paper will become even more brittle. Instead, when you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, take them out of the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes.

🤔 FAQs

More rice paper recipes

If you are looking for more rice paper recipes, I have tons of delicious dishes you can try.

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