The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Vegan Sushi
I enjoy sweet potatoes in almost any form, but they truly shine when that earthy sweetness is paired with a savory, salty kick. As a delicious alternative to the usual boiled or baked preparations, these Soy Glazed Sweet Potato Sushi Rolls are a game-changer. Packed with umami-rich shiitake mushrooms, crunchy almonds, and a peppery bite from daikon sprouts, this is a restaurant-quality roll you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
• Rice Prep Time: Up to 1½ hoursSushi Prep Time: 30 minutesMakes 4 rolls (20 pieces)
• 1½ cups / 375 ml water
• 1 cup / 250 ml soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons mirin or sherry
• ½ small sweet potato, peeled and cut into chopstick-width lengths
• 4 large shiitake mushrooms, wiped and stems removed
• 4 large 4 x 7-in / 10 x 18-cm nori sheets
• 3 cups / 600 g prepared sushi rice (Traditional, Brown, Quinoa, or Multi-Grain)
• 2 oz / 60 g daikon radish sprouts (kaiware) or pea sprouts
• 4 teaspoons slivered almonds, toasted
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, bring the water, soy sauce, and mirin to a boil. Add the sweet potato pieces and cook until soft but not mushy, about 3–4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and allow to cool and drain on paper towels, reserving the cooking liquid.2. Add the shiitake mushrooms to the reserved liquid. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the mushrooms, pat them dry, and allow them to cool before slicing into thin strips.3. Place a sheet of nori vertically on a bamboo rolling mat, with the rough side facing up and a short end parallel to you.4. Dip your fingertips lightly in cool water and spread about ¾ cup / 150 g of the sushi rice evenly over the bottom three-quarters of the nori sheet.5. Arrange ¼ of the sweet potato pieces horizontally across the middle of the rice, extending to both edges. Add ¼ of the mushroom strips and daikon sprouts. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the toasted almonds over the top.6. Slide your thumbs underneath the mat and use your fingertips to hold the fillings in place. Roll the bottom edge of the mat up and just over the fillings, tucking them tightly to start the roll.7. Lift the edge of the mat and continue rolling forward until the roll is complete and the seam is facing down. Gently shape the roll by pressing with your forefingers on top of the mat while pressing the sides with your thumbs and middle fingers.8. Let the roll rest seam-side down on a cutting board for at least 2 minutes. Repeat to make 3 more rolls.9. To serve, dip the blade of a very sharp knife in water. Use a swift but gentle sawing motion to cut each roll into 5 even pieces.
Nutritional Information
• Estimated values per roll (5 pieces).Calories: 320 kcalProtein: 9gFiber: 5gSodium: 980mgVitamin A: 150% DV
Pro Tips
• To prevent tearing, use a very sharp, wet knife to slice your rolls. Wipe the blade clean between cuts for the neatest pieces.
• Don’t overcook the sweet potato! It should be tender enough to bite through easily but still firm enough to hold its shape inside the roll.
• Avoid overfilling your rolls. It’s tempting to pack them with goodies, but less is more for a tight, clean roll that won’t burst.
• Keep a small bowl of water nearby (a 50/50 mix with rice vinegar is even better) to keep your fingers damp while spreading the rice. This prevents it from sticking to your hands.
FAQ
Q: Is this vegan sushi a good source of protein
A: Yes, this sushi provides a good amount of plant-based protein. Each roll contains approximately 9 grams, thanks to the combination of shiitake mushrooms, almonds, and the sushi rice itself. For an extra protein boost, you could add edamame or baked tofu strips to the filling.
Q: Can I substitute the shiitake mushrooms
A: Absolutely. If you don’t have shiitake mushrooms, other umami-rich options work well. Try using king oyster mushrooms, pan-fried eggplant strips, or even marinated and baked tofu for a similar savory and satisfying texture.
Q: How should I store leftover sweet potato sushi rolls
A: For the best texture, sushi is best eaten fresh. However, you can store leftovers by wrapping the uncut roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating for up to 24 hours. The nori may soften slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious. Avoid freezing the rolls.
Q: How can I make this sushi recipe gluten-free
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Also, ensure your mirin is gluten-free, as some brands can contain trace amounts of gluten. The other core ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
