Festive Holiday Snack Sushi Rolls (Printer View)
Bite-sized sushi rolls filled with vibrant veggies and festive flavors for gathering-friendly snacking.
# What you'll need:
→ Sushi Rice
01 - 1 cup sushi rice
02 - 1 1/4 cups water
03 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
04 - 1 tablespoon sugar
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Fillings
06 - 1/2 small red bell pepper, julienned
07 - 1/2 small yellow bell pepper, julienned
08 - 1/2 small cucumber, julienned
09 - 1 small carrot, peeled and julienned
10 - 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced
11 - 2 tablespoons pickled ginger, chopped
12 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese or vegan cream cheese (optional)
→ Assembly
13 - 6 sheets nori (seaweed)
14 - 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
15 - 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
16 - Soy sauce or tamari, for serving
17 - Wasabi and extra pickled ginger, for serving (optional)
# Method:
01 - Rinse sushi rice thoroughly in cold water until the rinse water runs clear. Combine rice with water in a small saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
02 - Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Gently fold the mixture into the warm cooked rice using a rice paddle or spatula. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before assembling.
03 - Place one nori sheet, shiny side down, onto a bamboo sushi rolling mat. With moistened hands, spread a thin, even layer of prepared rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border along the top edge.
04 - Sprinkle an even mixture of black and white sesame seeds over the rice layer.
05 - Neatly position the julienned red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, sliced avocado, chopped pickled ginger, and cream cheese (if using) in a colorful row across the bottom third of the rice.
06 - Using the bamboo mat, roll the nori and fillings tightly from the bottom edge towards the top, applying gentle pressure. Moisten the exposed edge of the nori with water to seal the roll.
07 - With a sharp, damp knife, trim the ends and cut each roll into 4 uniform pieces for clean presentation.
08 - Arrange the sushi rolls on a festive platter. Present with small bowls of soy sauce or tamari, wasabi, and additional pickled ginger.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Bright, festive presentation that enchants guests
- Vegetarian and gluten-free option that appeals to varied diets
02 -
- Use gluten-free tamari and vegan cream cheese for allergy-friendly rolls
- Slicing with a wet knife ensures clean, attractive pieces
03 -
- Keep your hands damp to prevent rice from sticking while spreading
- For a festive look, sprinkle chopped chives or microgreens as garnish before serving