Vegan Ikura

Vegan Ikura is a delightful plant-based alternative to traditional salmon roe, made from nutrient-rich ingredients that mimic the texture and flavor of seafood. This dish offers a burst of umami, making it a perfect topping for sushi or a sophisticated appetizer.

Vegan Ikura
30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Japanese
320 kcal

Ingredients

  • Chia seeds - 2 tablespoons
  • Water - 1/2 cup
  • Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
  • Liquid smoke - 1 teaspoon
  • Nutritional yeast - 1 teaspoon
  • Beet juice or red food coloring - 1 teaspoon
  • Avocado oil - 1 teaspoon
  • Black sesame seeds - 1 teaspoon
  • Sushi rice - 1 cup
  • Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
  • Sugar - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon

Steps

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the chia seeds and water, stirring well. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it thickens to a gel-like consistency.
  2. Once the chia seed mixture has thickened, add soy sauce, liquid smoke, nutritional yeast, and beet juice. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then combine it with 1 1/4 cups of water in a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to the rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for about 18-20 minutes.
  4. While the rice is cooking, prepare the sushi vinegar by mixing rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved.
  5. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the sushi vinegar. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
  6. To serve, place a spoonful of sushi rice on a plate, top with a generous amount of the vegan ikura, and drizzle with avocado oil. Sprinkle black sesame seeds on top for garnish.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Carbs: 45 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Water: 0.15 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids from chia seeds, promoting heart health.
  • Contains antioxidants and vitamins from beet juice, supporting overall wellness.

Tags

JapaneseVeganSeafood Dish