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.

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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the sushi vinegar by mixing rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved.
- 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.
- 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