I tend to get obsessed with one kind of food and I stay with that for like a couple of weeks. So, yeah, when I first got my spiralizer, who was eating zucchini noodles for two weeks? Me. This week, I am obsessed with Asian food. For Valentine’s Day, we had some friends over and made sushi and DIY rolls. It was so fun. It had been a while since I last made rolls so I was eager to make some more. Fast.
After I visit to my local Japanese market, I learned how to make a cheater’s version of the spicy sauce that is used when making spicy tuna rolls. Now, your favorite Japanese sushi restaurant certainly does not make it like this, but we home cooks certainly can. And you know what? It’s pretty damn good.
Are you ready for the secret spicy sauce? It’s simply Japanese mayo + Sriracha sauce! Now, you can also add a little sesame oil too for more flavor and even a touch of wasabi, but these are your two main ingredients! And get the Japanese mayo from your local Asian market. Japanese mayo is lighter in flavor and I was told that using the mayo you would purchase from your local grocery store is not the same. Sorry, there was no label . . just ask for the Japanese mayonnaise.
So, I was thinking about options for people who can’t get sushi grade fish easily. . and I was thinking about my vegetarian friends .. and since I love tofu: The Spicy Tofu Roll was born.
I started with some of my favorite raw veggies (carrots, red bell peppers and zucchini, or you can use whatever you like!) and some pan fried tofu.
Start by spreading your sushi rice on a piece of roasted seaweed and then topping with all of your veggies and the tofu. (I used a combination of white rice + brown rice).
Top with the spicy mayo and roll! (More detailed instructions below in the recipe card).
The Academy Awards are on this Sunday . who’s watching? I personally love the red carpet and seeing what all the celebs are wearing. I just watched Cake with Jennifer Aniston. . OK, I totally thought she was nominated for Best Actress?!!! WTH? Really? Who else saw the movie? I know it was a little slow but I loved it. And sadly, American Sniper was the only Best Picture nominee I have watched so far .. but I loved it and if Bradley Cooper doesn’t win Best Actor, I’m throwing something at the TV. Something big.
Are you hosting an Academy Awards party? If so, do something different and fun and make some rolls!! I hope you enjoy!
Spicy Tofu Roll
Ingredients
For the rolls:
- 3 cups cooked seasoned white medium grain rice or more if using more rice in your rolls
- 1 oz. half package Tamanoi Sushinoko powder
- ¼ cup Japanese mayonnaise
- ½ tablespoon Sriracha sauce + more if desired
- 6 sheets dried roasted seaweed gim
- 2 large carrots peeled and julienned
- 1 red bell pepper sliced thin lengthwise
- 1 zucchini julienned (do not peel)
- half package tofu pan fried and sliced thin into strips
- sushi ginger
- wasabi
- low sodium soy sauce
Special equipment:
- A bamboo rolling mat
- Disposable gloves
- A small bowl of water
- A wood cutting board or other clean surface
- A sharp knife
Instructions
For the rice:
- Place cooked white rice into a large bowl and let cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes. When cooled, sprinkle on the Tamanoi Sushinoko (Sushi Rice Mix Powder) and mix. The package will say to use more but I only like to use half of the suggested amount of vinegar powder. Taste and adjust the amount if desired.
For the spicy mayo:
- Mix together the Japanese mayonnaise and sriracha sauce in a small bowl. Taste and add more sriracha sauce if desired.
For the rolls:
- Take one sheet of the dried gim and place onto your bamboo mat (make sure the bamboo sticks are horizontal). Spread about a 1/2 cup of cooked, seasoned rice onto 2/3 of the gim, spreading it evenly with your fingers. You can leave one inch uncovered (with no rice at all) at the top. This will help you to seal your roll at the end, or you can cover the entire seaweed sheet (gim) if desired.
- Lay in all of the raw veggies, top with the pan fried tofu leaving about an inch of exposed rice down at the bottom. Top with some spicy mayo. Using the bamboo mat on the end closest to you, roll from the bottom up and over the ingredients (like you’re rolling a sleeping bag), pressing down gently but firmly to make the fillings stay in. As you continue to roll, pull the mat up and straighten it so that it doesn’t get caught in the roll. Continue until you have reached the edge of the gim.
- Using your fingers, dab just a little bit of water along the top seam of the dried seaweed and roll to seal it closed. Roll and gently squeeze one last time with the bamboo mat, set aside and continue with the other seaweed sheets.
- When all of the rolls are finished, using a sharp knife, dip the knife into the water and lift the knife up so the water runs down the blade. This will help you to get a nice, clean cut. Slice each roll into about 8-10 pieces. Serve with sushi ginger, wasabi and soy sauce and enjoy!
For photos on how to roll, click here.
Related links:
- DIY Sushi at Home by Snixy Kitchen
- Salmon Sashimi Bowl with Avocado by Omnivore’s Cookbook
And more sushi recipes from me!
- Spicy Tuna Roll
- Korean Mixed Rice with Sashimi
- Salmon Skin Roll
- Spicy Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
- My kids’ favorite: Tuna Veggie Rolls
Aida@TheCraftingFoodie says
February 19, 2015 at 7:55 amThese look so good! We all love sushi in my house, even my 3 year old (she only eats the vegetarian versions). I feel like rolls are intimidating, but after your tutorial, it seems so much more manageable! Thanks 🙂
Mira says
February 19, 2015 at 8:11 amThis homemade sushi looks awesome Alice! And I’ve been making a similar sauce, but with regular mayo, need to get the Japanese one. Love the pictures on how to roll. Pinned 🙂
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
February 19, 2015 at 8:27 amThis looks better than at a restaurant, Alice! I totally need to make my own sushi. And that spicy mayo is the perfect touch.
Amy | Club Narwhal says
February 19, 2015 at 8:30 amYep, I pretty much want to douse everything in that awesome spicy sauce! I go on crazy food kicks too 🙂 Recently it has been Thai spring rolls (and your Insta photo had me craving even more), which I guess is a healthier obsession than my onion ring one that happened a few weeks ago…
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
February 19, 2015 at 9:06 amI am the exact same way. I get focused on something and can’t think about anything else. I love these rolls Alice. You really nailed this recipe!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
February 19, 2015 at 9:46 amAlice – I haven’t watched ANY of the nominated movies – I have them all on my too watch list, but, I am about a year or 2 behind from catching up with it 😉
Btw, who would have thought that such a simple combination could be such a wonderful sauce! These rolls sound wonderful – can I come over and feast on them? 😉
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
February 19, 2015 at 11:21 amThis looks perfect, Alice! I’ve never attempted to make my own sushi before, so I’m loving this! And that spicy flavor sounds wonderful!
Kelly says
February 19, 2015 at 12:11 pmThese rolls are beautiful, Alice! I want them for my lunch right now with that spicy mayo! Love your tutorial and that you used a combo of white & brown rice! These would be so fun to serve at an Oscar’s party. I haven’t watched any of the nominated films yet either but Team Bradley all the way!:)
dixya | food, pleasure, and health says
February 19, 2015 at 2:44 pmi came here thinking these are spring rolls with tofu..but seeing these sushi rolls, im more excited.
Ash-foodfashionparty says
February 19, 2015 at 3:42 pmOmg, I love mayo and sriracha. They are fabulous looking, your sushi rolls.
A little away from the topic. I’ve wanted to tell you that you look so much like Christina from Grey’s anatomy. I don’t know if you’ve heard that, but just felt like telling. hugs.
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
February 19, 2015 at 3:52 pmLove the idea of tofu in these spicy rolls – now why is it that no sushi restaurant has figured out that this would be a great option!
Brittaney @ Sips and Snacks says
February 19, 2015 at 6:45 pmMy husband and I love making sushi and have been saying we need to make some soon. We’ll have to add these to our usual rolls!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
February 19, 2015 at 7:03 pmI’m a sushi fiend! And as a vegan, that means TONS of avo rolls and veggie rolls. I’m never a fan of cucumber, because it’s just so tasteless to me! Thanks for the nod to your veggie friends with this great recipe! I will definitely be giving it a try sometime soon. Pinning! 🙂
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
February 19, 2015 at 7:43 pmI totally go in spurts too! Mostly totally unhealthy spurts of chocolate and sugar, but what can you do? Lol. This sushi looks awesome!
Allie | Baking a Moment says
February 19, 2015 at 8:08 pmThese are gorgeous Alice! They look just like what you can get at the Japanese sushi bar. Love your tips for the spicy sauce too. Just FYI I have heard that the Kewpie brand of Japanese mayo is incredible. It has a cult following! I can’t get it at my regular grocery store but they have it at the Asian market.
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
February 19, 2015 at 8:32 pmYou’re so thoughtful to make a vegetarian dish for your friends. I do eat sushi, but tend to stick with the vegetarian options. I’m opening my eyes though to the world of fish. Tofu is a great substitute for meat and I’m happy to see how you seamlessly integrated it into the sushi. Sriracha on everything!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
February 19, 2015 at 8:44 pmThese are absolutely beautiful, Alice! You’re a true pro.
Melissa @ Bits of Umami says
February 19, 2015 at 8:46 pmOh my. I’m drooling. I have some Kewpie mayo in the fridge annnd I think I know what I’m going to be doing with it. Ahhh these look amazing!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
February 19, 2015 at 10:25 pmI am SO out of the loop I don’t even know who’s nominated, have never even heard of Cake, and haven’t seen American Sniper! AAND I don’t have a spiralizer…is there any help for me? I love the looks of these tofu rolls, I bet the texture of tofu is just perfect in sushi!
Joanne says
February 20, 2015 at 6:19 amI will also likely throw something…at the television, out the window…if B.Coop doesn’t win. And then we can commiserate on twitter! BUT HE’D BETTER WIN.
Come to think of it, sushi-making would be super fun to accompany Oscar-watching on Sunday….hmmm I’m on it. And I LOVE these!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
February 20, 2015 at 6:46 amI love making my own sushi. The first time I made it, I was surprised at just how easy it was to make.
David @ Spiced says
February 20, 2015 at 7:52 amLaura and I used to make sushi at home quite often. It’s been quite a while since we’ve done that. Thanks for the reminder! This spicy roll looks perfect!!
Sarah@Whole and Heavenly Oven says
February 20, 2015 at 9:09 amOkay, uh just WOW. Could these rolls get any more gorgeous?! I love all the fresh veggie goodness you packed into these beauties and your step-by-step photos are awesome! My weekend needs these without a doubt. 😉
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
February 20, 2015 at 9:09 amThese spicy little veggie-packed rolls look delicious! I bet they are fun to make, too!
Annie @ ciaochowbambina says
February 20, 2015 at 9:32 amYou know I am all about that secret spicy sauce! And your pictures have me craving this right now!! What a fun idea for the Oscars! We’re not having a party but I know Hubby will love it!!
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says
February 20, 2015 at 10:37 amOh these rolls look so delicious!!
hipfoodiemom says
February 20, 2015 at 1:41 pmThank you, Alicia!
Maria|Pink Patisserie says
February 20, 2015 at 1:26 pmI’m vacation this week, so I’m only now just getting caught up on all your lovely Asian recipes this week Alice, and oh my goodness. So much deliciousness!! I adore these rolls, and that sauce, I know it’s sacrilegious but I eat it on ALL of my sushi, nigiri, sashimi and rolls.. I can’t help myself.. I think the mayo is called Kewpie Mayo? I could be wrong but you are absolutely right, it is the most amazing mayo I’ve ever tried..
Amanda @ Cookie Named Desire says
February 20, 2015 at 2:44 pmUgh, giiirl this looks SO GOOD! I haven’t made sushi since I was in college and my flat mate brought a sushi making kit home from her trip to Japan. This is seriously calling my name in a big way!!
Karen+@+The+Food+Charlatan says
February 20, 2015 at 7:06 pmI am ALL about the Japanese Mayo + Sriracha sauce!! My fav. I’m totally the same Alice, I get on these food obsessions and eat the same thing every day for a month and then never ever again. haha.
Shinee says
February 20, 2015 at 9:42 pmGosh, this looks good, Alice! I love spicy tuna rolls! In fact, every time I have sushi, I have to order spicy tuna hand roll. But I leave spicy tuna rolls for restaurants, and love making veggie version at home. Next time I’ll definitely add tofu! Great idea!
Marcie says
February 20, 2015 at 10:57 pmI need a spiralizer so I can obsess about zucchini noodles too! And you just made sushi rolls look so easy, I no longer have any reason to be intimidated with them. These look perfectly delicious, and I’d love a big side of that stirs ha sauce!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
February 21, 2015 at 1:37 amHey Alice! First time reader here and SO stoked I’ve come across your blog- I’ve seen you pop up in some of my favourite blogs and after a quick stalk of your archives- I’m already a fan!
I love making homemade sushi and love the cheat’s version of the spicy sauce! this week I’m all Asian obsessed too but that is moreso because it’s CNY and my dad’s side is Chinese.
Cheers for the recipe!
Tori@Gringalicious.com says
February 21, 2015 at 5:02 amI’ve always wanted to make homemade sushi but I just never have. You’ve made it look so easy and delicious though! I think I need to make this very soon! Yummmm! I LOVE sushi!
Andrea @ Cooking with Mamma C says
February 21, 2015 at 10:39 amWe love sushi and just made some a couple of weeks ago. When I can’t find sushi-grade fish, we just grill shrimp to use. I love your idea of tofu though! And I appreciate the tip about the Japanese mayo. I’m going to have to check that out!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
February 21, 2015 at 12:17 pmI don’t like raw fish, so I’ve always felt left out of the sushi craze, but these are right up my alley — and that spicy sauce? Just hand me that spoon!
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
February 21, 2015 at 4:53 pmOk, that is the FUNNEST way to spend Valentine’s Day ever! Come over next year please? 🙂 Seriously though, I get into obsessive streaks also and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that! Love this spicy tofu roll! Pinned!
Liz says
February 21, 2015 at 7:43 pmI’ll probably be watching the Academy Awards in my pjs. But I sure wish I had a plate of your spicy tofu rolls parked next to me! They look terrific!!
Andrea @ Chocolate & Sea Salt says
February 22, 2015 at 5:54 amOH I love these rolls! We’ve been too afraid to attempt sushi at home because of the raw fish factor, but there’s not fear with tofu. And that spicy sauce – YUM. These look great. Pinning 🙂
Mir says
February 23, 2015 at 8:03 amI’m SO addicted to spicy rolls! When I was pregnant and couldn’t eat the raw fish, I made endless spicy crunchy veggie rolls. It wasn’t the same, but it helped…
Love the idea to use tofu! I wish I’d thought of that years ago whilst being knocked up. But hey, they’ll work now! I can’t wait to try!
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
February 24, 2015 at 2:26 amI’m a huge tofu fan, so these spicy tofu rolls sound AMAZING to me. I’ve never thought to put tofu in my sushi before, but now I think I need to have another sushi night just to try this! Amazing! The roll is so beautiful too!
THE HUNGRY MUM says
February 26, 2015 at 4:29 amyep, I could def demolish a plate of these #yum
Kathleen | HapaNom says
February 27, 2015 at 3:53 amYes! I love, love, love this post! First off, I’m a big tofu fan and… I just got a spiralizer, but I haven’t used it yet! I’m totally using your post to make my first spiralizer dish!