The Tropicana Roll: A Simple & Sweet Vegan Sushi
Tired of the same old sushi rolls? The Tropicana is something different. It’s a sweet, tropical, and unique “dessert” roll that’s incredibly easy to make. With just creamy banana, fresh avocado, and a crunchy topping, it’s a perfect way to try a new kind of sushi.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Yields: 2 rolls (16 pieces) Cuisine: Vegan, Fusion
Ingredients
For the Sushi Rice:
- 3/4 cup uncooked Japanese short-grain (sushi) rice
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Roll & Topping:
- 2 sheets of nori (seaweed)
- 1 ripe but firm banana
- 1/2 ripe but firm avocado
- 1 tbsp toasted black sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp toasted unsweetened coconut flakes
Equipment
- Bamboo sushi mat (makisu)
- Plastic wrap
- Sharp knife
Instructions
- Prepare the Sushi Rice: Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Cook it with 1 cup of water in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. While the rice is cooking, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl, drizzle the vinegar mixture over it, and gently fold it in. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Fillings: Peel and slice the banana and avocado into long, thin strips.
- Assemble the Roll (Inside-Out Style):
- Wrap your bamboo mat in plastic wrap to prevent sticking.
- Place a sheet of nori on the mat, shiny-side down.
- Wet your hands and spread half of the cooled sushi rice in a thin, even layer over the entire nori sheet.
- Carefully flip the nori over so the rice is facing down on the mat.
- Arrange half of the banana and avocado strips in a line across the center of the nori.
- Roll and Slice:
- Using the mat, lift the edge of the nori and roll it tightly over the filling. Continue rolling, applying gentle pressure to create a firm log.
- Mix the toasted sesame seeds and coconut flakes on a plate. Gently roll the finished sushi log over the mixture to coat the outside.
- Use a very sharp, wet knife to slice the roll into 8 equal pieces.
- Finish and Serve: Repeat the process to make the second roll. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

A Quick Tip
- For a sweeter roll, simply cut your banana strips a little thicker.
Wow! I’m really glad I stumbled to this post. I’ve been looking forward to learn this, sounds pretty simple. I will be back after trying it. Xoxo