Tropicana

Tropicana

Word from the author:

"Tired of the same old salmon and tuna? It's time to take your taste buds on a tropical vacation. The Tropicana Roll is a delightful and unconventional sushi experience that blurs the line between main course and dessert."

(4.1 / 5)

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

 

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the Fillings: Peel and slice the banana and avocado into long, thin strips.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.
  5. 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.