Soy-Free Hand Roll Sushi (Temaki)

Delight in the simplicity and bold flavors of Soy-Free Hand Roll Sushi (Temaki), a customizable twist on traditional Japanese sushi that's perfect for at-home sushi nights. This recipe swaps soy sauce for naturally vibrant ingredients like pickled ginger, cucumber, creamy avocado, and tender crab, all wrapped in crisp nori sheets for an easy-to-hold, flavor-packed experience. The sushi rice is perfectly seasoned with tangy rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, giving each bite a subtle balance of sweet and savory. These hand rolls are light yet satisfying, ideal for anyone seeking a soy-free sushi alternative or an interactive meal for gatherings. With just 30 minutes of prep and customizable fillings, this recipe is your gateway to crafting restaurant-worthy temaki in your own kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 5

Ingredients

• 2 cups Sushi rice
• 2.5 cups Water
• 3 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 5 Nori sheets
• 1 Cucumber, julienned
• 1 Carrot, julienned
• 1 Avocado, sliced
• 8 ounces Crab meat or crab sticks
• 1 ounce Pickled ginger
• 1 teaspoon Wasabi (optional)
• 5 leaves Leafy green lettuce

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

Combine the rinsed rice and 2.5 cups of water in a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to your rice cooker's instructions, or simmer in a pot on low heat until the water is absorbed, around 15 minutes.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar and salt dissolve, then let it cool to room temperature.

Step 4

Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large wooden or glass bowl. Gently fold in the cooled vinegar mixture using a wooden spatula or spoon. Spread the rice out to speed cooling.

Step 5

Prepare the nori sheets by cutting them in half, if not already done.

Step 6

Place one half-sheet of nori, shiny side down, in your hand. Wet your fingers with water to prevent sticking, and spread a small amount of rice on one-third of the nori, leaving the top corner rice-free.

Step 7

Place a small leaf of lettuce on top of the rice, then add a slice of cucumber, carrot, a slice of avocado, a small amount of crab meat, and top with a piece of pickled ginger. Add a small dab of wasabi if using.

Step 8

Fold the nori into a cone shape starting from the bottom left corner and rolling towards the top right corner to form a hand roll.

Step 9

Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients. Serve immediately with additional pickled ginger and wasabi on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1703.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1236.0

Total Fat 26.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 120.1mg	0%
Sodium 5443.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 183.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.3g	0%
Total Sugars 32.8g
Protein 63.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 340.4mg	0%
Iron 7.1mg	0%
Potassium 2440.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 19.6%

Protein: 20.7%

Carbs: 59.7%