Vegan Crab Onigiri

Delight in the ocean-inspired flavors of Vegan Crab Onigiri, a plant-based twist on the Japanese classic that brings bold taste and texture to your table. This recipe features tender hearts of palm, expertly seasoned with vegan mayonnaise, soy sauce, and a touch of sriracha to mimic the sweet, savory essence of crab. Paired with perfectly seasoned sushi rice and wrapped in crisp nori, each onigiri is a hand-held masterpiece. Easy to prepare with just 20 minutes of prep time, these vegan rice balls are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a light dinner, this recipe combines authentic Japanese-inspired techniques with a creative, cruelty-free flair. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and served with optional sriracha for extra heat, this Vegan Crab Onigiri is sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2.5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 14 ounces hearts of palm
• 2 sheets nori sheets
• 3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• 2 pieces green onions
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 0 sriracha for serving (optional)
• 0 bowl of water with a dash of salt (for shaping)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the rinsed rice and 2.5 cups of water to a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to the rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for around 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.

Step 3

Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Pour this mixture over the hot rice and gently fold it in with a spatula. Let the rice cool to room temperature.

Step 4

While the rice cools, drain the hearts of palm and shred them with a fork or chop finely to mimic crab texture. Set aside.

Step 5

Cut nori sheets into strips approximately 1-inch wide for wrapping.

Step 6

In a medium-sized bowl, combine shredded hearts of palm, vegan mayonnaise, soy sauce, sriracha, and finely chopped green onions until well mixed. This will be the filling.

Step 7

Dampen your hands with the salted water to prevent sticking. Take a handful of rice and flatten it into a small disc in your palm.

Step 8

Place a spoonful of the vegan crab filling in the center of the rice disc. Carefully shape the rice around the filling to form a triangular shape, ensuring the filling is completely wrapped by rice.

Step 9

Wrap a strip of nori around the base of each onigiri.

Step 10

Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients. Sprinkle the tops with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Step 11

Serve with additional sriracha on the side if desired for extra heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1783.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	908.9

Total Fat 15.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.5g
Cholesterol 10.2mg	0%
Sodium 5170.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 168.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.0g	0%
Total Sugars 17.9g
Protein 25.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 384.0mg	0%
Iron 6.8mg	0%
Potassium 1148.0mg	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: 15.2%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 73.7%