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Sushi Balls

AT

By

Ago Tanfossi

Chef and recipe curator at Global Cucina

Published on March 25, 2026

Updated on April 15, 2026

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Small, colorful, and full of flavor: these vegan sushi balls are perfect for adding a touch of cheer and freshness to your table. This is a homemade version of sushi, called temari sushi or sushi balls, often served for the Hinamatsuri, or girls' festival. I think it's a light and creative idea, ideal for summer, to be enjoyed cold for lunch or served as an alternative appetizer during a dinner with friends.

These vegan sushi balls offer a light and creative twist on traditional Japanese cuisine, perfect for those who love the concept of sushi but prefer plant-based options. The colorful filling and vibrant rice make them a delightful treat, especially during summer months when they can be served cold or as part of a light meal with friends.

10 servings
Capolavoro Score 4.8/5 · 22 votes
Sushi Balls

Ingredients

  • 5 oz Rice
  • 6 1/2 fl oz Water
  • Salt
  • 2 tsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1.3 oz formaggio spalmabile vegetale
  • 1/2 Carrot
  • 1/2 green bell pepper
  • 1/2 zucchina
  • Fresh ginger
  • black pepper
  • polvere di barbabietola
  • turmeric
  • spirulina in polvere

Equipment

  • Heavy Bottomed Saucepan
  • Work Surface
  • Plastic Wrap

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse the rice with fresh water, changing the water several times, until it becomes clear, in order to remove all the starch. Transfer the rice to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and add the amount of water indicated in the ingredients, then cook over medium heat until it boils, then cover the saucepan with a lid and cook for 12 minutes over low heat without lifting the lid.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables: peel and dice them into very small pieces, as you can see in the picture.

  3. 3

    Combine them in a bowl and mix in vegan cream cheese, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.

  4. 4

    Once the rice is cooked, season it with salt, sugar, and vinegar.

  5. 5

    Divide it into 3 bowls and add a different powder (turmeric, spirulina, beetroot) to each, in order to color it.

  6. 6

    Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a work surface, place a handful of rice on it, flatten it, and place some of the filling in the center, then, using the plastic wrap, wrap the rice around the filling.

  7. 7

    Repeat until all the ingredients are used.

  8. 8

    The sushi balls are ready, now you just have to serve them.

Ago's Notes

  • Adjust the salt according to the salt content of the ingredients.

What's more rewarding than sharing a well-balanced dish where each ingredient finds its place? I hope these sushi balls have inspired you to explore the simplicity and depth of good food. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with other dishes, they bring a unique flavor and visual appeal to any meal.

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