How to Make Veggie Hand Rolls with Spicy Tofu

healthy veggie hand roll with tofu

Typically, everyone always talks about the negative effects of social media, but a few days ago my mom shared a fascinating study with me which found that people were eating healthier and more adventurous foods because they wanted to show it off on the ‘gram. Regardless of the reason, I love that we are all expanding our culinary horizons. Maybe a few years ago my lunch choice would not have been a veggie hand roll with spicy tofu, but today it is. Maybe instagram made me do it 🙂 Or maybe it’s a culinary trend, like the kind S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water has been compiling thanks to acclaimed chefs and lifestyle influencers. Now, they have an amazing list of trends you can look up for your own city, especially if you’re in NY and LA. Spoiler alert: Asian foods are trending! You can also check out their Taste Guide and find favorite trendy restaurants and recipes. First though, read on for these veggie hand rolls with spicy tofu. They’re life changing, even if you don’t instagram about them!

 veggie hand roll

how to make healthy veggie roll

How to Make Veggie Hand Rolls with Spicy Tofu

My favorite part about this meal is that you can make all of the ingredients ahead of time, and then simply compile everything together over the next few days, or whenever you need a snack. I’ll start with how I prepare the tofu, and then how to work with seaweed.

*Tofu needs to be drained prior to cooking, so to prepare your tofu first by taking it out of the packaging. Then place the block of tofu onto a paper towel lined surface. Cover with more paper towels and then top with a heavy object, like a cast-iron skillet. This will help eliminate all liquids from the tofu. I typically just buy the sprouted, extra firm and organic tofu from Trader Joe’s.

*You don’t necessarily need to prepare sushi rice for this dish, but it is easier to work with the sticky rice. I used sushi rice here, then gently mixed it with a dash of rice vinegar and sugar.

* You can use any veggies you have on hand, and you can also use fruit like mangos or strawberries—if you really want to be adventurous!

healthy vegetarian hand roll

Ingredients ( makes 4 rolls)

2 large sheets of seaweed cut in half

1 cup of sushi rice

1/2 of a yellow pepper, julienned

1 cucumber, julienned

1 carrot, thinly sliced ( I used a potato peeler to get it super thin!)

1 block of tofu, cut into long quarters

1/2 teaspoon of rice vinegar

1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil

a small dollop of Sriracha

1/4 cup of sesame seeds

Directions

veggie hand roll

veggie hand roll with spicy tofu

veggie hand roll

1.Set your tofu to dry. Ideally two hours ahead of time, but at least give it a half hour to drain if you’re pressed for time.

2. Prepare your rice according to directions.

3. Mix together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and Sriracha. Once tofu is dry, cut into long cubes and coat with the rice vinegar and soy sauce mixture. Set aside.

4. Cut your prefered veggies and/or fruit

5. Place a pan on medium heat and add tofu. Let the tofu brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes before taking it off the heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

6. Assemble your hand roll by cutting your seaweed sheet in half and placing the rice diagonally on one left edge of the seaweed. Seaweed should be shiny side down.

7. Add tofu and veggies. Now, starting at rice-covered edge, roll up your seaweed into a cone.

8. Enjoy outside with a deliciously refreshing S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water.

veggie hand roll

As always, I’d love to hear from you if you try this recipe, and don’t forget to check out the S.Pellegrino Taste Guide which explores U.S. cities through the eyes of acclaimed chefs and lifestyle influencers.

9 Comments

  • Reply Priscilla July 10, 2017 at 2:21 PM

    this looks so good. and great photography to capture it! and all veggie! it’s perfect!

  • Reply Sharon Chen July 10, 2017 at 7:10 AM

    These rolls look really yummy! I like food with a kick of spice so this really works 🙂

  • Reply Ashley July 9, 2017 at 7:08 PM

    I’ve never made anything with tofu so I may just have to try this out! It looks delicious!

  • Reply Patricia July 8, 2017 at 7:50 PM

    I want to try this!! Thanks for sharing! Yum!!!

    • Reply ... besos, ALINA July 8, 2017 at 10:01 PM

      I hope you do! Let me know what you think ?

  • Reply Jenn July 7, 2017 at 12:36 PM

    I’ve got to start cooking tofu again! these look amazing!

    • Reply ... besos, ALINA July 7, 2017 at 8:13 PM

      Yes it’s always a nice option when you get sick of your usual protein ?

  • Reply Yana | Smile Is It July 7, 2017 at 9:24 AM

    This looks so perfect for summer! Light and yummy!
    I shared my favorite local place for the campaign! Check it out!

    • Reply ... besos, ALINA July 7, 2017 at 12:02 PM

      Thanks for stopping by! Can’t wait to check out your fave spots.

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