8 Fresh Vegan Onigiri Recipes

Holy onigiri, Batman! 🍙 Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha. We’re about to dive into 8 fresh vegan onigiri recipes that’ll knock your socks off and have you wondering why you ever settled for plain old rice balls.

I’ve teamed up with some of the coolest vegan chefs around to bring you these mind-blowing creations. Whether you’re a spice fiend, a veggie lover, or just someone who enjoys stuffing their face with delicious hand-held treats, we’ve got you covered.

From zesty lemon-infused delights to hearty mushroom masterpieces, these onigiri are so good, you might just forget about your other favorite foods. (Sorry, avocado toast, you’ve been dethroned!)

So, grab your nori sheets and let’s get rolling! Trust me, by the end of this article, you’ll be an onigiri-making machine, impressing friends and family with your newfound skills. Who knows, you might even start an underground onigiri club. (First rule of Onigiri Club: Always talk about Onigiri Club.)

Avocado and Cucumber Onigiri

Alright, avocado lovers, this one’s for you! 🥑

Mix mashed avocado with diced cucumber, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

Form your rice into a triangle or ball, make a little pocket, and stuff that creamy goodness right in there.

Wrap it up in nori, and BAM! You’ve got yourself a portable guacamole party.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some sesame seeds on the outside for that extra crunch factor.

I once made these for a picnic, and let’s just say, I became the most popular person in the park. Even the squirrels were eyeing my onigiri with envy!

Spicy Kimchi Onigiri

Buckle up, spice enthusiasts! This one’s got a kick that’ll wake you up faster than your morning coffee. ☕

Chop up some vegan kimchi (yes, it exists, and it’s AMAZING) and mix it with a dollop of vegan mayo for creaminess.

Stuff that zesty mixture into your rice ball, wrap it in nori, and prepare for a flavor explosion in your mouth.

Fair warning: You might want to have a glass of water nearby. Or, if you’re like me, just embrace the burn and let those endorphins flow!

I once ate three of these in a row on a dare. Let’s just say, my taste buds went on a wild adventure, and I may or may not have breathed fire for the next hour.

Teriyaki Tofu Onigiri

Who says vegans can’t enjoy that sweet and savory teriyaki goodness? Not me, that’s for sure!

Marinate some firm tofu in teriyaki sauce, then pan-fry it until it’s nice and crispy.

Chop it up, stuff it in your rice ball, and wrap it in nori. Drizzle a little extra teriyaki sauce on top if you’re feeling saucy (pun absolutely intended).

This onigiri is so good, it might just convert some tofu skeptics. I’ve seen it happen, folks. It’s like tofu magic in rice form!

Mango and Coconut Onigiri

Get ready for a tropical vacation in your mouth! 🏝️

Mix diced ripe mango with shredded coconut and a tiny splash of coconut milk.

Stuff this sunshine mixture into your rice ball, wrap it up, and transport yourself to a beach paradise with every bite.

I like to make these when I’m stuck at home but dreaming of a tropical getaway. It’s cheaper than a plane ticket and almost as satisfying!

Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of lime zest to really make those flavors pop. It’s like a piña colada in onigiri form!

Roasted Red Pepper and Hummus Onigiri

Mediterranean meets Japanese in this flavor-packed onigiri that’ll make your taste buds do the tango.

Spread a layer of hummus on your rice, top it with chopped roasted red peppers, and maybe throw in some fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy.

Form your rice ball, wrap it up, and prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll have you saying “Opa!” and “Arigato!” in the same breath.

I once brought these to a potluck, and they disappeared faster than my willpower at a vegan bakery. True story.

Curried Chickpea Onigiri

Calling all curry lovers! This one’s for you, and it’s about to rock your world.

Mash up some chickpeas with your favorite curry powder, a squeeze of lemon, and a dollop of vegan yogurt for creaminess.

Stuff this spicy, tangy mixture into your rice ball, wrap it up, and get ready for a flavor party in your mouth.

Fair warning: These are addictive. I once ate so many that I started to worry I might turn yellow from all the turmeric. (Spoiler alert: I didn’t, but the deliciousness was totally worth the momentary panic.)

Smoked Carrot “Lox” Onigiri

Who says vegans can’t enjoy “lox”? This carrot version will blow your mind and maybe even fool some non-vegan friends.

Thinly slice carrots and marinate them in a mixture of liquid smoke, soy sauce, and a touch of maple syrup. Let them sit overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Layer these smoky carrot slices with some vegan cream cheese in your rice ball, wrap it up, and prepare to be amazed.

I served these at a brunch once, and my friends refused to believe there wasn’t actual lox in them. Mission accomplished!

Edamame and Wasabi Onigiri

Get ready for a protein-packed punch with a spicy kick!

Mash up some cooked edamame with a bit of wasabi paste (adjust according to your spice tolerance, unless you want to clear your sinuses for the next week).

Stuff this green goodness into your rice ball, wrap it up, and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and satisfying.

Word of caution: Maybe don’t eat these right before a first date. Unless, of course, your date is into wasabi breath. Hey, no judgment here!

And there you have it, folks! Eight vegan onigiri recipes that’ll make your taste buds dance and your stomach sing. 🎶

These handheld delights are perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, or those nights when you just can’t be bothered to use a fork. (We’ve all been there, right?)

Remember, the beauty of onigiri is in its versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite flavors and create your own unique combinations. Who knows? You might just invent the next big thing in the onigiri world!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab that rice cooker, dust off your nori sheets, and get ready to become an onigiri master. Your stomach (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.

And hey, if you end up loving these recipes as much as I do, you might just find yourself starting sentences with “Back in my pre-onigiri days…” Trust me, it’s a great conversation starter at parties.

Now go forth and spread the onigiri love! And remember, in the wise words of… well, me: “Life is too short for boring rice balls.” 🍙✌️