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Valentine’s Heart-Shaped Sushi Rolls

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These adorable heart-shaped sushi rolls are perfect for date nights, family celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a little extra love. Easy to make, customizable, and packed with fresh flavors, they’re sure to win hearts at first bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups sushi rice (short-grain, rinsed well)
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar (or plain rice vinegar + 2 Tbsp sugar + 1 tsp salt)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced thin
  • 1/2 English cucumber, cut into thin strips
  • 4 imitation crab sticks (kanikama) or cooked shrimp, cut into strips (substitute with smoked salmon, tofu, or roasted red pepper for vegan)
  • 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
  • 2–3 Tbsp cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 4–5 sheets nori (full size)
  • Sesame seeds, black or white (for garnish)
  • Plastic wrap or parchment paper (for shaping hearts)
  • Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free, for serving)
  • Pickled ginger (for serving)
  • Wasabi (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 cups sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Combine rice and 2 1/2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18-20 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
  4. Transfer rice to a large bowl and gently fold in 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar (or the sugar/salt/vinegar mix). Fan the rice as you mix. Let cool to room temperature.
  5. Slice avocado and cucumber into long, thin strips. Julienne carrots if using. Cut crab sticks or shrimp into similar-sized pieces. If using cream cheese, slice into thin strips or soften to spreadable consistency.
  6. Lay your bamboo mat on a clean surface. Top with a piece of plastic wrap or parchment.
  7. Place a small bowl of water or vinegar nearby for dipping your fingers and knife.
  8. Place a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on your prepared mat.
  9. With wet fingers, gently press about 3/4 cup sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge.
  10. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  11. Arrange a thin row of avocado, cucumber, crab (or chosen protein), and any other fillings about 1 inch from the bottom edge.
  12. Lift the edge of the mat and roll the nori over the fillings, using gentle pressure to keep everything snug.
  13. When you reach the center, use your fingers to press a crease down the top of the roll, forming a “V” shape for the heart.
  14. Continue rolling, then use the mat (with parchment still inside) to gently pinch the top into a heart shape.
  15. With a wet, sharp knife, trim the ends, then slice the roll into 6-8 pieces. Clean the knife between cuts.
  16. Arrange on a platter with the heart points facing up. Garnish as desired.
  17. Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.

Notes

Use short-grain sushi rice for best results. Don’t overfill rolls for clean heart shapes. Wet your knife between cuts for neat slices. Rolls can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free with simple swaps. Serve at room temperature for best texture. Leftovers can be stored tightly wrapped for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: sushi, heart-shaped sushi, Valentine’s Day, date night, Japanese, easy sushi, homemade sushi, gluten-free, vegetarian, romantic dinner

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/valentines-heart-shaped-sushi-rolls-easy-date-night-recipe/