Smoky Avocado Roll - a smoky veggie "lox" so astonishingly similar to the real thing - in flavor and texture - when paired with classic flavors you remember.
You know how so many say "I could be vegan except for cheese?"
That was never my statement - mine would have been "vegan except for smoked salmon" and "vegan except for bagels and lox."
That smoky flavor paired with briny capers and a cream cheese bagel? What I always ordered from hotel room service. What was often my brunch choice, along with my mimosa.
Well, that is still my brunch choice.
At a sushi counter, I'd look for and order the salmon.
This was before going vegan, of course. If I am honest I do still give the lox a wistful look on the menu, wishing for a plant based version of that flavor.
My wishes have been answered, my friends.
I wish I could take credit for this genius, but it is the genius of my friend Erin. She also loved the lox prior to becoming vegan, and has been experimenting with slow salt roasting techniques recently. When she first posted photos of this veggie fascination, I could not wait to try it myself.
The flavors are smoky, the texture is spot on velvety soft. When you enjoy this "lox" with flavors like the sushi I have paired it with (avocado, tamari, pickled ginger and wasabi), the flavor is incredibly similar. This is a simple avocado roll, with more avocado and "lox" on top.
I also paired the "lox" with a cream cheese bagel and capers - again, the flavors are good enough for me! I no longer have to check into a hotel for one of my favorite breakfasts - I just have to have a good amount of salt and the good sense to plan ahead a couple days.
Phenomenal. This is a game changer, guys.
To see the technique for this awesomeness, please visit Erin here: Carrot Lox.
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel says
YUM! this is amazing sushi!
CARLA says
so so so stunning to boot.
<3
Kristina Sloggett says
THANKS! it is pretty darn fun.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
No way - this is really cool! I'm not vegan, but I love trying vegan dishes. This sounds so interesting and delicious!
Kristina Sloggett says
right, Patricia? really fun!
Elena says
Mine is "vegan except cheese"! I love avocado rolls- have you tried fried sweet potato and avocado? It's phenomenal!
Kristina Sloggett says
YES Elena, here in Portland we have a restaurant that includes an extensive vegan menu, Departure (the exec chef the recent top two finalist on Top Chef...) my favorite sushi roll there is the "Sweet Potato Tempura Roll" oh so good!
Nibbles By Nic says
Wow is this unique and super clever! Love the replication of the salmon…it looks absolutely divine! xo Nic
Kristina Sloggett says
it WAS divine, Nic! I have more marinating right now... ha! xo!
Lauren @ Wicked Spatula says
How cool is this?! It looks the exact same as smoked salmon! I'm too intrigued not to try it!
Kristina Sloggett says
oh I hope you do, Lauren!! I enjoyed it, totally blown away how good this tasted with the familiar flavors...
fabiola@notjustbaked says
Very interesting!
Kristina Sloggett says
right, Fabiola? I love it!
Debra @ Bowl Me Over says
Oh my gosh, this looks incredible! I don't care if this is a fake out - it stands on it's own, YUM!!!
Kristina Sloggett says
thanks Debra! I know, isn't it incredible? it really has great flavor too.