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.
tamara says
This looks amazing. I tried Olives for Dinner's salt beet salmon, which was quite good. I need to give this one a try. Looks delicious!!
Kristina Sloggett says
I want to try the beets Tamara, I was wondering about the flavor... the carrots turned out great!
Kalinda says
Trying to recreate tastes and textures you like is one of the fun parts of vegan/vegetarian cooking. (Except for the times you think you have a good idea and it doesn't work.) 😉
Kristina Sloggett says
ha! all part of the process, right? but yes, when you get a winner like this, so fun!
Sheena @ Tea and Biscuits says
That's some great looking avocado rolls!
Kristina Sloggett says
thanks Sheena! I make these so often... a simple avocado roll with pickled ginger is SO good to me. now I have something fun to top them with! 🙂
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen) says
This looks so good!! I love salmon, too--I have a hard time passing it up in just about any way. This is such a clever way to get that "fix" in a new dish! Thanks for the idea!
Kristina Sloggett says
so very clever, I know! the flavor is close enough for me... 😀
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
Your rolls look amazing and the carrot lox looks fantastic! So excited to try this!
Kristina Sloggett says
thanks Marjory! and yes, this carrot lox is crazy fun - I look forward to hearing what you think!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
My sister once told me she had a genius way to make sushi.
....She bought huge romaine lettuce leaves, microwave rice and a can of tuna. She's not very smart. Off to check it out because this looks delicious!
Kristina Sloggett says
SNORT. that sounds... okay... but nowhere near sushi? hee.
there is a place I still frequent (they make me the BEST veggie rolls!), and they have one roll I just cannot agree with the idea of - it uses canned tuna salad... like, what people put on a tuna melt? just no place in a sushi joint 😉
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
That truly looks amazing! A bagel with lox and cream cheese and capers is one of my favorite breakfasts. I need to try carrot lox!
Kristina Sloggett says
yes you do, Michelle! of course it is not exact, but it is very close, especially if enjoyed in these ways, with the classic flavors we are used to. SO GOOD.
Kelly @ TastingPage says
I've been loving making vegan sushi, but I'm with you, I'm a big fan of smoked salmon 🙂
Kristina Sloggett says
vegan sushi is so fun Kelly, before I made this I had been making some fun rolls... 🙂
GiGi Eats says
I really need to try my hand at making sushi too!!!!
Kristina Sloggett says
you should! sushi is fun, it requires some patience at first, but you get the hang of it quickly! cheers!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Whoa. Vegan or no, carrot lox is so very cool. I just told Vegas we need to get a sushi mat too!
Kristina Sloggett says
yup! and when I visit we will make sushi!!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
OMG - YES!