Ultimate Sushi Pockets: Sweet, Spicy, and Teriyaki Twists!

Ultimate Sushi Pockets: Sweet, Spicy, & Teriyaki Twists!

If you love sushi but want something easy to make and packed with flavours, these Ultimate Sushi Pockets are for you! Made with savoury plant-based ground and fluffy sushi rice, all tucked into juicy, sweet tofu pockets, they’re a perfect balance of flavour and texture. Plus, you can customize them with spicy, teriyaki-glazed, or Korean gochujang fusion variations. Let’s dive in!

What Are Inari Sushi Pockets?

Inari sushi (or inarizushi) is a type of Japanese sushi where seasoned rice is stuffed into sweet and juicy tofu skins (inari pockets). Traditionally simple, we’re giving them a delicious plant-based upgrade with The Better Butchers plant-based ground and some exciting flavour variations!

The Recipe

Ingredients

For the Inari Pockets:

• 15 inari tofu pockets (store-bought or homemade)

For the Sushi Rice:

• 1 cup sushi rice, rinsed

• 1 ¼ cups water

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• ½ tsp salt

For the Plant-Based Filling:

• 1 package The Better Butchers plant-based ground

• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp mirin (or maple syrup for sweetness)

Optional Add-Ins & Toppings:

• ¼ cup finely chopped cucumber

• ¼ cup finely chopped carrots

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

• 1 tbsp chopped green onions

• Pickled ginger and wasabi (for serving)
  
  

  

Customize Your Sushi Pockets!

🔥 Spicy Variation:

• Add 1 tsp chili flakes or 1 tsp sriracha to the plant-based filling while cooking.

• Drizzle spicy mayo (2 tbsp vegan mayo + 1 tsp sriracha) on top before serving.

• Sprinkle crushed nori and extra sesame seeds for extra umami!

🍯 Teriyaki-Glazed Variation:

• Replace soy sauce with 4 tbsp teriyaki sauce in the filling.

• Add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water to thicken the sauce while cooking.

• Brush the filled inari pockets with extra teriyaki glaze before serving.

• Garnish with thinly sliced avocado and extra sesame seeds.

🌶️ Korean Gochujang Fusion Variation:

• Replace soy sauce with 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) and 2 tsp maple syrup.

• Stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and 2 tbsp finely chopped kimchi for extra flavour.

• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, and a drizzle of extra gochujang sauce.

• Serve with a side of pickled daikon (danmuji) or extra kimchi.

Instructions

1. Cook the Sushi Rice:

   • In a pot, combine rinsed sushi rice and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to low heat. Cook for 15 minutes, then let sit off the heat for 10 minutes.

   • Mix rice vinegar, maple syrup, and salt, then gently fold into the rice. Let cool to room temperature.

2. Prepare the Plant-Based Ground:

   • In a pan over medium heat, add The Better Butchers plant-based ground. Cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.

   • Add soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and mirin. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

   • (For variations, follow the adjustments in the customization section.)

3. Assemble the Inari Pockets:

   • Carefully open each inari pocket and fill with a mixture of sushi rice and the seasoned plant-based ground.

   • Gently press to shape, ensuring an even filling.

4. Garnish & Serve:

   • Sprinkle with chopped cucumbers, carrots, sesame seeds, and green onions.

   • (For the spicy version, drizzle with spicy mayo and top with crushed nori.)

   • (For the teriyaki version, brush with extra teriyaki glaze and top with sliced avocado.)

   • (For the Korean gochujang version, drizzle with extra gochujang sauce and serve with pickled daikon.)

   • Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your sushi pockets with miso soup, edamame, or a crisp seaweed salad for a complete meal. These pockets are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.

Why You’ll Love These Inari Sushi Pockets

✔ Easy to make – No sushi rolling required!
✔ Customizable – Choose from sweet, spicy, or savoury variations.
✔ Plant-based goodness – Uses The Better Butchers plant-based ground for a hearty, satisfying bite.
✔ Perfect for meal prep – Great for lunchboxes or quick snacks!

Final Thoughts

Whether you go for the classic, spicy, teriyaki, or Korean gochujang version, these inari sushi pockets are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re packed with flavour, fun to make, and a great way to enjoy plant-based sushi at home.

Would you like to see more fusion sushi ideas? Let us know on Instagram! 🍣😊