1 cup sushi rice

2 cups water

2 Tbsp rice vinegar

2 Tbsp turbinado sugar

½ tsp salt

1 cup diced watermelon

2 Tbsp tamari sauce

1 Tbsp rice vinegar

1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil

1 tsp maple or agave nectar

½ tsp grated fresh ginger

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp red chili pepper flakes

2 tsp crushed nori or sea kelp

1 ripe avocado, sliced

½ cup sliced carrots

½ cup cucumber, sliced and quartered

½ cup cooked edamame

¼ cup vegan mayonnaise

1 Tbsp sriracha sauce

1 Tbsp lime juice

Black sesame seeds, wasabi and sushi ginger for garnish (optional)

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

In a medium saucepan, combine the sushi rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.

In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, sugar and salt until the sugar and salt dissolve. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the vinegar mixture over the rice. Mix gently with a spatula to coat the rice evenly. Let the rice cool to room temperature.

In a separate bowl, combine tamari sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple or agave, grated ginger, minced garlic, red chili pepper flakes, and crushed nori to make the marinade for the watermelon.

Place the diced watermelon in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Assemble the bowl by arranging the sushi rice at the bottom. Top it with the marinated watermelon, sliced avocado, sliced carrots, julienned cucumber and cooked edamame.

Mix together the vegan mayonnaise and sriracha.

Drizzle the lime juice and spicy mayo over the bowl. Garnish the bowl with black sesame seeds, wasabi and sushi ginger if desired. Serve the watermelon “tuna” sashimi bowl immediately and enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Christina Gdisis, a vegan lifestyle coach, chef, speaker and owner of Compassionate Filled Life. For more information including additional recipes, upcoming classes and tips for living a conscious, vegan lifestyle, visit CompassionateFilledLife.com.