Sushi is a beloved dish worldwide, known for its delicate flavors, fresh ingredients, and artistic presentation. But did you know you can enjoy all the goodness of sushi without using any animal products?
Our vegan sushi rolls recipe brings together vibrant vegetables, creamy avocado, and perfectly seasoned sushi rice to create a delicious and healthy alternative that everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi lover or new to plant-based eating, this recipe is easy to follow and customizable to your taste.
Making sushi at home is not only fun but also allows you to experiment with different fillings and flavors. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress guests or enjoy a nutritious meal packed with fiber and antioxidants.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the colorful world of vegan sushi!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan sushi rolls recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. Unlike traditional sushi, it’s completely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption.
Easy to make at home: With just a few basic ingredients and tools, you can create sushi rolls that rival your favorite restaurant.
Customizable fillings: Love cucumber? Prefer crunchy carrots?
Or maybe you want some marinated tofu? This recipe is flexible and adapts to your cravings.
Healthy and nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from avocado, and fiber-rich rice, the rolls are satisfying without feeling heavy.
Plus, rolling sushi is a fun activity that can bring family and friends together. For more exciting vegan dishes, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet finish or try the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to complement your meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice (short-grain Japanese rice)
- 2 1/2 cups water (for cooking rice)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed sheets)
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned
- 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup pickled radish (optional)
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, sliced thinly (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Wasabi paste and pickled ginger (for serving)
Equipment
- Rice cooker or medium saucepan
- Bamboo sushi rolling mat
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large bowl for mixing rice
- Wooden spoon or rice paddle
- Small bowl for vinegar mixture
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice: Place the sushi rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- Cook the rice: Combine the rinsed rice and 2 1/2 cups water in a rice cooker or saucepan. If using a saucepan, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the sushi vinegar: In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
- Season the rice: Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture using a wooden spoon. Be careful not to mash the rice. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the fillings: While the rice cools, julienne the cucumber and carrot, slice the avocado, and slice tofu if using. Set aside.
- Assemble the sushi rolls: Place a bamboo rolling mat on a flat surface and lay a sheet of nori shiny side down. Using wet hands (to prevent sticking), spread a thin, even layer of rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top free of rice.
- Add the fillings: Lay a line of cucumber, carrot, avocado slices, pickled radish, and tofu (if using) along the edge closest to you.
- Roll the sushi: Using the bamboo mat, carefully lift the edge and roll it over the fillings, pressing gently but firmly. Continue rolling until the entire sheet is rolled up. Use the uncovered strip of nori to seal the roll.
- Slice the rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 6-8 pieces. Clean the knife between cuts to maintain clean edges.
- Serve: Arrange the sushi on a platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.
Tips & Variations
“For perfectly sticky sushi rice, avoid skipping the rinsing step—it’s key!”
Here are some tips to elevate your vegan sushi making experience:
- Use a sharp knife to get clean, neat slices of your sushi rolls.
- Try substituting tofu with marinated tempeh or grilled mushrooms for a different flavor.
- For extra crunch, add sliced bell peppers or toasted nuts inside the rolls.
- Use black or brown sushi rice for a healthier twist.
- Don’t have a bamboo mat? Use a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with plastic wrap as a makeshift roller.
Explore more creative vegan recipes like our Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals or try some Vegan Soft Serve Recipe: Creamy, Easy, and Delicious Idea for a refreshing dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (2 rolls) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 42 g |
Protein | 5 g |
Fat | 4 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
This recipe is naturally low in fat and cholesterol-free. Using tamari instead of soy sauce reduces sodium content for a heart-healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
Vegan sushi rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can also be packed for lunch or a picnic. Pair your rolls with:
- Edamame beans steamed and lightly salted
- A light seaweed salad dressed with sesame oil and rice vinegar
- Miso soup made vegan with tofu and seaweed
- Refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar and chili flakes
For a complete vegan meal, add a side of our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating that complements the sushi’s fresh flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
Making vegan sushi rolls at home is a rewarding and delicious way to enjoy a classic Japanese dish with a plant-based twist. This recipe balances simple ingredients with fresh, vibrant flavors, proving that healthy eating can be exciting and satisfying.
Whether you’re a vegan veteran or exploring new culinary horizons, these sushi rolls offer a delightful experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
With endless possibilities for fillings and sauces, you can tailor each roll to your preferences or what’s in season. Plus, rolling your own sushi is a fun and creative activity to share with friends or family.
Don’t forget to check out other flavorful plant-based dishes like our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to keep your menu fresh and exciting. Happy rolling!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Sushi Rolls
Description: Delicious and healthy vegan sushi rolls packed with fresh vegetables and seasoned rice. Perfect for a light meal or snack.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 1 small avocado, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup pickled radish, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse sushi rice until water runs clear.
- Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
- Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt; fold into cooked rice and let cool.
- Place nori sheet on bamboo mat and spread a thin layer of rice evenly.
- Arrange cucumber, avocado, carrot, and pickled radish on rice.
- Roll tightly using the bamboo mat, then slice into pieces.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve with soy sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 42 g
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