Vegan Sushi Bowl Recipe for a Fresh and Healthy Meal

Updated On: October 4, 2025

If you love the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients of traditional sushi but want to skip the fish and embrace a plant-based lifestyle, this vegan sushi bowl recipe is perfect for you. It captures all the essence of sushi in a convenient, colorful bowl that’s easy to customize and even easier to enjoy.

With a base of seasoned sushi rice and an array of crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and savory tofu, this recipe delivers a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, just exploring plant-based options, or simply looking for a delicious, healthy meal, this sushi bowl is a fantastic choice. It’s quick to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for meal prep or a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable to your favorite veggies and toppings. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how you can make it your own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan sushi bowl combines the best parts of sushi—freshness, texture, and umami—without any complicated rolling or raw fish. It’s a one-bowl meal that offers:

  • Ease and convenience: No sushi mat required, just simple layering of ingredients.
  • Customizable flavors: Swap vegetables based on what you have or prefer.
  • Healthy, balanced nutrition: Protein-packed tofu, fiber-rich vegetables, and energizing sushi rice.
  • Vibrant presentation: Beautiful colors and textures that make eating fun.
  • Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go lunch.

Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy sushi flavors while feeding your body with plant-powered goodness.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sushi rice
  • 1 1/4 cups water (for cooking rice)
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 200g firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 medium cucumber, julienned
  • 1 large carrot, shredded or julienned
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup edamame beans, shelled and cooked
  • 2 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Pickled ginger, for garnish
  • Optional: wasabi paste, for serving
  • Optional: sliced green onions, for garnish

Equipment

  • Rice cooker or medium saucepan, for cooking sushi rice
  • Mixing bowl
  • Non-stick skillet or frying pan, for tofu
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowls

Instructions

  1. Cook the sushi rice: Rinse the 1 cup sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and 1 1/4 cups water in a rice cooker or saucepan. Cook according to the rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes.
  2. Season the rice: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until dissolved. Gently fold the vinegar mixture into the cooked rice while it’s still warm. Spread the rice out to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the tofu: Press extra water from the tofu for 15 minutes. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Pour in 2 tablespoons soy sauce during the last minute to glaze the tofu. Remove from heat.
  4. Prepare vegetables: Julienne the cucumber and carrot. Slice the avocado just before serving to avoid browning. Cook and shell the edamame if not pre-cooked.
  5. Assemble the sushi bowl: Divide the seasoned sushi rice into bowls. Arrange tofu, cucumber, carrot, avocado slices, edamame, and nori strips on top of the rice in sections or mixed, according to your preference.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the bowls. Add a side of pickled ginger and a small dollop of wasabi paste if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra flavor boost, try adding a drizzle of vegan spicy mayo made from vegan mayo and sriracha. You can also swap tofu for tempeh or add marinated mushrooms for a different protein source.”

  • Rice alternatives: Use brown sushi rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
  • Vegetable swaps: Include bell peppers, radishes, snap peas, or roasted sweet potatoes.
  • Protein options: Grilled tempeh, edamame hummus, or even chickpeas make great alternatives.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check all condiments.
  • Meal prep tip: Keep the rice and tofu separate from fresh veggies until ready to eat to maintain freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving
Calories 450 kcal
Protein 18 g
Carbohydrates 58 g
Fiber 8 g
Fat 14 g
Sodium 600 mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegan sushi bowl pairs wonderfully with light sides and refreshing drinks. Consider serving it with a crisp seaweed salad or a simple cucumber sunomono to enhance the fresh flavors.

For a refreshing beverage, try green tea or sparkling water with a slice of lemon. If you want something heartier, a side of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating complements the meal nicely.

Leftovers can be repurposed into sushi wraps using nori sheets or enjoyed as a cold salad the next day.

Conclusion

Creating a vegan sushi bowl is a delightful way to enjoy the essence of sushi in a fresh, accessible, and healthy manner. With simple ingredients like seasoned sushi rice, crispy tofu, and a colorful medley of vegetables, this recipe is both satisfying and nourishing.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing friends with a vibrant plant-based dish.

Because it’s so easy to customize, you can make it your own by experimenting with different veggies, proteins, and dressings. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out other delicious plant-based ideas like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a comforting meal.

Happy cooking and enjoy your vibrant vegan sushi bowl!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Sushi Bowl

Description: A fresh and flavorful vegan sushi bowl packed with veggies and seasoned rice. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
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
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup edamame, shelled
  • 2 sheets nori, sliced thinly
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  2. Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 18 minutes.
  3. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt; fold into cooked rice and let cool.
  4. Prepare vegetables: dice cucumber, shred carrots, slice avocado, and shell edamame.
  5. Divide sushi rice into bowls.
  6. Top each bowl with cucumber, carrots, avocado, edamame, and nori strips.
  7. Drizzle soy sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds over the bowls.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 50 g

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Marta K

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