If you are looking for creative and innovative vegan sushi recipes, look no further. This collection of 19 recipes is sorted by produce and vegan protein, giving you lots of options to make a splash with plants. Let’s dive in!
Looking for new sushi recipes? You’ve come to the right place. Vegan sushi is all about a sea of possibilities, far beyond traditional rolls. In this guide, you’ll see how plant-based ingredients aren’t just substitutes for fish. They’re stars in their own right, perfect for creating both classic sushi rolls and easy, no-roll sushi bowls. If a google search of “vegan sushi near me” comes up short, or you just want to stay in and make sushi, this is the resource for you!
Whether you’re using crisp, fresh veggies or savory, umami-rich vegan proteins, each recipe here shows how versatile and creative plant-based sushi and vegan seafood can be. Grouped by produce or protein type, you’re set to discover an array of combinations that will redefine what sushi can be. From elegant rolls to simple, yet flavorful bowls for nights when you want sushi flavors without having to use a mat.
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Vegan Sushi: A Sustainable Choice
In this guide, we’re not just sharing delicious recipes; we’re also embracing a kinder approach to our oceans. By choosing these plant-based options, we gently navigate away from the environmental concerns often linked with traditional seafood, such as overfishing and harmful fishing practices. Each plant-based choice is a step towards enjoying fantastic flavors while also contributing to the health of our marine ecosystems. It’s all about enjoying good food and making positive choices for our planet.
Plant-Based Sushi: So Many Choices!
Your grocery store or farmers market offers lots of options for vegan sushi. Here are some of them!
Produce
Asparagus: Asparagus brings elegance to vegan sushi. When blanched, it retains a vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch, while grilling adds a smoky flavor. It pairs beautifully with creamy avocado or tangy pickled vegetables in sushi rolls.
Bell Peppers: Adding bell peppers to sushi introduces a burst of color and a sweet crunch. They work wonderfully both raw and grilled, offering a range of flavors from bright and fresh to rich and caramelized.
Cabbage: Both red and green cabbage lend a peppery crunch to sushi. Thinly sliced, it adds texture and a subtle spiciness that complements milder ingredients like tofu or cucumber.
Cauliflower: Versatile cauliflower can be pickled for a tangy bite, marinated for depth, or even used as a low-carb rice alternative. Its mild flavor makes it a great canvas for a variety of seasonings.
Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges can be zested to add a fragrant, zesty garnish or thinly sliced for a refreshing twist. They’re perfect for cutting through richer flavors in sushi.
Corn: Whether fresh, steamed, or grilled, corn adds a sweet and juicy element. Its natural sweetness pairs well with spicy or savory components, balancing the flavors in your sushi.
Eggplant: Eggplant is a sushi game-changer when grilled or roasted. It develops a meaty texture and rich flavor, making it a great stand-in for fish in plant-based sushi rolls.
Herbs and Microgreens: Fresh herbs and microgreens are not just garnishes; they’re flavor powerhouses. Cilantro, mint, and other microgreens add fresh, aromatic notes to any sushi roll.
Mushrooms: Varieties like enoki, king oyster, shiitake, and portobello are fantastic in sushi. Grilled or sautéed, they add a meaty umami richness, while marinated mushrooms bring a delightful tangy flavor.
Peas and Beans: Snap peas, snow peas, and edamame introduce a bright, sweet greenness. They add both color and a pleasant, fresh crunch, enhancing the texture profile of the sushi.
Root Vegetables: Root vegetables like beets, radishes, and turnips offer earthy flavors and vibrant colors. They can be pickled for tanginess, roasted for sweetness, or used fresh for a crisp bite.
Sprouts: Alfalfa and bean sprouts add not just crunch but also a nutritional boost. They work well in both fresh and lightly cooked forms, offering a delicate, slightly nutty flavor.
Squashes and Pumpkins: Squashes and pumpkins, especially when roasted, contribute a comforting sweetness and a soft, creamy texture, contrasting beautifully with crisp vegetables and tangy sauces.
Sweet Fruit: Fruits like mango, papaya, kiwi, watermelon or starfruit infuse sushi with a delightful sweetness and tang. They add a tropical flair and can help balance more savory or spicy flavors.
Sweet Potatoes: Whether roasted or tempura-battered, sweet potatoes introduce a hearty, comforting element. Their natural sweetness is a wonderful counterpoint to salty or spicy ingredients.
Variety of Leafy Greens: Leafy greens, ranging from spinach to kale, are incredibly versatile. They can be used as fresh, vibrant wraps or fillings, contributing both nutrition and a fresh, clean taste to sushi.
Consider choosing seasonal produce if that’s an option you have to help support local farmers.
Plant-Based Protein
Edamame and Other Legumes: Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and edamame are not just nutritious but also add a nice texture and protein punch to sushi rolls. Cooked and seasoned, they can be used as a filling, to offer a satisfying bite.
Hearts of Palm: Their flaky, tender texture makes hearts of palm a fantastic substitute for fish in vegan sushi. They can be used in innovative ways to mimic the taste and texture of fish and crab. They add a mild, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of seafood.
Jackfruit: This versatile ingredient is a great ingredient to use in vegan sushi. When shredded and seasoned, it takes on a seafood-like texture, perfect for imitating fish or crab meat. Jackfruit’s ability to absorb flavors makes it ideal for a range of sushi roll variations.
Soy Curls: These dehydrated strips of soy protein become a versatile ingredient once rehydrated. With the right seasoning, soy curls can mimic the texture of shredded meat, making them an excellent choice for creating hearty, protein-rich sushi rolls.
Tempeh: This fermented soy product, known for its nutty flavor and firm texture, is a superb addition to sushi. When sliced, marinated, and either grilled or pan-fried, tempeh adds a satisfying, chewy component that pairs well with a variety of sushi ingredients.
Tofu: The ultimate in versatility, tofu comes in varieties from silken to extra-firm. Each type offers different possibilities: marinate and bake firm tofu for a chewy texture, or crumble silken tofu for a softer filling. Its ability to absorb flavors makes it a sushi staple.
Sauces And Condiments
Eel Sauce (Vegan Version): This sauce is an umami-rich blend of sweetness and savoriness, typically made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. It’s thick and glossy, perfect for drizzling over sushi rolls to add a rich, deep flavor.
Ginger Sauce: Made from freshly grated ginger combined with soy sauce and a hint of sugar, this sauce brings a refreshing, zesty kick. It’s perfect for enhancing the natural flavors of your sushi ingredients.
Hoison Sauce: With its unique sweet and tangy profile, hoisin sauce adds a distinctively rich flavor to sushi. It’s great for adding depth to rolls or as a dipping sauce on the side.
Miso Paste: This versatile ingredient, known for its role in miso soup, can also be diluted to create a light, umami-rich sauce. It lends a savory depth to sushi, perfect for balancing the flavors.
Plum Sauce: This sauce is both sweet and tangy, adding a fruity dimension to your sushi. Its vibrant flavor complements both fresh and cooked ingredients in rolls.
Ponzu Sauce: A citrus-based sauce, ponzu is lighter and has a tangy flavor profile. It pairs wonderfully with lighter, fresh sushi rolls, adding a subtle, refreshing acidity.
Rice Vinegar: Often used in sushi rice preparation, rice vinegar can also be mixed into sauces to provide a gentle, mild acidity. It’s great for balancing richer flavors in sushi.
Sesame Oil: Just a few drops of sesame oil can add a rich, nutty flavor to your sauces or dressings. Its intense flavor is perfect for enhancing the taste profile of sushi rolls.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: A staple for sushi, soy sauce, and its gluten-free counterpart, tamari, are essential for dipping. They provide the classic salty, umami flavor associated with sushi.
Spicy Bean Paste (Gochujang or Doubanjiang): For those who like heat, these spicy bean pastes offer deep, complex flavors. They’re great for adding a spicy, umami kick to rolls or sauces.
Sriracha: This popular sauce is ideal for adding a spicy dimension to sushi. It can be used in spicy mayo or drizzled over rolls for an extra kick.
Teriyaki Sauce: Teriyaki sauce can be used as a glaze for sushi toppings or as a sweet and savory dipping sauce. It adds a glossy, flavorful coating to rolls.
Vegan Cream Cheese: Perfect for creating creamy, Philadelphia-style sushi rolls, vegan cream cheese adds a rich, smooth texture and a tangy flavor.
Vegan Mayo: This creamy and versatile condiment is ideal for making spicy mayo or as a base for other sauces. It adds a smooth, rich element to sushi.
Wasabi: Known for its spicy kick, a little wasabi goes a long way. It’s perfect for adding a sharp, pungent flavor to your sushi experience.
Vegan Seafood and Sushi Alternatives
With the rise of plant-based products (yay!), the market is full of innovative vegan seafood and sushi alternatives. These products are designed to mimic the taste and texture of seafood and are so innovative. Let’s go over a few stellar options!
Konscious Foods Plant-Based Sushi
I love Konscious Foods’ Plant-Based Sushi, particularly their California Roll, which uses konjac in place of crab. It has an awesome, mild sweet flavor, and is perfect with creamy avocado and crisp cucumber. Konscious Foods also offers a selection of other vegan sushi options, onigiri, and poke bowls, all found in the freezer section.
GREAT FOODS (by GTFO It’s Vegan)
GTFO’s GREAT FOODS It’s Vegan label offers a 100% plant-based sashimi made from konjac, tapioca starch, and glucose derived from seaweed. This vegan sashimi is designed to mimic the texture, color, and flavor of fish, offering a legit alternative. This would be perfect in vegan sushi rolls or bowls!
UNLIMEAT Vegan Frozen Kimbap
Slated for release in October 2024, UNLIMEAT’s new Kimbap is a nutritional twist on the classic. This version is made with rice containing konjac and oats. It’s loaded with plant-based protein and a vibrant mix of vegetables like carrots, garlic stems, marinated burdock, and pickled radish. I’m super excited to see this come out since I can never find the Trader Joe’s version where I live!
Trader Joe’s Vegan Kimbap
I’ve never seen this vegan kimbap at the Trader Joe’s I go to, but I’m so curious to try it! This Korean delicacy blends gim (seaweed) with bap (cooked rice) to create something that resembles a maki sushi roll, yet stands out with its unique characteristics. Unlike maki, which typically features vinegar-seasoned rice and centers on a singular filling, kimbap is distinct with its sesame oil-seasoned rice and an array of savory fillings.
Trader Joe’s version of Kimbap adopts a veggie-centric approach. It features a mix of sautéed greens, crunchy root veggies, and crisp pickles, all wrapped around a core of braised tofu. Encased in a seaweed and rice layer, it’s then cut into small, bite-sized rounds. I hope this comes back in stock at some point!
Types Of Preparations For Plant-Based Sushi
The way you cut and cook ingredients can dramatically transform your sushi. Here are some versatile methods to prepare your produce and proteins, adding texture and flavor to your sushi rolls:
Baked: Baking is an excellent way to prepare heartier items like jackfruit or vegan fish alternatives. This method allows for even cooking and can infuse the ingredients with flavors from marinades or seasonings, making them ideal for sushi that’s rich in taste.
Deep-Fried: Deep-frying ingredients like sweet potatoes or tofu create a nice contrast in your sushi. The crispy, golden exterior provides a satisfying crunch that complements the softer elements of the roll.
Grilled: Grilling adds a smoky char to ingredients like eggplant or zucchini, which can bring a meaty texture and rich flavor to your sushi. This technique is great for imparting a rustic, barbecued taste.
Julienned: Julienned vegetables add an interesting visual and textural element to sushi. Cutting ingredients like carrots or bell peppers into thin, matchstick-like strips adds an appealing crunch and a burst of color to each roll.
Marinated: Marinating proteins like tofu or tempeh allows them to absorb a range of flavors. The process can tenderize and enrich these ingredients, making them flavorful additions to any sushi roll.
Pickled: Pickling adds a unique dimension to sushi. Vegetables like radishes or carrots, when pickled, offer a tangy and sharp flavor that can provide a refreshing contrast to the other elements in the roll.
Raw: Using ingredients raw is all about enjoying their natural state. Crisp vegetables like cucumber and soft fruits like avocado shine in their uncooked form, offering fresh textures and vibrant flavors that are essential in many sushi rolls.
Roasted: Roasting can transform the taste and texture of vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. This method caramelizes their natural sugars, adding a sweet depth and smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of sushi.
Sautéed: Sautéing is a quick and effective way to enhance the flavors of ingredients like mushrooms or tofu. A brief cook in a hot pan can soften textures and bring out deeper, richer flavors, making them perfect for adding a savory element to your sushi.
Steamed: Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the nutrients and natural textures of ingredients like edamame or spinach. It’s perfect for achieving a soft, delicate finish in vegetables while maintaining their vibrant color.
Vegan Sushi Recipes
Now that we’ve gone over some of the possibilities to consider when making vegan sushi or bowls, let’s dig into some of the ways they are creatively used in these 19 vegan sushi recipes!
Asparagus
Asparagus Sushi Rolls
I loved testing out this asparagus sushi roll with the combination of crisp asparagus and creamy avocado. Tightly wrapped in nori and accompanied by a touch of wasabi, it has a great blend of textures and flavors, making it a great choice for a sushi night in.
Amaranth
Amaranth-Beet Caviar for Vegan Sushi
Amaranth sort of resembles tobiko, the fish eggs that are used in traditional sushi. So I boiled it in crimson red beet juice and out popped this gorgeous beet caviar! This is served gunkan-maki style, which is really easy and visually stunning!
Avocado
Avocado Maki Roll
This avocado sushi roll by Rachel over at Health My Lifestyle is so gorgeous! I love the simplicity of the sushi paired with the pretty pops of color and the different serving options!
Bell Pepper
Bell Pepper Sushi
This bell pepper sushi I made was sort of a mistake. I marinated some bell peppers, forgot about them, and discovered that this accident produced a super interesting texture. It looks just like fish, but still tastes like a bell pepper! The sweetness of the bell pepper works well with the sour and sweet taste of the sushi rice.
Carrot
Spicy Carrot Lox Sushi
Carrot lox makes a great bagel topping, but it’s also really nice in sushi! The texture and smokiness work well with creamy avocado and a dunk of soy sauce.
Cream Cheese (Plant-Based)
Everything Bagel Sushi
I love this Everything Bagel Sushi creation by Hannah over at BitterSweet! The combination of sesame soy wrapper with vegan cream cheese, crisp cucumbers, minced red onion, dill, and everything bagel seasoning is genius.
Egg (Plant-Based)
Vegan Futomaki
Jazzmin over at Vegan Everytime made this genius vegan tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet) you see inside the rolls from a mixture of tofu and mung beans. She then sliced it and paired it with an array of vegetables to create this delicious and colorful sushi roll!
Enoki Mushroom
Crispy Enoki Mushroom Roll
I made this sushi roll after finding some beautiful enoki mushrooms in Chinatown. The strands were deep-fried and nestled in a nori sheet with spicy vegan mayo and shiso leaf. It’s super crispy and indulgent as well as fun to make!
Jackfruit
California Vegan Sushi Rolls
This colorful vegan sushi roll by Hannah over at BitterSweet blog uses jackfruit as a stand-in for crab. I love how she used turmeric, beet powder, and spirulina go develop those gorgeous rainbow colors!
King Oyster Mushroom
Vegan Dynamite Rolls
These dynamite rolls are made of chopped king oyster mushrooms that are battered and tossed in a spicy vegan mayo sauce. I added avocado for more creaminess to create this super rich and delicious roll.
Lobster Mushroom
Vegan Tempura Maki
After finding fired lobster mushrooms, I made these vegan tempura rolls with avocado for richness and kimchi for acidity and crunch. This combo worked well, creating a unique and delicious sushi roll!
Radish
Peanut Tofu Sushi
Ania over at Lazy Cat Kitchen used pickled radishes, tofu, and a peanut glaze to create this peanut tofu sushi. I love the balanced combo of textures, colors, and flavors here!
Shiitake Mushroom
Homemade Vegan Sushi
This vegan sushi recipe by Sophia over at Veggies Don’t Bite is a great way to be introduced to plant-based sushi. I love the combination of cooked and raw ingredients used to create the perfect bite!
Sweet Potato
Sweet Potato Tempura and Avocado Rolls
These Sweet potato tempura rolls are my favorite thing to order when going out for sushi. The texture, crisp tempura coating, and swipe of teriyaki glaze work together perfectly. Making it at home is fairly straightforward and perfect for nights when you prefer to stay in.
Tofu
Tofu Crunch Roll
Jazzmin over at Vegan Everytime is a vegan sushi genius, evident by this creation! It looks so crispy and crunchy and that teriyaki sauce just pulls it all together!
Tofu Katsu Onigirazu
This tofu “sandwich” by Lauren over at Hot For Food is an innovative take on the traditional Japanese onigirazu. Her tofu katsu onigirazu combines the crispiness of breaded tofu with the convenience of a sushi sandwich, making it both satisfying and unique. It’s a creative fusion that offers a nice twist on classic flavors, perfect for a meal that’s both tasty and beautiful.
Vegan Sushi Bowls
Spicy Vegan Sushi Bowl
I made this spicy vegan sushi bowl from Jackie Sobon‘s Vegan Bowl Attack! cookbook. I love the vegan mayo recipe, choice of vegetables, and toasted panko for crunch! Check out my interview with Jackie to learn more about this talented cook and photographer.
Vegan Poke Bowls With Watermelon Tuna
Jessica In The Kitchen nails it every time with her amazing recipes and photography, and this watermelon tuna bowl is no exception. Her choice of produce, colors, and textures is spot on. I love Jessica’s point of view and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
Watermelon Tuna Poke Bowl
I made this vegan poke bowl after being inspired by a seafood-based poke bowl on Bon Appétit. Watermelon tuna, funky seaweed, sambal mayo, amaranth caviar, pickled cukes, sushi rice, and ponzu dressing all come together to create a delicious bowl that’s perfect for a summer night or special weekend dinner.
Now that you’ve seen all the ways produce and vegan protein can create delicious and beautiful sushi creations, you can create your own at home. Check out my step-by-step-sushi rolling tutorial for tips on rolling. Happy cooking!
This post was last updated on May 27, 2024.
