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Vegan Sushi Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 87 reviews

This Vegan Sushi recipe offers a fresh, healthy twist on the traditional Japanese favorite using plant-based ingredients like firm tofu, avocado, cucumber, and carrot. Perfectly seasoned sushi rice is rolled with nori sheets and filled with crunchy vegetables and crispy tofu strips, making it an ideal meal for vegans and sushi lovers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Seasoning

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Fillings

  • 7 ounces firm tofu (sliced into strips)
  • 4 nori sheets
  • 1 avocado (sliced)
  • 1 cucumber (sliced into strips)
  • 1 large carrot (sliced into strips)

For Serving

  • Soy sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Cook rice: Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice with the appropriate amount of water in a rice cooker or on the stovetop until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  2. Season rice: In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently fold this mixture into the warm cooked rice using a wooden spatula. Spread the rice out to cool to room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to become slightly sticky.
  3. Fry tofu: Optionally pan-fry tofu strips in a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a splash of soy sauce until they become golden and crispy on all sides. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the tofu filling.
  4. Spread rice on nori: Place one nori sheet shiny side down on a bamboo sushi rolling mat. Wet your hands to prevent sticking and spread an even, thin layer of the cooled sushi rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top edge free of rice to seal the roll later.
  5. Add fillings and roll sushi: Arrange the crispy tofu strips, sliced avocado, cucumber, and carrot in a line along the rice-covered nori closest to you. Use the bamboo mat to carefully roll the sushi forward, applying gentle pressure to form a tight, compact roll. Wet the uncovered edge of the nori with a little water to seal the roll securely.
  6. Slice and serve: Using a sharp knife dipped in water, slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces. Serve immediately with soy sauce for dipping to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • Use a sharp knife dipped in water for clean sushi slices and to prevent sticking.
  • To make the tofu more flavorful, marinate it briefly in soy sauce before frying.
  • Sushi rice can be cooked ahead of time, but make sure to season it fresh before rolling.
  • Substitute vegetables according to preference or seasonality, such as bell peppers or asparagus.
  • If you don’t have a bamboo mat, use parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to assist with rolling.

Keywords: vegan sushi, tofu sushi, sushi rolls, plant-based sushi, Japanese vegan recipe, homemade sushi