If you’ve ever thought making sushi at home was impossible without fancy tools or a professional chef’s skills, I’m here to tell you otherwise. Vegan sushi rolls are not only fun to make but also super customizable and downright delicious. Trust me, even if you’re a beginner, this easy vegan sushi recipe will have you rolling like a pro in no time.

Before we dive into the details, let me share a quick personal story. The first time I tried making homemade sushi, it was a disaster—I used too much water in the rice, the nori sheet tore apart, and my rolls looked like they’d been hit by a truck. But over time, I got the hang of it. Now, making vegan sushi rolls has become a weekend ritual, and it’s one of my favorite ways to impress friends (and satisfy my sushi cravings).

So, let’s roll up our sleeves—literally—and make some sushi magic happen!

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What Makes Vegan Sushi Rolls So Special?

Sushi is traditionally associated with seafood, but vegetarian sushi rolls are proof that you don’t need fish to create flavor-packed, satisfying rolls. By using simple ingredients like veggies, tofu, and even hearts of palm, you can whip up sushi that’s healthy, cruelty-free, and bursting with flavor.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Sushi Rolls

Sushi Rice

The foundation of any sushi roll is the rice. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even black rice for a unique twist. The key is to achieve that perfect sticky texture, which we’ll tackle later.

Nori Sheets

These seaweed sheets form the backbone of your rolls. Make sure the shiny side is facing down when assembling for the best results.

Fresh Vegetables

Veggies like cucumber strips, avocado slices, red bell pepper, and shiitake mushrooms work beautifully in sushi rolls. You can also try roasted sweet potato tempura or hearts of palm for added variety.

Tofu or Creamy Additions

Crispy extra firm tofu or vegan cream cheese takes your sushi to the next level.

Seasonings and Sauces

Stock up on soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and toppings like sesame seeds. For a little kick, whip up some spicy mayo with sriracha sauce and vegan mayonnaise.

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Essential Tools for Making Homemade Vegan Sushi Rolls

• Bamboo sushi mat
• Sheet of plastic wrap to keep your mat clean
• Rice cooker or instant pot for perfectly cooked rice
• Very sharp knife for clean cuts
• Large bowl for mixing rice
• Cutting board for prepping ingredients
• Small bowl of water to keep your fingers wet while rolling

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Step-By-Step Recipe: Vegan Sushi Rolls

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 rolls (16 pieces)

Ingredients

• 2 cups of rice (sushi rice, white rice, or black rice)
• 2 ½ cups cold water
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 nori sheets
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1 avocado, sliced into inch strips
• 1 cucumber, sliced into thin strips
• ½ cup sautéed shiitake mushrooms
• Optional: vegan cream cheese, spicy mayo, or hearts of palm

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Step 1: Cook the Rice

1.    Rinse your sushi rice thoroughly under cool water until the water runs clear.

2.    Cook the rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop using 2 cups of rice to 2 ½ cups of water. For extra flair, you can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

3.    Once cooked, transfer the rice to a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature.

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Step 2: Season the Rice

1.    In a small saucepan, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt over medium heat until dissolved.

2.    Drizzle the mixture over the rice and gently fold it in with a rice paddle to avoid crushing the grains.

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Step 3: Prepare Your Fillings

1.    Cut your veggies (cucumber, red bell pepper, and avocado) into thin strips.

2.    Sauté shiitake mushrooms in a little sesame oil until golden brown.

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Step 4: Assemble Your Vegan Sushi Rolls

1.    Place a sheet of nori (shiny side down) on your bamboo sushi mat, covered with a piece of plastic wrap.

2.    Spread an even layer of rice on the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top of the rice. Use wet fingers to prevent sticking.

3.    Add your fillings in a single layer near the bottom edge of the rice.

👉 Watch video on how to assemble your vegan sushi rolls.

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Step 5: Roll It Up

1.    Using the bamboo mat, roll the sushi tightly, applying gentle pressure.

2.    Seal the edge with a bit of water and transfer to a cutting board.

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Step 6: Slice and Serve Your Vegan Sushi Rolls

1.    Using a very sharp knife, slice the roll into 4-6 pieces. Clean the knife with cool water between cuts to keep the slices clean.

2.    Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and a drizzle of spicy mayo.

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Tips for Perfect Vegan Sushi Rolls

•    Always let your sticky sushi rice cool to room temperature before assembling.

•    Use a sheet of plastic wrap over your bamboo mat to prevent mess.

•    Experiment with variations like vegan california rolls (imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber), avocado rolls, or even tofu sushi.

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Gluten-Free Option

Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure all other ingredients, like nori and vinegar, are certified gluten-free.

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Nutritional Content (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	240
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	6g
Fiber	3g

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Why Sushi Lovers Will Adore This Recipe

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, these rolls are approachable, delicious, and customizable. Plus, making your own vegan sushi is much cheaper than eating out at an Asian market or restaurant.

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Explore other savoury vegan recipes below:

• Mouth-Watering Vegan Soup Dumplings Recipe
• Easy Hunan Tofu Recipe | Vegan & Hot Chinese Food
• Easy Chinese Claypot Tofu With Mushrooms (Vegan)
• Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe – Easy Comfort Food
• Vegan Carbonara (Easy Recipe With Creamy Sauce)
• Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup | Easy & Creamy Recipe
• Crock Pot Gluten Free Mac and Cheese (Vegan Option)
• Vegan Gluten-Free Chili Con Carne Recipe
• Easy Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe 
• Vegan recipes

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FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can! Just ensure it’s cooked to a sticky consistency to hold the rolls together.

2. What’s the best substitute for imitation crab meat?

Try hearts of palm or seasoned jackfruit for a similar texture.

3. How do I store leftover sushi?

Wrap it tightly in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

4. Can I skip the bamboo sushi mat?

Yes! Use a sheet of plastic wrap as a makeshift rolling mat.

5. What’s the secret to cutting perfect sushi slices?

A very sharp knife and cleaning it with cool water between slices are game changers.

Now that you’re armed with this easy vegan sushi recipe, it’s time to roll your way to sushi perfection! Let me know how your creations turn out. Remember: Practice makes perfect!

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