19 Vegetarian Sushi Recipes for a Japanese Feast

Are you a true sushi lover? If you haven't tried vegetarian sushi, you're missing out on a whole new world of flavors. You might know about classic cucumber rolls, but there's so much more to explore.

Get ready to discover new favorites among our delicious vegetarian sushi recipes. From unique fillings to tasty twists on classic rolls, you'll find something to love. Whether you're a longtime vegetarian or just looking for a change of pace, our recipes will inspire you to try something new.

1. Classic Cucumber Rolls

Simple and invigorating, classic cucumber rolls are a staple in vegetarian sushi.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• Sesame seeds and soy sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
2. Mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl.
3. Combine the prepared sushi rice and vinegar mixture in a large bowl.
4. Cut the cucumber into thin slices.
5. Lay a sheet of nori flat on a sushi mat.
6. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
7. Place a few slices of cucumber in the middle of the rice.
8. Roll the sushi using the mat, applying gentle pressure.
9. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces.
10. Serve with sesame seeds and soy sauce.

2. Avocado Delight

Creamy avocado and crunchy veggies come together in a delicious sushi roll.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 cup cooked sushi rice
• 1/2 cup cucumber slices
• 1/4 cup carrot slices
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Cut the avocado into thin slices.
3. Lay a nori sheet flat on a sushi mat.
4. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the nori.
5. Arrange avocado, cucumber, and carrot slices horizontally across the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using the mat.
7. Slice into 8 equal pieces.
8. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve.

3. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sushi

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sushi is a vegetarian twist on traditional sushi rolls.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 Portobello mushrooms
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sake
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
2. Grill the Portobello mushrooms until tender and set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, sake, and mirin, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat and spread a thin layer of sushrii ce onto it.
6. Place a grilled Portobello mushroom in the middle of the rice.
7. Drizzle the soy sauce mixture over the mushroom.
8. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat.
9. Slice the roll into individual pieces and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy.

4. Roasted Eggplant Rolls

Delicious roasted eggplant rolls with a sweet and savory filling.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 1/2 cup sushi rice
• 1/4 cup cucumber slices
• 1/4 cup carrot slices
• 1/4 cup avocado slices
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the eggplants into thin slices and roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
3. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
4. Cut the cucumber, carrot, and avocado into thin slices.
5. Lay a nori sheet flat and spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto it.
6. Arrange the roasted eggplant, cucumber, carrot, and avocado slices in the middle of the rice.
7. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat or a clean tea towel.
8. Slice the roll into individual pieces and serve with soy sauce and sesame oil.

5. Veggie Tempura Sushi

Crispy tempura bits wrapped in sushi rice and nori seaweed.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup tempura bits
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 sheet nori seaweed
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Cut mixed vegetables into small pieces and set aside.
3. Heat sesame oil in a pan and cook tempura bits until crispy.
4. Lay nori seaweed flat and spread sushi rice on top.
5. Place tempura bits and mixed vegetables in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using a bamboo mat or a clean tea towel.
7. Slice into individual pieces and serve.

6. Tofu Nigiri

Tofu nigiri is a vegetarian sushi dish made with marinated tofu.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 1/2 cup of soy sauce
• 1/4 cup of sake
• 1/4 cup of mirin
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• Sushi rice
• Nori sheets

Instructions

1. Cut the tofu into small blocks and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and rice vinegar for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
3. Cut the nori sheets into small strips.
4. Assemble the tofu nigiri by placing a small amount of sushi rice onto the nori strip, followed by a piece of marinated tofu.
5. Serve the tofu nigiri immediately, garnished with sesame oil and soy sauce if desired.

7. Spinach and Carrot Rolls

Vibrant spinach and carrot rolls offer a delicious vegetarian sushi option.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked sushi rice
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and sugar to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Cut the nori sheet in half lengthwise.
3. Lay a nori sheet flat on a sushi mat.
4. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the nori.
5. Arrange the spinach leaves and grated carrot in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using the mat, applying gentle pressure.
7. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces.
8. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

8. Asparagus and Cream Cheese Sushi

Delicate asparagus and cream cheese fillings wrapped in sushi rice and nori seaweed.

Ingredients

• 1 cup short-grain Japanese rice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh asparagus
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• Sesame seeds and soy sauce for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions with water, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut the asparagus into small pieces and set aside.
3. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the nori seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Place a small amount of cream cheese in the middle of the rice and top with asparagus pieces.
5. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat or a clean tea towel.
6. Slice the rolled sushi into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
7. Serve with soy sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.

9. Pickled Plum and Cucumber Rolls

Delicate pickled plum and cucumber fillings wrapped in vinegared sushi rice and nori seaweed.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pickled plum, sliced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed

Instructions

1. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions with water, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut the pickled plum and cucumber into thin slices.
3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a sushi mat or a piece of parchment paper.
4. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
5. Place the pickled plum and cucumber slices in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using the mat or parchment paper, applying gentle pressure.
7. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

10. Crunchy Veggie Rolls

Crunchy Veggie Rolls are a delicious and healthy vegetarian sushi option.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked sushi rice
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
• 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed

Instructions

1. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
2. Cut the nori sheet in half lengthwise.
3. Lay a nori sheet flat on a sushi mat or a piece of parchment paper.
4. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
5. Arrange the shredded carrots, zucchini, and cucumber horizontally across the middle of the rice.
6. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the vegetables.
7. Roll the sushi using the mat or parchment paper, applying gentle pressure.
8. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
9. Serve with soy sauce and rice vinegar for dipping.

11. Zucchini and Bell Pepper Sushi

Delicious vegetarian sushi filled with zucchini and bell pepper.

Ingredients

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 medium bell pepper
• 1 sheet of nori

Instructions

1. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
2. Cut the zucchini and bell pepper into thin strips.
3. Heat a pan with a little oil and sauté the zucchini and bell pepper until tender.
4. Lay a sheet of nori flat and spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto it.
5. Arrange the sautéed zucchini and bell pepper in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat or a clean tea towel.
7. Slice the roll into individual pieces and serve.

12. Mushroom and Leek Rolls

Mushroom and Leek Rolls are a delicious vegetarian sushi option filled with sautéed mushrooms and leeks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sushi rice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup mushrooms
• 1/2 cup leeks
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• 1 avocado

Instructions

1. Prepare sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Sauté sliced mushrooms and leeks in a pan with a little oil until they're tender.
3. Cut the sautéed mushrooms and leeks into smaller pieces.
4. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat and spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto it.
5. Place the mushroom and leek mixture in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat or a clean tea towel.
7. Slice the roll into individual pieces.
8. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

13. Smoked Tofu Sushi

Smoked tofu sushi is a flavorful and protein-rich vegetarian option.

Ingredients

• 1 block of smoked tofu
• 1 cup of sushi rice
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• Sesame seeds and soy sauce for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
2. Cut the smoked tofu into thin slices.
3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a sushi mat.
4. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed.
5. Place a few slices of smoked tofu in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using the mat and apply gentle pressure.
7. Slice the roll into individual pieces.
8. Serve with soy sauce and garnish with sesame seeds.

14. Green Onion and Garlic Rolls

Delicious vegetarian sushi filled with green onion and garlic.

Ingredients

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• Sesame seeds and soy sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
2. Mix the chopped green onion and minced garlic in a small bowl.
3. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat on a sushi mat.
4. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
5. Place the green onion and garlic mixture in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using the mat, applying gentle pressure.
7. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces.
8. Serve with sesame seeds and soy sauce.

15. Beet and Avocado Sushi

Beet and Avocado Sushi is a vibrant and healthy vegetarian dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked sushi rice
• 1/2 cup pickled beets
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
2. Cut the pickled beets and avocado into thin slices.
3. Lay a nori sheet flat on a sushi mat.
4. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the nori sheet.
5. Arrange the beet and avocado slices horizontally across the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using the mat and apply gentle pressure.
7. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces.
8. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the sushi pieces.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy.

16. Carrot and Ginger Rolls

Vibrant carrot and ginger fillings wrapped in sushi rice and nori seaweed.

Ingredients

• 1 cup short-grain Japanese rice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 inch ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• Sesame seeds and soy sauce for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat the rice vinegar and mix it with the cooked sushi rice.
3. In a separate pan, sauté the grated carrot and ginger until tender.
4. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat and spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto it.
5. Place the carrot and ginger filling in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat or a clean tea towel.
7. Slice the roll into individual pieces and garnish with sesame seeds and soy sauce.

17. Broccoli and Cheese Sushi

A unique twist on traditional sushi, combining broccoli and cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup grated cheese
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
2. Steam the broccoli florets until tender.
3. Mix the grated cheese with the steamed broccoli.
4. Cut the nori seaweed into desired sizes for rolling.
5. Lay a nori sheet flat and spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto it.
6. Place the broccoli and cheese mixture in the middle of the rice.
7. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat or a clean tea towel.
8. Slice the rolled sushi into individual pieces.
9. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi, if desired.

18. Sweet Potato and Teriyaki Sushi

Sweet potato and teriyaki sushi is a delicious vegetarian dish.

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup cooked sushi rice
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the sweet potato for 45 minutes, or until tender.
2. Prepare the sushi rice according to the package instructions.
3. Cut the sweet potato into thin slices and brush with teriyaki sauce.
4. Lay a sheet of nori seaweed flat and spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto it.
5. Arrange the sweet potato slices and avocado in the middle of the rice.
6. Roll the sushi using a bamboo sushi mat or a clean tea towel.
7. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

19. Kale and Cucumber Rolls

Delicious and healthy kale and cucumber rolls made with fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked sushi rice
• 1/2 cup kale, chopped
• 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1 sheet of nori seaweed
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare sushi rice according to package instructions and mix with rice vinegar.
2. Lay a nori sheet flat on a sushi mat or a piece of parchment paper.
3. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Arrange kale and cucumber slices horizontally in the middle of the rice.
5. Roll the sushi using the mat or parchment paper, applying gentle pressure.
6. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Conclusion

You'll pass on meat effortlessly with these 19 veggie options, discreetly omitting animal products to create a "plant-based paradise" that's both innovative and refined, allowing you to savor the nuances of Japanese cuisine without compromise, ultimately broadening your culinary horizons in a subtle yet impactful way.