23 Easy Sushi Recipes For Vegetarians

Being vegetarian doesn’t have to stop you from eating your favorite Japanese foods!

In fact, it creates a whole new, creative twist on traditional Japanese sushi recipes, that you may not have tried otherwise!

When we think of sushi, the first thing that comes to mind is tuna and salmon. This isn’t a surprise considering these are among the most popular ingredients.

However, sushi doesn’t have to be all about meat, and you’ll be glad to know that there is a range of vegetarian options already out there for you to try. 

From tempura to rolls to tofu musubi, there are a variety of vegetarian options for you to choose from.

Even vegetarians can satisfy their bellies with these mouthwatering vegetarian sushi recipes! Say no more, let’s jump straight into it!

1. Rainbow Vegetable Sushi

This recipe is jam-packed with different vegetables to form a rainbow. Not only is this recipe incredibly healthy, but it is also really delicious. 

With each bite, you’ll experience an aroma of flavor from each vegetable.

2. Oshinko Roll

Oshinko Rolls make for a crunchy, sweet, and delicious sushi delight (see also ‘9 Types Of Sushi – A Detailed Look‘). 

If you have never heard of Oshinko before, essentially; it is a fragrant dish made from daikon radish that has been pickled. When packed into sushi it makes for a wonderful combination.

3. Sushi Bowl

This bowl contains everything you love about sushi all in one place. In addition to being delicious, it is also gluten-free, oil-free, and vegan – perfect for any of your dietary requirements.

If you’re looking for meal prep options, then this would be perfect for you. Make a couple of bowls and you’ll have some tasty, hearty meals throughout the week.

The best thing? It is completely customizable! If you don’t like carrots, simply don’t put them in – the choice is up to you.

4. Vegan Tempura

While you may only be familiar with shrimp tempura, there are, however, a ton of vegetarian variations you should consider. 

Such as this vegan tempura! It contains all the elements that we know and love about tempura, including the crispy outside and the soft middle, but all without harming any animals!

Different vegetable variations include eggplant, broccoli, carrot, sweet potato, and any other vegetables you desire.

5. Vegetable Sushi Avocado Toast

Why not enhance your trusty avocado toast recipe by giving it a sushi twist. 

Similar to regular avocado toast, however; it contains all the beloved ingredients found in sushi rolls, including seaweeds, cucumber, and carrot matchsticks, with a drizzle of wasabi/ soy sauce mixture.

6. Veggie Quinoa Sushi

For an underrated sushi roll, try replacing the rice with quinoa. 

Not only are these a healthier alternative, but they taste as equally delicious as the original sushi counterparts.

7. Sushi Burrito With Crispy Tofu

This recipe calls for a combination of our two favorite dishes: Mexican and Japanese flavors, and we can’t get enough of it!

Essentially, the sushi burrito, or ‘sushirrito’, contains all the elements of a burrito but instead of a tortilla wrap, it is enveloped in delicious nori or seaweed. 

Inside this ‘sushirrito’, you’ll find a layer of Japanese rice, chipotle mayo, crispy tofu, baby spinach, matchstick carrots, kimchi, and pickled ginger – all coming together to create a burst of flavor with every bite.

8. Sweet Potato Sushi Roll

Not only is this recipe relatively easy, but it is also incredibly delicious; the best of both worlds!

Filled with fluffy sushi rice, roasted sweet potatoes, rolled in nori paper, and drizzled with spicy sriracha mayonnaise for the ultimate sushi roll, perfect for those effortless lunches or dinners.

9. Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich)

Essentially, this is sushi but in the form of a sandwich. It is a love child of the Western sandwich with the Japanese sushi roll to create a burst of flavors. 

The best thing about this recipe is that it is completely customizable! Likewise, it is easy to make and travels well – great for packed lunches!

10. Eggplant Sushi

Don’t knock it until you try it – this sushi recipe is among the best. While the idea of eggplants may either disgust or intrigue you, these eggplant maki rolls are a delight. 

So, if you’re bored of your regular sushi rolls, then these may be the next ones to try. 

This sushi holds a lot of flavor in one roll. The eggplants are sliced and marinated and grilled within a salty and sweet mixture containing sesame oil, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.

All combined with delicious veggies such as cucumbers, spinach, and carrot. In one bite, you’ll experience a burst of textures and flavors!

11. Vegan Sushi

If you’re not a fan of raw fish, then this might just be the recipe for you. The best thing about this is that you don’t need to be a sushi chef to achieve great results!

All you need to do is follow the simple instructions and you’ll be making sushi like a pro. 

For this recipe, you can include as many or as few vegetables as you like.

12. Teriyaki Jackfruit Sushi Bowl

Pulled jackfruit (see also our favorite jackfruit recipes) makes for a great meat alternative, and this teriyaki jackfruit sushi bowl contains all the key ingredients for a mouthwatering experience. 

The best thing about this recipe is that you can either eat it hot or cold – the choice is yours!

13. Avocado And Roasted Red Pepper Sushi

In this colorful, delicious dish you’ll find spicy roasted red peppers mixed with creamy avocados for the ultimate burst of flavors.

14. Mango Avocado Cucumber Sushi Roll

This twist on the classic sushi roll will have you craving for more! 

The filing of mango, avocado, and cucumber makes for the perfect combination. 

The secret ingredient here is the mango. It replaces the soft texture that you would otherwise achieve with fish and creates a wonderful, sweet pop of flavor.

15. Cucumber Sushi Rolls

This is a refreshing twist on the classic vegetable sushi rolls. Rather than including rich and nori, the cucumber itself will make for the roll. 

What we mean by this is that the innards of the cucumber are scooped out, then packed tightly with vegetables. Cut into slices, then serve for a crunchy sushi twist.

16. Tofu Musubi

This is a famous Hawaiian snack (see also ‘29 Amazing Hawaiian Recipes (Easy And Delicious)‘) or on-the-go meal. While it may not be traditionally Japanese, it contains all the ingredients of a classic sushi roll. 

Instead of the classic spam, this recipe calls for a slice of marinated tofu (see also ‘28 Easy Tofu Dinner Recipes‘) to replicate the experience.

Essentially, what you’ll find is a generous amount of firmly packed rice with a layer of tofu wrapped together with a slice of nori. Trust us, you’re going to want to try it!

17. Sesame Shiitake Sushi

To replace the flavors and textures of meat, this recipe calls for shiitake mushrooms as an alternative. 

The mushrooms are sauteed in garlic and sesame oil for a rich, meaty flavor.

18. Pink Sushi

For a colorful twist to the original white rice sushi, give this beetroot-infused rich sushi a go!

Filled with purple yam, cucumber, radish, avocado, mango, and enoki mushrooms for a beautiful-looking sushi display.

19. Sweet Potato Tempura And Avocado Rolls With Teriyaki Glaze

These sushi rolls are packed with creamy avocado, seasoned rice, and crispy sweet potato, topped with a homemade teriyaki glaze for the finishing touch. 

They are so good that even meat-lovers will appreciate them!

20. Spicy Carrot Lox And Avocado Sushi

Experience a burst of flavors with these smoked carrot lox strips. 

Combined with Japanese rice, nori seaweed, and avocado slices to create a colorful and flavor-packed sushi roll.

21. Coconut Sticky Rice Mango Dessert Sushi

Yes, sushi can be made for dessert, as well! If you’re a huge sushi lover, then you’re going to enjoy this recipe. 

Glutinous rice is layered with a piece of sweet mango and then drizzled with a creamy coconut sauce for the ultimate sushi dessert experience.

22. Cauliflower Low-Carb Sushi

If you’re sushi obsessed but worried about the added carbs, then this cauliflower rice sushi would be perfect for you. 

Cauliflower is a versatile, nutrient-dense, and low-carb alternative to white rice. Paire with cream cheese and white vinegar to create flavorsome sushi rolls.

23. Vegetable Nigiri

Typically, this is specialty sushi that includes cuts of raw fish atop a bed of rice. 

Although, for a veggie twist, instead of tune you could add red peppers, and rather than scallops you can include oyster mushrooms. 

These make an elegant display perfect for Christmas/ New Year’s celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vegetarian Or Vegan Sushi Really Exist?

Vegetarian/ Vegan sushi is becoming more and more popular.

Not only are people becoming more health-conscious, but they are recognizing the importance of maintaining their health in a world of growing illnesses. 

As a result, vegetarian/ vegan sushi is fast becoming one of the most popular variations of sushi among health-conscious people. Although, does this sushi exist?

Yes, of course! Many restaurants provide vegetarian/ vegan sushi options as a result of the increase in demand, as well as a shift in the restaurant’s mission vision. 

Vegetarian hand rolls, black veggie California rolls, and vegetarian summer rolls are among the favorite variations of vegetarian/ vegan sushi.

Final Thoughts

If you want to go vegetarian but are scared of missing out on your favorite Japanese sushi dishes, then don’t be, as in today’s society there are a range of different delicious vegetarian sushi dishes to choose from.

We hope this guide has inspired you with some vegetarian sushi recipes (see also ‘28 Amazing Vegetarian Recipes For The Air Fryer‘).