Vegetarian Sushi Roll Recipes

 Vegetarian Sushi Roll Recipes 

Sushi doesn’t have to include fish to be fun, delicious, and satisfying. Vegetarian sushi rolls are a vibrant, wholesome alternative that highlights crisp vegetables, savory sauces, and the artful harmony of Japanese-inspired flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi maker or just learning the ropes, these three vegetarian sushi roll recipes will elevate your plant-based meal game.

1. Avocado Cucumber Roll with Sesame Crunch

Light, creamy, and refreshing, the avocado cucumber roll is a go-to for sushi beginners and a favorite among plant-based eaters. This roll relies on simple ingredients that work together beautifully: buttery avocado, crisp cucumber, nutty sesame seeds, and seasoned rice wrapped in nori.

Ingredients (makes 2 rolls):

2 sheets of nori (seaweed)

1 cup sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt

1 ripe avocado, sliced into thin strips

½ cucumber, julienned (peel and deseed if preferred)

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Soy sauce, for dipping

Pickled ginger and wasabi, optional sides

Instructions:

Prepare the sushi rice: Cook short-grain rice and mix in sushi vinegar (1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, ½ tsp salt per cup of rice). Let cool to room temperature.

Lay out the nori: Place a sheet of nori shiny side down on a bamboo sushi mat covered with plastic wrap.

Spread the rice: Wet your fingers and gently spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving a ½ inch at the top edge.

Add fillings: Lay cucumber and avocado slices horizontally across the center of the rice.

Sprinkle sesame seeds for added crunch and a nutty flavor.

Roll it up: Use the mat to roll tightly from the bottom, applying gentle pressure to keep it compact.

Slice and serve: Use a sharp, wet knife to slice into six to eight pieces. Serve with soy sauce and optional pickled ginger or wasabi.

Variations:

Swap out cucumber for julienned carrots or bell peppers, or add a drizzle of sriracha mayo for spice.

2. Sweet Potato Tempura Roll with Spicy Mayo

This roll combines crispy tempura sweet potato with creamy spicy mayo for a rich and indulgent vegetarian sushi experience. The contrast between the crunchy exterior of the sweet potato and the smooth rice and nori creates a delightful texture.

Ingredients (makes 2 rolls):

2 sheets of nori

1 cup sushi rice, cooked and seasoned

1 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick strips

½ cup tempura batter (store-bought or homemade: mix ½ cup flour, ½ cup ice-cold sparkling water, and a pinch of baking soda)

Oil for frying

2 tablespoons vegan or regular mayonnaise

1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce

Soy sauce for dipping

Instructions:

Prepare the sweet potato tempura: Dip sweet potato strips in tempura batter and deep fry until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Make the spicy mayo: Mix mayo and sriracha in a small bowl. Adjust heat to taste.

Lay the nori on the mat, shiny side down, and spread a thin layer of rice on top.

Add tempura strips horizontally along the center of the rice.

Drizzle spicy mayo over the sweet potatoes.

Roll the sushi: Tightly roll using the bamboo mat. Let rest for 1 minute before slicing.

Cut and serve with extra spicy mayo on top if desired.

Pro Tip: Keep the tempura crisp by allowing it to cool slightly before rolling and avoid using overly wet rice.

Variations:

Add avocado slices for extra creaminess or sprinkle in thinly sliced scallions for a bite of freshness.

3. Rainbow Veggie Roll with Creamy Tofu Spread

Packed with colorful vegetables and protein-rich tofu, this roll is as beautiful as it is nourishing. A smooth tofu-based spread acts as a flavorful binder and adds richness without overpowering the vegetables.

Ingredients (makes 2 rolls):

2 sheets of nori

1 cup sushi rice, seasoned

¼ block firm tofu, pressed and blended

1 teaspoon soy sauce

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon lemon juice

¼ red bell pepper, julienned

¼ yellow bell pepper, julienned

¼ carrot, peeled and julienned

¼ cucumber, julienned

A few baby spinach leaves

Instructions:

Make the tofu spread: Blend the pressed tofu with soy sauce, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth.

Prepare the mat: Place nori shiny side down and spread rice across it.

Add the tofu spread in a thin layer across the center.

Layer the vegetables in horizontal rows, alternating colors for a vibrant “rainbow” effect.

Add spinach leaves for a pop of green and extra nutrition.

Roll and shape tightly, then slice into even pieces with a wet knife.

Serve with soy sauce or ponzu for dipping.

Tip: For a rice-out variation, flip the nori over after spreading rice on it, then roll with the rice on the outside. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds for flair.

Variations:

Try shredded red cabbage, avocado, or mango strips for extra flair and sweetness.

Sushi-Making Tips for Beginners:

Use a bamboo sushi mat wrapped in plastic wrap for easy rolling and cleanup.

Keep your hands wet when handling sushi rice to prevent sticking.

Chill ingredients like avocado and tofu slightly for easier handling and slicing.

Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neatly sliced rolls.

Practice patience—your first rolls may not be perfect, but they’ll still be tasty!

These three vegetarian sushi rolls showcase the versatility of plant-based ingredients and the creative potential of home sushi making. Whether you're drawn to the crisp freshness of avocado cucumber, the satisfying indulgence of sweet potato tempura, or the colorful crunch of the rainbow veggie roll, there's a roll here to suit your taste. Even better, they can be customized endlessly to fit what you have in your fridge.

Vegetarian sushi isn’t just for vegetarians—it's a celebration of texture, color, and clean flavors that everyone can enjoy. 

Helpful Reading 

From Seed to Salsa: Grow Tomatoes and Make Your Own Sauces 

https://www.amazon.com/Seed-Salsa-Tomatoes-Sauces-Harvest-ebook/dp/B0F4PGRYF5/

Growing Strawberries With Kids

https://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Growing-Kids-Families-Fruit-ebook/dp/B0F73TV5GZ/

Hydroponic and Kratky Sweet Potatoes 

https://www.amazon.com/Hydroponic-Kratky-Sweet-Potatoes-Water-Based-ebook/dp/B0F7892GF5/

Pepper Microfarming for Profit

https://www.amazon.com/Pepper-Microfarms-Profit-Fresh-Harvest-ebook/dp/B0F6ZYBLRB/