The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Sushi at Home | Easy Sushi Rice + 20 Delicious Roll Ideas

This colorful homemade vegan sushi spread showcases perfectly cooked sushi rice, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, roasted fillings, and creative plant-based roll combinations that anyone can make at home. Everything is fresh, vibrant, and beautifully arranged, offering a delicious look at how simple and fun vegan sushi night can be.

Beginner-Friendly Vegan Sushi Rolls (How to Make Sushi)

Perfect Sushi Rice (Stovetop Method)

Ingredients

1 cup Short-Grain Sushi Rice

1 cup + 1/4 cup Water

2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

1 Tablespoon Sugar

1/2 tsp Salt

Rice Instructions

Add the sushi rice to a bowl and cover with cold water. Swish with your hand, drain, and repeat 3–4 times until almost clear.

Add the rinsed rice and 1 cup + 2 tbsp water to a small pot. Let it sit for 10 minutes to hydrate.

Cover the pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce to low and cook for 12 minutes without lifting the lid.

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes to finish steaming.

Make sushi seasoning. Stir together the vinegar, sugar, and salt. Microwave for 10–15 seconds to dissolve the sugar.

Transfer the hot rice to a wide bowl or dish. Drizzle the vinegar mixture over the rice. Use a cutting-and-folding motion with a spatula to gently incorporate the seasoning.

Let the rice cool to room temperature before using it for sushi.

Sushi Ingredients

1 Batch Prepared Sushi Rice (recipe above)

3–4 Sheets Nori

1 Small Cucumber, sliced into thin strips

1 Small Carrot, julienned

1 Avocado, sliced

Roasted Red Pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

Baked Tofu, sliced OR Sautéed Mushrooms (optional)

Soy Sauce, Tamari, or Coconut Aminos

Pickled Ginger & Wasabi (optional)

Making sushi at home always feels like a special treat, but it’s honestly so simple once you learn the rhythm of prepping your rice, layering your fillings, and rolling everything together. I love vegan sushi because it lets you be creative with flavors, colors, and textures — plus you can mix and match whatever fresh veggies or leftovers you already have in the fridge.

Whether you love something light and refreshing or bold and saucy, plant-based sushi has endless possibilities. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: perfect stovetop sushi rice, rolling basics, and a long list of delicious combinations you can try for dinner, lunch prep, or a fun weekend cooking project.

Sushi Prep Instructions

Slice all veggies into long, thin strips. Prepare tofu or mushrooms if using.

Place a sheet of nori shiny-side down on a sushi mat or clean kitchen towel.

Use damp fingers to gently press a thin layer of sushi rice over ¾ of the nori sheet, leaving the top edge bare.

Arrange a line of veggies (and tofu/mushrooms if adding) across the bottom third of the sheet.

Lift the bottom edge using your mat or towel and roll tightly over the filling, pressing gently to keep everything tucked in.

Dab a little water along the uncovered top edge of the nori and finish rolling.

Using a very sharp knife dipped in water, slice the roll into 6–8 pieces.

Enjoy with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.

🌈 Vegan Sushi Roll Combinations to Try

1. Avocado Cucumber Classic

This simple, refreshing roll is perfect for beginners and makes a great base if you want to add other fillings. The creaminess of the avocado pairs beautifully with crisp cucumber for that perfect sushi bite.

Inside: avocado, cucumber. Optional add-ins: sesame seeds, pickled ginger, lettuce.

Sauce idea: drizzle with coconut aminos or soy sauce

2. Crunchy Veggie Rainbow Roll

Packed with color and texture, this one feels like something you'd order at a restaurant. It’s crunchy, vibrant, and so easy to customize depending on what veggies you have.

Inside: carrots, cucumber, avocado, bell pepper. Optional add-ins: mango, shredded red cabbage.

Sauce idea: spicy mayo or sweet chili

3. Roasted Sweet Potato Tempura-Style Roll

If you love sweet and savory, this is the winner. Roasted sweet potato gives it that tempura-style richness without deep frying.

Inside: roasted sweet potato strips, avocado. Optional add-ins: spinach, sesame seeds.

Sauce idea: a touch of teriyaki or maple-soy glaze

4. Spicy “Tuna” Chickpea Roll

This plant-based twist is hearty and satisfying. Smash chickpeas with vegan mayo, sriracha, and a little lime for a creamy spicy filling that mimics the texture of tuna without the fish.

Inside: spicy chickpea salad, cucumber. Optional add-ins: green onions, shredded nori.

Sauce idea: spicy mayo

5. Tofu Katsu or Crispy Tofu Roll

Crispy tofu brings protein and texture. You can air fry or pan fry it to get that crunchy outside.

Inside: crispy tofu strips, avocado, cucumber. Optional add-ins: lettuce, cilantro.

Sauce idea: vegan eel sauce or teriyaki

6. Mango Avocado Sunshine Roll

A tropical, fresh, sweet roll—perfect for summer. Mango and avocado are a dreamy combo.

Inside: ripe mango, avocado. Optional add-ins: cucumber, chili flakes.

Sauce idea: sweet chili or a light soy-lime dip

7. Roasted Mushroom “Umami Bomb” Roll

Savory mushrooms act like meaty bites in sushi. Roast or sauté them until deeply browned for the best flavor.

Inside: roasted mushrooms, cucumber. Optional add-ins: avocado, scallions.

Sauce idea: ponzu or soy sauce

8. Green Goddess Roll

This one is fresh, crisp, and perfect for veggie lovers.

Inside: spinach, avocado, cucumber, fresh herbs (mint or cilantro). Optional add-ins: pickled onions.

Sauce idea: soy-lime dipping sauce

9. Pickled Veggie Crunch Roll

For tangy-loving folks — this roll is crunchy, bright, and addictive.

Inside: pickled carrots, pickled cucumbers, avocado. Optional add-ins: radish, nori flakes.

Sauce idea: sesame-soy dipping sauce

10. Mediterranean Fusion Roll

If you like fusion recipes, this one hits. Think fresh, bright flavors with a sushi twist.

Inside: roasted red pepper, cucumber, marinated tofu or hummus. Optional add-ins: olives (thinly sliced), herbs.

Sauce idea: lemon-tahini dip or a light soy drizzle

11. Spicy Cauliflower Tempura Roll

A crunchy, spicy roll that tastes like a sushi bar favorite without the actual tempura. Inside: air-fried cauliflower bites, avocado. Optional add-ins: cucumber.

Sauce pairing: spicy vegan mayo + a drizzle of soy.

12. Kimchi Avocado Fusion Roll

Bold, tangy, and packed with probiotics — this one is addictive.

Inside: mild vegan kimchi, avocado. Optional add-ins: cucumber, scallions.

Sauce pairing: sesame-soy dipping sauce

13. Sesame Teriyaki Jackfruit Roll

Sweet, savory, tender jackfruit makes this a super satisfying sushi roll.

Inside: shredded jackfruit cooked in teriyaki, cucumber. Optional add-ins: mango slices. Sauce pairing: sweet soy glaze.

14. Beet & Avocado Pink Goddess Roll

Stunning color + earthy richness.

Inside: roasted beet slices, avocado. Optional add-ins: pickled onions or micro-greens.

Sauce pairing: citrus-soy dressing

15. Spicy Potato Crunch Roll

A comfort-food twist using seasoned mashed potatoes — SO good.

Inside: spicy mashed potatoes (add sriracha + vegan mayo), cucumber. Optional add-ins: scallions, crispy onions.

Sauce pairing: spicy mayo

16. Edamame Hummus Green Roll

Creamy, bright, and packed with plant protein.

Inside: edamame hummus, cucumber, avocado. Optional add-ins: shredded lettuce.

Sauce pairing: soy-lime dip

17. Thai Peanut Veggie Roll

A fusion roll with so much flavor.

Inside: carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, avocado. Optional add-ins: cilantro.

Sauce pairing: spicy peanut sauce

18. Tofu “Egg” Breakfast Sushi Roll

A morning-style roll but perfect anytime.

Inside: tofu scramble, avocado, sautéed spinach. Optional add-ins: a sprinkle of kala namak.

Sauce pairing: light soy or sriracha

19. Garlic Roasted Eggplant Roll

Soft, savory, richly seasoned — amazing with sushi rice.

Inside: roasted garlic eggplant strips, cucumber. Optional add-ins: roasted red pepper.

Sauce pairing: tahini-soy fusion

20. Creamy Cashew “Crabless” Roll

A rich, satisfying roll inspired by California rolls (but vegan!).

Inside: creamy cashew salad (cashews, vegan mayo, lemon, herbs), cucumber. Optional add-ins: avocado.

Sauce pairing: lemon-soy dipping sauce

Vegan Sushi Dipping Sauces

1. Spicy Mayo

Creamy, spicy, and perfect on ANY sushi roll.

Ingredients:

¼ cup vegan mayo

1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

½ tsp lemon or lime juice (optional)

Pinch of salt

Instructions: Whisk everything in a small bowl until smooth. Add more sriracha for extra heat.

2. Sweet Chili Sauce

Store-bought works, but here’s a quick homemade version.

Ingredients:

¼ cup rice vinegar

¼ cup sugar

3 tbsp water

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water

½–1 tsp chili flakes

Instructions: Simmer vinegar, sugar, water, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk until thickened.

3. Soy-Lime Dipping Sauce

Bright, tangy, salty — great for refreshing rolls.Ingredients:

2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp maple syrup

½ tsp minced garlic or garlic powder

Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

Instructions: Mix all ingredients together. Let sit 5 minutes to develop flavor.

4. Sesame-Soy Sauce

Nutty, savory, and perfect for roasted veggie rolls.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tsp maple syrup

½ tsp sesame seeds

Instructions: Stir everything together. Taste and adjust (more vinegar for tang, more syrup for sweetness).

5. Teriyaki Drizzle

Thick, glossy, sweet — amazing on sweet potato rolls.

Ingredients:

¼ cup soy sauce

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp ginger powder

1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water

Instructions: Simmer everything except the cornstarch slurry. Add slurry and whisk until thick.

6. Vegan “Eel” Sauce (Sweet Soy Glaze)

Iconic sushi-bar flavor, fully plant-based.

Ingredients:

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup maple syrup or brown sugar

2 tbsp water

½ tsp rice vinegar

Instructions: Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes until it turns syrupy and glossy.

7. Thai Peanut Sauce

Perfect for fusion rolls!

Ingredients:

2 tbsp peanut butter

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp warm water

1–2 tsp maple syrup

Dash of chili flakes or sriracha

Instructions: Whisk until creamy. Thin with more warm water if needed.

8. Lemon-Tahini Sauce

Bright and creamy — great with Mediterranean-style sushi.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp tahini

1 tbsp lemon juice

1½ tbsp water

½ tsp salt

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp maple syrup

Instructions: Whisk until smooth and drizzle-able.

9. Ponzu-Style Citrus Soy

Light and citrusy.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp orange juice

1 tsp lemon juice

½ tsp rice vinegar

Optional: pinch of ginger

Instructions: Stir together and serve immediately.

10. Sweet Soy-Lime Glaze (for dragon-style rolls)

Sticky, glossy, sweet, citrusy.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water

Instructions: Simmer everything except the slurry. Add the slurry and cook until glossy.

11. Tahini-Soy Fusion (for eggplant rolls)

Rich and savory.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp tahini

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp maple syrup

½ tsp garlic

1–2 tsp warm water (to thin)

Instructions:Whisk all ingredients until smooth.

12. Citrus-Soy Dressing (for beet rolls)

Brightens earthy flavors.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp maple syrup

Pinch of pepper

Instructions:Mix well and serve chilled.

13. Spicy Peanut-Lime Drizzle

For Thai veggie rolls.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp peanut butter

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp lime juice

1 tsp maple syrup

Dash of sriracha

Instructions:Whisk and drizzle.

14. Maple-Soy Glaze (simple version)

Fast, sticky, sweet-savory.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.