Linda is an accomplished journalist and author with a Bachelor's in Food Science and Nutrition and over 37 cook books to her name. When not cooking, Linda runs her personal blog and writes articles for notable publications on such topics as diet, nutrition, recipes, and more.
Almost everyone loves sushi. But what if you're a vegan? Is it possible to have tasty sushi that doesn't contain any animal products? Yes! These easy and delicious and beautiful recipes are all vegan.
Sushi Rice
The most important part of these recipes is the sushi rice. Use short grain Japanese rice (also called glutinous rice), cook it according to package instructions and combine it with a little vinegar. A bamboo sushi mat is helpful for rolling the sushi, but not necessary.
Four different vegetables add interest, color, and flavor to this sushi recipe. You can use any of your favorite veggies if you'd like. Just make sure they are cut into thin strips.
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups short grain Japanese rice
2-1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 avocado, peeled and cut into strips
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup baby spinach, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
4 nori sheets (dried seaweed)
Vegan soy sauce
Instructions
Combine the rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook the rice until tender, about 20 minutes.
Remove the rice from the heat, drain if necessary, and stir in the vinegar and agave.
Prepare all of the vegetables.
To make the sushi, place the nori sheets on a bamboo sushi mat. Place about 1 cup of the cooked rice mixture on the nori and spread evenly. Dip your fingers in water as your work so the rice doesn't stick to it.
Now place about 1/4 of the vegetables on the lower third of the rice.
Use the mat to roll up the sushi, making sure you don't roll the mat into the food. Press the mixture as you roll it.
Slice the sushi using a sharp knife and serve with soy sauce for dipping.
Yield: Serves 4 to 6
Cucumber and Kale Sushi
This sushi is a bit different because the nori is rolled inside the rice. White and black sesame seeds add color and interest to this beautiful dish.
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups glutinous white rice
2-1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon agave nectar
4 sheets nori
2 tablespoons wasabi mustard
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced into strips
1-1/2 cups kale, chopped
3 tablespoons white sesame seeds
3 tablespoons black sesame seeds
1 tablespoon freeze dried wasabi powder, if desired
Instructions
Combine the rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender. Stir in the vinegar and agave nectar.
Prepare the vegetables.
To make the sushi, first cover the bamboo mat with some plastic wrap to prevent sticking. Place the nori on a bamboo mat and spread with 1 cup of the rice mixture.
Now carefully flip over the nori sheet so the seaweed is on top. Spread with a bit of the mustard.
Place the cucumber and kale on the nori, then roll up, being careful not to roll the plastic wrap into the rice.
Moisten your fingers with water and press the rice together. Sprinkle with the two kinds of sesame seeds, and the wasabi powder, if using. Use the wasabi powder sparingly because it is very powerful.
Slice the sushi with a sharp knife and serve.
Yield: Serves 4
Tofu and Carrot Sushi
Tofu makes a delicious sushi, especially when you marinate it first. Combined with some sweet and crunchy carrot, this recipe is fresh and flavorful.
Ingredients
1 pound firm tofu
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1-1/2 cups sushi rice
2-1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into strips
4 sheets nori
Instructions
Slice the tofu into 1/2" thick pieces. Wrap the tofu in paper towel and press down to remove excess water. Place the tofu slices in a shallow dish.
Combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a small bowl and mix. Pour over the tofu and set aside.
Combine the rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, carefully turn the tofu over in the marinade so it absorbs it evenly.
Stir the rice wine vinegar and sugar into the rice when it is done.
Remove the tofu from the marinade and slice into 1/2" strips.
Place the nori on a bamboo mat. Top with about 1 cup of the rice, spreading evenly to cover.
Place some of the tofu and carrot on the bottom third of the rice.
Roll up, using the bamboo mat, pressing firmly as you roll.
Slice the sushi into strips and serve.
Yield: Serves 4 to 6
Can You Find Vegan Sushi at Restaurants?
Now you can make wonderful vegan sushi at home. But what about eating out? Is vegan sushi available at restaurants? Of course.
First of all, you can request just about any recipe be made for you without meat. Just ask for a California Roll or a nori roll made without fish, for instance. And there are several types of sushi that are vegan. The cucumber roll, or Kappa, is vegan, as is the avocado roll. Tofu sushi is vegan, too.
But watch out for an ingredient called bonito powder, also called dashi powder, which is made from fish. This ingredient is often used to make stock and is sometimes used to flavor sushi rice. Just ask the waiter about the ingredients and stress that you are vegan.
Easy to Make Vegan
Sushi is a food that is easy to make vegan. Make your own, or talk to your server at a sushi restaurant and inform him of your preferences. And enjoy every bite.
