Best Vegan Sushi – Homemade Sushi from scratch

You can love it or you can hate it. But you just can not ignore it 🙂

This Japanese delicacy has found its way to rule the entire world. Who would have thought that something so simple and unusual especially for the Indian taste buds will rule their heart one day? And this vegan or vegetarian sushi recipe is the best of all. You will know it once you try it. It has the natural sweetness of mango and the creaminess of avocados that fit perfectly under the blanket of homemade sushi rice. And my experimental sushi sauce is something that you will not find anywhere and tastes much better than the usual soy sauce which is served with sushi.

This recipe covers all the minute details and nitty-gritty that will make you a perfect sushi maker. Do not worry. Trust me. Trust yourself and read along.

Story Time

You know how much we love Asian recipes and think that Asian recipes have the potential to rule the entire world one day. The way they are progressing and making their way to everyone’s heart is really amazing and commendable. BUT Sushi is one recipe that is quite unusual for Indian taste buds. We are not used to eating cold rice with sugar and vinegar in it. Right?

The first impression is NOT the last impression

Sushi did not have a good first impression on me. Back in 2013, Jatin and I went on a date and he took me to a Sushi place in Delhi. He was very excited because he loved Sushi a lot. He had it in London for the first time and he said that it tastes so good that you can not stop eating them. I became very excited to have it because he painted such a brilliant picture in my head. When he said that it is a tasty rice dish, all I could picture was our good old ”Biryani” 😀 And I was craving Biryani.

We were sitting in the restaurant and we ordered Sushi. While we were waiting, Jatin hyped it even more. The waiter came and got a few tiny pieces with some dip on the side. Jatin was waiting to see my happy expressions but as soon as it touched my mouth – COLD, Non-Spicy, sweet and sour – My Biryani dreams were shattered. I did not like it and I only thought why Jatin hyped it so much.

Then after a few years, when we were in Pune, I decided to give it another try. Maybe I did not like it because I created the wrong picture in my mind and set the wrong expectations. I judged it way too soon. I believe that if something is so popular, there must be something good in that. We went to a Sushi place in Pune and ordered a plate of Sushi. Oh boy, this time we were fighting for the last piece of it. It won my heart. Since then, I crave for it every once in a while.

Why do I make Sushi at home?

This happened during the lockdown time. I was craving Sushi and we decided to go to that same Sushi place in Pune where I fell in love with it. Their Sushi was very good. But then the lockdown happened. We waited for things to get better and before we could have Sushi at that same restaurant, we moved to Germany. Here, it was difficult to find vegetarian Sushi. After a while, we found a Sushi place but it was expensive. And nothing happens with just a couple of tiny pieces.

So, I decided to try it at home and since then we always make it at home. Benefits of Homemade Sushi:

1. It is simple and easy to make.
2. Cost-effective – You can have a lot without worrying about the bill 🙂
3. You can customize the filling.
4. It is fun and exciting to make and it is always nice to tell someone that you make Sushi at home.

It is tricky to make perfect sushi at home. Professional chefs take a decade only to master the rice recipe. But do not worry, you will enjoy the homemade ones and will have a fun time making it with your partner and family.

What is Sushi?

Sushi is a popular Japanese dish that has recently gained more popularity all over the world. It is a cold dish that we prepare with special sushi rice, some seasoning, and fish. It is served with some wasabi paste, pickled ginger, and soy sauce on the side. The vegetarian version consists of pickled cucumber, bell peppers, mango, etc.

Making sushi is also exciting. You prepare rice and once it is cold, it is spread on a Nori sheet. We even need a special kind of sushi mat which is used to roll the sushi.

Tips to make a perfect Sushi at home

Sushi Rice

1. Use Sushi Rice. Sushi rice is different from other rice. It is small and thick. It is sticky which helps in spreading it over the Nori sheet.
2. Wash & Soak Rice. You need to soak sushi rice at least for 30 minutes to ensure faster cooking. And then wash it 2 to 3 times because it contains a lot of starch which needs to be washed out. Wash gently otherwise the rice grains will break.
3. Follow the cooking instructions. You can check the rice packet for cooking instructions because every rice takes a different time of cooking. But overall, let it cook on low flame and keep it covered at all times. Once the water is evaporated, let it rest and cook further in its steam. Other instructions are given in the recipe card below.
4. Do Not press it hard while spreading. Spread it gently on the sheet with moist hands. If you press hard, the rice will become mushy.

Rolling

1. Place the Nori Sheet correctly. Nori sheet has one smooth and shiny surface and the other surface is rough. Keep the smooth surface below, touching the rolling mat. You need to fill everything on the rough surface.
2. Keep your hands moist. While you roll, keep a bowl of water on the side and keep moistening your palms. The rice is very sticky and you would need that. But do not apply too much water because that would dilute the flavors of the rice.
3. Spread evenly. Spread rice evenly all over the nori sheet, leaving 1/2 an inch at the end. Cover each part of the sheet with a thin layer of rice, just enough to cover the sheet. With a thick layer of rice, you will not get the taste of your filling.
4. Roll gently but tightly. Rolling too tightly will make the stuffing come out and may tear the sheet too. Rolling very gently will keep the roll loose. So, while rolling, apply gentle pressure to secure everything tightly. Some filling will come out, do not worry about that. Once you finish rolling, put the mat on one end of the roll, secure it with your one hand, moisten the other hand, and push back the filling that came out. Repeat the same with the other end.
5. Use a sharp knife. I use a bread knife to slice the roll. If your knife is not sharp, it would be difficult to slice and everything will start to come out. Also, keep your knife moist. Wipe it with a wet towel to ensure a clean cut.

Step-By-Step Sushi Rolling Technique

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes. All the ingredients used in this recipe are plant-based and vegan. You can try this recipe if you are a vegan or vegetarian.

More Vegan-Filling Ideas

For vegan filling for Sushi, you can try the following:

1. Roasted Tofu cut into thin strips.
2. Boiled or steamed Asparagus.
3. Pickled Cucumber.
4. Pickled Bell Peppers.
5. Rice and soft pear.
6. Picked Radish – pink or white.
7. Vegan Mayonnaise.
8. Vegan Cream Cheese.
9. Thinly Sliced and Steamed Pumpkin

How to store Sushi?

Since it is served cold or at room temperature, you can make it in advance and refrigerate. Consume it the next day.

More Asian Recipes – just as good

1. Green Thai Curry
2. Chilli Peanut Ramen
3. Spicy Miso Ramen
4. Pad Thai Noodles
5. Vietnamese Summer Rolls

P.S. All the recipes mentioned above are vegan and plant-based.

Now grab all the ingredients because you are ready to make this delicious, widely popular Asian delicacy – Sushi – at home. It is perfect to make in the summer season because it is quick and easy to make and also feels light, cooling, and refreshing. You will feel delighted and excited. It is perfect to enjoy over the weekend brunch, lunch, or for dinner too. It looks fancy and restaurant-like and it takes less time to prepare. So, make it and have a delightful meal.

If you try this recipe & like it too, please share the photo of your creation on Instagram and tag us @thefearlesscooking. We just love to see your recreation of our recipes.

Happy Cooking 🙂

Love

Richa