A vegan sushi roll is a Japanese dish that combines vinegared short-grain sushi rice, sheets of [nori](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-<a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-seaweed' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-seaweed","linkCopy":"seaweed","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>seaweed</a>), and a sushi filling composed of various vegan-friendly ingredients. Unlike [nigiri](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/nigiri-recipe), which consists of ingredients resting on top of bite-sized beds of rice, chefs construct sushi rolls (makizushi or maki) and [hand rolls](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hand-roll-sushi-guide) (temaki) by rolling an outer layer of toasted seaweed (nori) and seasoned sushi rice around thinly sliced vegetables. Chefs use a bamboo mat to press the roll into a compact cylinder for easy slicing with a sharp knife. 

Common vegan sushi accompaniments include soy sauce (or gluten-free [tamari](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-soy-sauce-and-tamari)) for dipping, and occasionally, grated [daikon radish](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pickled-daikon-recipe), pickled ginger, and [wasabi](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-wasabi).
Vegetarian sushi recipes may incorporate ingredients like eggs ([tamago](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tamago-sushi-recipe)) for rich texture. Still, vegan sushi relies on various ingredients to create simple, refreshing rolls with bold, dynamic flavors. Here’s a sampling of the most popular vegan sushi ingredients:

1. __Grains__: All sushi starts with rice. Short-grain white rice (seasoned with rice vinegar and sugar) is most common, but homemade sushi can feature brown rice, [black rice](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-secret-behind-forbidden-rice-all-about-black-rice-plus-a-simple-black-rice-recipe), or nutrient-dense pseudo-grains like quinoa. Use [cauliflower rice](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-cauliflower-rice) to make a grain-free sushi roll.
2. __Greens__: Many vegetarian sushi rolls feature raw, cooked, or pickled greens like baby spinach, sunflower sprouts, chopped pea shoots, herbs like [shiso](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/shiso-culinary-guide), scallion greens, or [pickled mustard greens](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/takana-guide). 
3. __Fruit__: While thin slices of strawberry and kiwi are a popular addition to dessert-style sushi, you can also use fruit to accent savory ingredients. 
4. __Mushrooms__: Bundles of fine white [enoki mushrooms](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/enoki-mushroom-guide) or marinated [shiitake mushrooms](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-shiitake-mushrooms-in-your-everyday-cooking) add a savory flavor and hearty texture to any sushi roll, and they’re an excellent pairing with any dipping sauce. Serve more delicate mushrooms raw or sautéed in butter, and soften larger mushrooms like maitakes by grilling or frying them first. 
5. __Pickles and pastes__: To add acidity and umami to your rolls, incorporate fermented ingredients like miso, [nattō](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-natto), vegetarian Korean [kimchi](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-kimchi-easy-recipe-and-tips), or umeboshi paste, made from a tart Japanese pickled plum. Wrap pickles, like beni shōga (bright red pickled ginger), into the roll itself, or serve them alongside other dishes. 
6. __Tempura__: Ingredients fried in a light and crispy tempura batter are common in all kinds of sushi rolls, from [shrimp tempura](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/shrimp-tempura-recipe) to fried soft-shell crab. Add tempura to a vegan roll by omitting the egg from the batter and using veggies like thinly sliced sweet potato, kabocha squash, or bell peppers.
7. __Vegetables__: There’s no limit to the vegetables that appear in vegan sushi. Julienned cucumbers, carrots, daikon radish, and [kanpyō](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/kanpyo-preparation-guide) (dried gourd strips rehydrated in a sweet and savory marinade) are among the most popular veggie options. 
8. __Vegan protein__: To add flavor and protein to vegan sushi, add crumbled [tempeh](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-tempeh) or [tofu](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-tofu). If using plain tempeh, sauté it with a bit of sesame oil and soy sauce first.
Here are some popular vegan rolls you’re likely to find on most sushi menus:

1. __Avocado sushi__: Creamy slices of avocado are a staple sushi ingredient, adding color, texture, and a helping of healthy fats.
2. __Cucumber sushi__: Kappa maki, or cucumber sushi, is a variation of [hosomaki](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hosomaki-recipe), simple rolls that feature a single ingredient. Kappa maki uses a few spears of peeled cucumber. 
3. __Inari sushi__: Inari sushi, also known as inarizushi, is a Japanese dish consisting of sushi rice stuffed inside fried tofu pouches (also known as [aburaage](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/aburaage-recipe) or fried bean curd) that chefs simmer in a sweet dashi broth. Some chefs add sesame seeds or [furikake seasoning](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/furikake-guide) to the rice for a subtle, nutty flavor and eye-catching look. 
4. __Kanpyō__: Kanpyō (or kampyō) are dried shavings of calabash gourd, a type of gourd also known as fukube or yugao. Kanpyō’s main appeal is its spongy, chewy, snappy texture, which provides an interesting contrast when you wrap it in sushi rice. You can find packaged kanpyō gourd strips in Asian grocery stores.
5. __Nasu maki__: Nasu dengaku, or miso-glazed Japanese eggplant, often appears as a nigiri topping, where the intricately scored flesh of the fruit is on full display, but you can also use it as a deeply savory sushi filling.
6. __Ume shiso roll__: Ume shiso rolls feature a refreshing combination of [julienned](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-knife-skills-how-to-julienne-carrots-and-onions-3-ways) cucumber, umeboshi paste, and shiso leaves wrapped in sushi rice and a nori sheet.
Become a better chef with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Niki Nakayama, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Yotam Ottolenghi, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more.
Japanese sushi is renowned for its presentation of raw fish, but vegan sushi rolls showcase the flavor and versatility of vegetables and fruit.

Japanese sushi is renowned for its presentation of raw fish, but vegan sushi rolls showcase the flavor and versatility of vegetables and fruit.

6 Vegan Sushi Rolls to Try at Home

A vegan sushi roll is a Japanese dish that combines vinegared short-grain sushi rice, sheets of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-<a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-seaweed' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-seaweed","linkCopy":"seaweed","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>seaweed</a' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-\u003ca href='https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-seaweed' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{\"textTag\":\"p\",\"href\":\"https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-seaweed\",\"linkCopy\":\"seaweed\",\"category\":\"automated-link\"}' automatic='true'\u003eseaweed\u003c/a","linkCopy":"nori","category":null}'>nori</a>, and a sushi filling composed of various vegan-friendly ingredients. Unlike <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/nigiri-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/nigiri-recipe","linkCopy":"nigiri","category":null}'>nigiri</a>, which consists of ingredients resting on top of bite-sized beds of rice, chefs construct sushi rolls (makizushi or maki) and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hand-roll-sushi-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hand-roll-sushi-guide","linkCopy":"hand rolls","category":null}'>hand rolls</a> (temaki) by rolling an outer layer of toasted seaweed (nori) and seasoned sushi rice around thinly sliced vegetables. Chefs use a bamboo mat to press the roll into a compact cylinder for easy slicing with a sharp knife. Common vegan sushi accompaniments include soy sauce (or gluten-free <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-soy-sauce-and-tamari' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-soy-sauce-and-tamari","linkCopy":"tamari","category":null}'>tamari</a>) for dipping, and occasionally, grated <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pickled-daikon-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/pickled-daikon-recipe","linkCopy":"daikon radish","category":null}'>daikon radish</a>, pickled ginger, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-wasabi' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-wasabi","linkCopy":"wasabi","category":null}'>wasabi</a>.

What Is a Vegan Sushi Roll?

Vegetarian sushi recipes may incorporate ingredients like eggs (<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tamago-sushi-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tamago-sushi-recipe","linkCopy":"tamago","category":null}'>tamago</a>) for rich texture. Still, vegan sushi relies on various ingredients to create simple, refreshing rolls with bold, dynamic flavors. Here’s a sampling of the most popular vegan sushi ingredients:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Grains: All sushi starts with rice. Short-grain white rice (seasoned with rice vinegar and sugar) is most common, but homemade sushi can feature brown rice, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-secret-behind-forbidden-rice-all-about-black-rice-plus-a-simple-black-rice-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/the-secret-behind-forbidden-rice-all-about-black-rice-plus-a-simple-black-rice-recipe","linkCopy":"black rice","category":null}'>black rice</a>, or nutrient-dense pseudo-grains like quinoa. Use <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-cauliflower-rice' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-cauliflower-rice","linkCopy":"cauliflower rice","category":null}'>cauliflower rice</a> to make a grain-free sushi roll. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Greens: Many vegetarian sushi rolls feature raw, cooked, or pickled greens like baby spinach, sunflower sprouts, chopped pea shoots, herbs like <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/shiso-culinary-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/shiso-culinary-guide","linkCopy":"shiso","category":null}'>shiso</a>, scallion greens, or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/takana-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/takana-guide","linkCopy":"pickled mustard greens","category":null}'>pickled mustard greens</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Fruit: While thin slices of strawberry and kiwi are a popular addition to dessert-style sushi, you can also use fruit to accent savory ingredients. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Mushrooms: Bundles of fine white <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/enoki-mushroom-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/enoki-mushroom-guide","linkCopy":"enoki mushrooms","category":null}'>enoki mushrooms</a> or marinated <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-shiitake-mushrooms-in-your-everyday-cooking' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-shiitake-mushrooms-in-your-everyday-cooking","linkCopy":"shiitake mushrooms","category":null}'>shiitake mushrooms</a> add a savory flavor and hearty texture to any sushi roll, and they’re an excellent pairing with any dipping sauce. Serve more delicate mushrooms raw or sautéed in butter, and soften larger mushrooms like maitakes by grilling or frying them first. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Pickles and pastes: To add acidity and umami to your rolls, incorporate fermented ingredients like miso, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-natto' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-natto","linkCopy":"nattō","category":null}'>nattō</a>, vegetarian Korean <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-kimchi-easy-recipe-and-tips' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-kimchi-easy-recipe-and-tips","linkCopy":"kimchi","category":null}'>kimchi</a>, or umeboshi paste, made from a tart Japanese pickled plum. Wrap pickles, like beni shōga (bright red pickled ginger), into the roll itself, or serve them alongside other dishes. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Tempura: Ingredients fried in a light and crispy tempura batter are common in all kinds of sushi rolls, from <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/shrimp-tempura-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/shrimp-tempura-recipe","linkCopy":"shrimp tempura","category":null}'>shrimp tempura</a> to fried soft-shell crab. Add tempura to a vegan roll by omitting the egg from the batter and using veggies like thinly sliced sweet potato, kabocha squash, or bell peppers. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Vegetables: There’s no limit to the vegetables that appear in vegan sushi. Julienned cucumbers, carrots, daikon radish, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/kanpyo-preparation-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/kanpyo-preparation-guide","linkCopy":"kanpyō","category":null}'>kanpyō</a> (dried gourd strips rehydrated in a sweet and savory marinade) are among the most popular veggie options. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 8. Vegan protein: To add flavor and protein to vegan sushi, add crumbled <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-tempeh' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-tempeh","linkCopy":"tempeh","category":null}'>tempeh</a> or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-tofu' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-tofu","linkCopy":"tofu","category":null}'>tofu</a>. If using plain tempeh, sauté it with a bit of sesame oil and soy sauce first. </li></ol>

8 Common Ingredients in Vegan Sushi Rolls

Here are some popular vegan rolls you’re likely to find on most sushi menus:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Avocado sushi: Creamy slices of avocado are a staple sushi ingredient, adding color, texture, and a helping of healthy fats. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Cucumber sushi: Kappa maki, or cucumber sushi, is a variation of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hosomaki-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hosomaki-recipe","linkCopy":"hosomaki","category":null}'>hosomaki</a>, simple rolls that feature a single ingredient. Kappa maki uses a few spears of peeled cucumber. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Inari sushi: Inari sushi, also known as inarizushi, is a Japanese dish consisting of sushi rice stuffed inside fried tofu pouches (also known as <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/aburaage-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/aburaage-recipe","linkCopy":"aburaage","category":null}'>aburaage</a> or fried bean curd) that chefs simmer in a sweet dashi broth. Some chefs add sesame seeds or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/furikake-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/furikake-guide","linkCopy":"furikake seasoning","category":null}'>furikake seasoning</a> to the rice for a subtle, nutty flavor and eye-catching look. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Kanpyō: Kanpyō (or kampyō) are dried shavings of calabash gourd, a type of gourd also known as fukube or yugao. Kanpyō’s main appeal is its spongy, chewy, snappy texture, which provides an interesting contrast when you wrap it in sushi rice. You can find packaged kanpyō gourd strips in Asian grocery stores. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Nasu maki: Nasu dengaku, or miso-glazed Japanese eggplant, often appears as a nigiri topping, where the intricately scored flesh of the fruit is on full display, but you can also use it as a deeply savory sushi filling. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Ume shiso roll: Ume shiso rolls feature a refreshing combination of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-knife-skills-how-to-julienne-carrots-and-onions-3-ways' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-knife-skills-how-to-julienne-carrots-and-onions-3-ways","linkCopy":"julienned","category":null}'>julienned</a> cucumber, umeboshi paste, and shiso leaves wrapped in sushi rice and a nori sheet. </li></ol>

6 Vegan-Friendly Sushi Rolls

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Want to Learn More About Cooking?

Japanese sushi is renowned for its presentation of raw fish, but vegan sushi rolls showcase the flavor and versatility of vegetables and fruit.

Japanese sushi is renowned for its presentation of raw fish, but vegan sushi rolls showcase the flavor and versatility of vegetables and fruit.
