Make your own vegan sushi

Are you already a sushi fan and keen to try something new? Or maybe you've been curious, but the raw fish puts you off? If so, vegan sushi could be perfect for you.

Is sushi without fish still sushi?

The short answer is yes! Japan offers numerous vegan sushi options that are served in the same way as traditional sushi. For example, kappa maki with cucumber or inari sushi, which is rice served in deep-fried tofu pockets. This shows that sushi can be just as authentic without fish, whether you're serving it at a party, for dinner, or as a snack. Vegan sushi makes a delicious, healthy alternative with all the enjoyment of fish-based sushi!

What equipment do I need at home?

Before you start, let's look at the basics you'll need. Much of it you likely already have in your kitchen, such as cling film, a saucepan, a bowl, a knife and a chopping board. For rolling the sushi maki, a sushi mat is essential, along with chopsticks for the authentic sushi experience, and optional rice moulds, which are particularly handy for making nigiri sushi.

Which types of sushi can I make?

Here are the most popular versions, so you can choose the ones you'd most like to try out.

• Maki: These sushi rolls with rice are typically filled with salmon and cucumber and wrapped in a nori sheet. You can easily fill them with your choice of vegan ingredients.
   
• Inside out: In this version, the rice is on the outside, with the nori sheet and filling on the inside.
   
• Inari nigiri: Inari is sushi rice served in a sweet, deep-fried tofu pocket. Nigiri are longish, oval rice balls with a thin layer of tofu or vegetables on top. Our inari nigiri is a delicious combo—give it a try!
   
• Onigiri: Rice balls that don't require pressing are very popular in Japan. To make onigiri, divide a nori sheet into four parts, top it with your choice of ingredients, and fold. Onigiri sushi is especially delicious with kimchi, vegan cheese, cucumber, carrots and spinach or red cabbage leaves, for example.
   
• Gunkan: A small rice mound, wrapped in a nori strip and filled with ingredients such as avocado or vegan caviar. For our chickpea gunkan, the chickpeas are baked until crispy and mixed with pomegranate seeds or other fruits, giving a nod to the traditional gunkan method.
   
• Tempura: Deep-fried vegetable or tofu pieces used as a filling or topping. Particularly delicious: a crispy tempura roll with oyster mushrooms.
   
• Cabbage roll sushi: This creative sushi version uses cabbage, sesame and other ingredients, which are mixed into the vinegared rice and then wrapped and sliced like a cabbage roll.
   
• Cooked aubergines: A real treat for the taste buds! These spicy-sweet aubergines are first grilled and then prepared in the kabayaki style.

Step-by-step guide to making vegan sushi at home

With these simple steps, you can make vegan sushi yourself and let your creativity run wild. And if you want to try other types, this will give you a good grounding in the basics!

1. Preparing the sushi rice

• Wash and cook the rice: Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then cook according to the packet instructions.
   
• Let the rice cool: Once cooked, transfer the rice to a bowl and fluff it gently with a wooden spoon. Add a little rice vinegar to give it the typical sushi flavour. Kikkoman Seasoning for Sushi Rice is perfect for this.

2. Preparing the ingredients

• Cut the vegetables: Thinly slice the avocado, cucumber, carrot or other fillings.
   
• Fry the tofu: If you're using tofu or tempeh, you can marinate and lightly fry them beforehand.

3. Rolling the sushi maki

• Prepare the sushi mat: Place cling film on the sushi mat to prevent the rice from sticking.
   
• Nori sheet and rice: Place half a nori sheet on the mat, take a handful of rice and spread it evenly over the sheet.
   
• Add the fillings: Place your preferred fillings on the lower part of the rice.
   
• Roll the maki: Using the mat, roll up the sushi tightly from bottom to top. Then slice the finished roll into even pieces.
   
• Serve: Arrange your vegan sushi on a plate and serve with soy sauce, wasabi and vegan mayo. Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Sweet Soy Sauce and Kikkoman Sushi & Sashimi Soy Sauce are particularly good as a dip and are both vegan!