Vegan nigiri is a beautiful and creative way to enjoy sushi without any fish — and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Think of it like edible art: little rice pillows topped with flavorful, colorful ingredients.
Here are some cozy, delicious vegan nigiri ideas to inspire your next homemade sushi night 🍣✨
🍄 Umami Mushroom Nigiri
Savory and earthy
Sauté shiitake, oyster, or king oyster mushrooms in soy sauce, a touch of sesame oil, and a splash of mirin. Let them get a little caramelized. Press onto your sushi rice and top with black sesame or scallions.
Try torching them lightly for a smoky flavor boost.
🥑 Avocado Nigiri
Creamy and classic
A slice of ripe avocado over sushi rice is always a winner. Add a tiny brush of soy sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or chili flakes for contrast.
You can wrap a thin strip of nori around the middle to hold it together.
🌿 Tofu Teriyaki Nigiri
Sweet, salty, satisfying
Crisp up some marinated tofu in a pan. Brush with teriyaki sauce until sticky and glossy. Place on rice and finish with scallions or pickled ginger.
Extra tasty with smoked or baked tofu.
🍠 Roasted Sweet Potato Nigiri
Cozy and slightly sweet
Thin slices of roasted sweet potato (with a bit of soy sauce or miso glaze) are so comforting on rice. A tiny dab of wasabi underneath adds balance.
Top with crispy shallots or a drizzle of tahini-lime sauce.
🍅 Tomato “Tuna” Nigiri
Fresh and tangy
Blanch cherry or plum tomatoes, peel, and marinate them in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a hint of garlic. They take on a tangy, umami-rich flavor.
Use nori strips or avocado slices to keep them in place.
🌊 Eggplant Eel-Style Nigiri
Deep, rich flavor
Slice and pan-fry eggplant until soft, then glaze with a sweet soy-based sauce (like vegan unagi sauce). The texture becomes rich and silky — perfect for sushi.
Finish with a dusting of shichimi togarashi (Japanese spice mix).
🥒 Pickled Cucumber Nigiri
Light and refreshing
Quick-pickle cucumber slices with rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and salt. Great palate cleanser and adds a nice crunch.
Add crushed peanuts or a touch of chili oil for an extra layer.
🥬 Shiso & Plum Nigiri
Floral and zingy
A shiso leaf topped with umeboshi paste (Japanese pickled plum) creates a bold, tangy bite. It’s bright, herbal, and unforgettable.
Great paired with plain rice or alongside mellow flavors like tofu.
Sushi-making is a gentle, hands-on ritual. Put on some calm music, roll slowly, and have fun with the toppings.
You can mix and match your favorite ingredients, or even create a rainbow tray with all of them 🌈
Enjoy your plant-based sushi journey!
