If you’ve ever craved the flavors of sushi but want something easy, comforting, and fully plant-based, this Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the essence of sushi—the tangy rice, creamy avocado, spicy tofu, and those crunchy nori bits—layered in a warm, baked casserole that satisfies like a hug. This dish makes sushi accessible in a whole new way without sacrificing any of the taste or fun. Whether you’re feeding friends or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe hits all the right notes and is surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of flavors and textures starts with a handful of thoughtful, plant-based ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s the tangy rice base or the creamy, spicy tofu topping that brings everything to life.
- Cooked sushi rice (2 cups): The soft and slightly sticky foundation that absorbs all those wonderful flavors perfectly.
- Rice vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds that signature sushi tang to the rice for an authentic touch.
- Maple syrup (1 tbsp): A gentle hint of sweetness to balance out the acidity and spice.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for rounding out flavors and enhancing every layer.
- Extra-firm tofu (1 block, 14 oz): Pressed and crumbled, this protein-packed ingredient soaks up seasonings beautifully.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Brings that deep umami flavor to the tofu mixture—can’t do without it!
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Infuses the dish with a toasty aroma and rich taste.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp): Adds the perfect hit of spicy kick to keep things exciting.
- Vegan mayo (1/4 cup): Creamy and dreamy, this binds the layers while adding smoothness.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the mayo sauce with zesty freshness.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Provides a subtle savory depth to the mayo drizzle.
- Avocado (1, sliced): Creamy slices that top the bake with buttery texture and color.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): Fresh crunch and a pop of vibrant green.
- Sesame seeds (1 tbsp): Tiny bursts of nuttiness sprinkled on top for extra flair.
- Nori (1 sheet, crushed or shredded): Brings that unmistakable seaweed flavor in delicate bits throughout.
- Optional: Pickled ginger and extra sriracha: Perfect companions for added tang and heat when serving.
How to Make Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Rice
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, mix your cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, maple syrup, and salt in a bowl. This seasoning combo is essential—it transforms plain rice into that classic sushi rice we all recognize and love. Once mixed, press this flavorful rice evenly into a lightly greased 8×8-inch baking dish to form your base layer.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Tofu
Take your pressed and crumbled extra-firm tofu and toss it with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. This seasoning step is crucial because tofu absorbs flavors so well, turning into a spicy, savory topping. Sauté this mixture over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s lightly browned. This adds that perfect texture contrast before spreading it over your rice layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Mayo Sauce
Whisk together vegan mayo, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This sauce might seem simple, but it’s a game-changer—creaminess with a pop of citrus and a hint of garlicky warmth. Drizzle half of this mayo mixture right over the tofu layer before baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled dish into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. This step lets the layers meld beautifully while the top turns golden and develops a slightly crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the soft interior.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Toppings
Once your Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe is out of the oven, it’s time for some fresh toppings. Lay sliced avocado over the top, sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed nori. These add vibrant colors and delightful textures. Finally, drizzle the remaining mayo sauce on top to bring it all together.
How to Serve Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes really elevate the dish from tasty to showstopper. Avocado slices provide buttery richness, green onions offer a fresh crunch, sesame seeds lend nutty bursts, and the shredded nori brings a subtle seaweed flavor reminiscent of classic sushi rolls. For an extra oomph, don’t skip the optional pickled ginger and a splash of extra sriracha on the side.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs beautifully with light, refreshing side dishes. Think crisp cucumber salad, edamame sprinkled with sea salt, or even a simple seaweed salad. These sides keep the meal balanced and let the Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe shine as the centerpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this at a gathering, consider scooping out portions onto small plates and topping each with a bit more fresh avocado and a sprinkle of nori flakes. You can also serve it with bamboo leaf wraps or even in rice paper for a fun deconstructed sushi feel. Presentation is a fantastic way to make the dish feel extra special and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe tastes fantastic even the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, and it reheats beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes well. Portion the bake into single servings and freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on top again. You can also microwave it but the oven method keeps the texture more delightful.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works as a wholesome alternative, though it will change the traditional sushi texture slightly. Just make sure it’s cooked sticky enough to hold together well.
Is there a soy-free option for the tofu seasoning?
Yes, you can substitute tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free and soy-free while maintaining that savory umami flavor.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?
Definitely! Use a non-stick pan to sauté the tofu and skip the sesame oil, or replace it with a splash of vegetable broth for cooking.
How spicy is this Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe?
The heat comes from sriracha, so you control the spice level. If you prefer mild, reduce the amount or omit it completely for a gentle, mellow flavor.
What’s the best vegan mayo to use?
Choose a vegan mayo that you enjoy the taste of, preferably one with a neutral or slightly tangy flavor. Brands like Vegenaise or store-made cashew mayo work wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a special treat but is totally weeknight-friendly. It’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color, promising a crowd-pleasing meal whether you’re cooking for yourself or friends. Give it a shot—you might just find yourself making it again and again for that perfect sushi fix without the fuss.
Print
Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Sushi Bake is a comforting, plant-based twist on traditional sushi, combining layers of seasoned sushi rice, flavorful sautéed tofu, and creamy vegan mayo. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it bakes until golden and crispy on top, then is garnished with fresh avocado, green onions, sesame seeds, and nori for an irresistible, easy-to-make sushi-inspired casserole.
Ingredients
Rice Layer
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt
Tofu Layer
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sriracha
Mayo Sauce
- 1/4 cup vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Toppings
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 sheet nori, crushed or finely shredded
- Optional: Pickled ginger and extra sriracha for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the sushi bake.
- Prepare Rice Layer: In a bowl, combine the cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, maple syrup, and salt. Mix well and press evenly into a lightly greased 8×8-inch baking dish to form the base layer.
- Season Tofu: Toss the crumbled, pressed tofu with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha to infuse rich flavors.
- Sauté Tofu: Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the tofu mixture for 5–7 minutes until it becomes lightly browned and fragrant, then spread this evenly over the rice layer.
- Prepare Mayo Sauce: Whisk together vegan mayo, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl, then drizzle half of this sauce over the tofu layer to add creaminess and zest.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
- Add Toppings: Remove from oven and top with sliced avocado, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and shredded nori for added texture and freshness.
- Serve: Drizzle the remaining mayo sauce over the top and serve warm, optionally accompanied by pickled ginger and extra sriracha for an extra kick.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu thoroughly before crumbling ensures better texture and flavor absorption.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
- Use vegan mayo to keep the dish fully plant-based.
- For gluten-free option, verify that soy sauce used is gluten-free tamari.
- This dish can be served as a main or a shareable appetizer.
