Vegan Sushi: A Fresh Take on a Classic Dish

Sushi is not only popular in Japan, but it is also a food that is loved by many people worldwide. Eating sushi is never boring because it comes in many unique varieties and types, including vegan options that do not use animal products as fillings, often wrapped in a nori sheet.  Vegan sushi offers higher nutritional value and is healthier, typically using vegetable and fruit fillings, and is usually prepared on a bamboo mat. The combination of cold sushi rice with vegan ingredients creates a refreshing taste and is perfect to enjoy anytime and anywhere.

What is vegan sushi?

Vegan sushi is a plant-based version of sushi that contains only natural ingredients derived from vegetables and fruits. Some vegan sushi is considered a gluten free food, but the ingredients must be carefully considered, especially when making sushi at home. The main difference between vegan sushi and traditional sushi lies in the fillings. They still use uruchimai, or Japanese white rice, mixed with vinegar or sugar to give it a sticky and chewy texture, which is essential when rolling the sushi. 

Additionally, sushi in modern times is no longer solely reliant on fresh fish or seafood fillings. The combination of plant-based ingredients is equally appealing and offers a unique and distinctive flavour. They also provide nutritional diversity, being rich in minerals and vitamins, especially when incorporating fruits like avocado.

Typical vegan sushi fillings

Dragon Roll Sushi

The advantage of vegan sushi is that it comes in a wide variety of types and is very appealing, ensuring that no one will ever get bored of eating sushi. Generally, vegan restaurants that sell vegan sushi use fillings such as cucumber, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, fruits like mango or avocado, and many various Japanese ingredients like mirin and dashi (fermented soybeans).

Although traditional sushi is highly popular with meat and fresh fish, substitutes like tofu and jackfruit can also be used. Although the texture is different, you will experience the same flavour if they use the appropriate seasonings and flavour enhancers.

The Benefits of Vegetarian Sushi

By using natural ingredients, vegan sushi provides more benefits to the body. The fruits used as fillings can meet daily mineral and vitamin requirements while adding new flavours compared to traditional sushi. Other plant-based ingredients, such as vegetables, also provide omega-3 and antioxidants that promote heart health and improve brain function.

In addition to its nutritional value, vegan sushi is a simple dish to prepare, and you can even make sushi at home using a bamboo mat. Due to its versatility, you can customise your vegan sushi to create unique experiences and flavours, making it easy to enjoy sushi at home.

Vegan condiments for sushi

Unagi Dragon Roll

Sushi doesn't just use seafood, such as fish and octopus, but also pairs very well with vegan condiments. Here are the top condiments to pair with sushi.

Wasabi

Wasabi and sushi are the perfect combination for Japanese people due to their unique taste and the twist they add to sushi, especially when paired with sesame seeds. Eating vegan sushi with wasabi gives it a spicy and fun flavour, making it a pairing that must be tried. It is made from grated horseradish root and adds a zesty heat when consumed.

Gari (or Amazu Shoga)

Gari or Amazu Shoga is pickled ginger that provides a balanced flavour when eating different types of sushi. When eating sushi, we don't stick to just one type because trying many kinds of sushi at once is very enjoyable and gives a rich flavour. Therefore, this pickled ginger is used to cleanse the palate between different bites of sushi. Typically, Amazu Shoga uses a sweeter vinegar-based solution and is perfect for cutting through the intense flavours of ingredients like avocado or marinated tofu.

Shoyu

One of the condiments that gives sushi its rich flavour is the salty taste of shoyu or soy sauce. You can use soy sauce as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over your sushi for added flavour. This sauce pairs well with all types of sushi, making it a staple condiment found in nearly every sushi restaurant. However, for a healthier option, use low-sodium shoyu, which still delivers the same rich taste without the extra salt.

Hot mustard and chilli oil

Since wasabi gives sushi a slightly pungent spiciness and has a unique flavour, you can replace it with hot mustard or chilli oil, which have more familiar flavours. The spiciness of Asian chilli oil enhances the overall flavour of vegan sushi, which may otherwise taste a little bland. For the best combination, hot mustard and chilli are recommended with cooked vegan sushi.

Umeboshi Paste

Umeboshi paste is made from preserved ume fruit, a type of plum native to Japan, often used in vegan sushi recipes. This paste has a sour and salty flavour that adds a unique touch and distinct taste when enjoying sushi, making it a perfect pairing for simple sushi, such as raw vegan sushi wrapped in a nori sheet. Umeboshi paste is not only delicious but also rich in health benefits, as it is known for its digestive and detoxifying properties. It's a great way to add a traditional Japanese flavour to your vegan sushi.

Types of Vegetarian Sushi

You can eat vegetarian sushi in two different ways: cooked vegan sushi or raw vegan sushi. Here is an explanation of the two types. 

Cooked Vegan Sushi

Cooked vegan sushi includes ingredients that have been prepared using heat, such as roasted vegetables, grilled tofu, or tempura-style vegetables. By eating vegan sushi, you may experience a texture that is not as soft and a smoky flavour. This type of sushi is typically consumed by people who do not particularly enjoy eating raw vegan sushi that has not undergone any cooking process. The advantage of cooked vegan sushi is that it offers a wider variety of fillings, such as smoky grilled eggplant to sweet, caramelised carrots.

Raw Vegan Sushi

If you like traditional sushi served with uncooked ingredients, raw vegan sushi will be the perfect food option for you. It usually uses sliced raw vegetables and fresh fruits such as mango or avocado. These ingredients go well with the coldness of sushi, especially when you add other sushi condiments. To increase the protein content in raw vegan sushi, you can also use marinated tempeh or tofu as the main filling.

Vegan sushi from Brother Bon

Umeboshi paste is made from preserved ume fruit, a type of plum native to Japan. This paste has a sour and salty flavour that adds a unique touch and distinct taste when enjoying sushi, making it a perfect pairing for simple sushi, such as raw vegan sushi. Umeboshi paste is not only delicious but also rich in health benefits, as it is known for its digestive and detoxifying properties. It's a great way to add a traditional Japanese flavour to your vegan sushi.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I determine if the sushi rice used in vegan sushi is prepared without any animal-derived products?

When making vegan sushi, it's essential to ensure that the sushi rice is prepared without any animal-derived products. Traditionally, sushi rice is seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. However, some restaurants may use fish-based dashi or other animal products in their seasoning.

What ingredients are used to replace the fish in vegan sushi rolls?

In vegan sushi, fish is typically replaced with plant-based ingredients that offer a similar texture and flavour profile. Some common replacements include marinated tofu, tempeh, avocado, cucumber, and pickled vegetables. For a more "fish-like" experience, certain ingredients like marinated mushrooms, carrot ribbons, or even mango can mimic the appearance and texture of fish.

Is vegan sushi filling and satisfying like traditional sushi?

Yes, vegan sushi can be just as filling and satisfying as traditional sushi. While it doesn't contain fish, the variety of plant-based fillings, such as avocado, tofu, or tempura vegetables, provides a hearty and satisfying texture. The use of fresh ingredients, alongside flavorful condiments like soy sauce, wasabi, and chilli oil, ensures that vegan sushi is not only nutritious but also packed with flavour.

Conclusion

Sushi is a dish that is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to celebrate, spend quality time with family, or enjoy a meal with friends. However, vegan sushi is more recommended due to its numerous advantages, including higher nutritional value and safety, as it is made from natural and fresh ingredients.

With options like raw and cooked vegan sushi, there's something for every palate, and it's a great way to enjoy the flavours of Japan while adhering to a plant-based diet. The versatility of vegan sushi allows for endless creativity, ensuring that it can be just as satisfying as its traditional counterpart. To try various interesting vegan sushi options, visit Brother Bon today to experience a fresh twist on a classic dish.