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Vegan sushi bowl featuring spicy pan-fried tofu, vegetables, and sushi rice.

Vegan Sushi Bowl with Spicy Pan Fried Tofu

A comforting and colorful bowl filled with sticky sushi rice, spicy pan-fried tofu, and fresh seasonal vegetables like avocado, cucumber, and carrot.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 2 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese, Vegan
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the sushi bowl
  • 1 cup sushi rice Short- or medium-grain rice preferred
  • 1.25 cups water
  • 1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed Extra-firm yields the crispiest result
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha Adjust to taste for heat
  • 1 each avocado, sliced Use when avocados are at peak
  • 1 each cucumber, julienned Fresh from the farmer’s market
  • 1 each carrot, shredded
  • 1 cup edamame, cooked Cook according to package directions
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • N/A Nori sheets, cut into strips
  • N/A Green onions, chopped for garnish

Method
 

Cooking the rice
  1. Rinse 1 cup sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add rice and 1 1/4 cups water to a saucepan, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
  2. Turn off the heat and let it steam, covered, for another 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly before assembly. For extra flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon sugar while warm.
Preparing the tofu
  1. While the rice cooks, drain the tofu and press for 15–30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  2. Slice the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes. Dust lightly with cornstarch for crispier edges before frying.
Pan-frying the tofu
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add tofu cubes in a single layer and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 10 minutes total.
  3. If desired, cook longer for extra crunch or finish under a broiler.
Making the glaze
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon sriracha.
  2. Reduce pan heat to medium-low, pour the sauce over tofu, and toss gently for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  3. Consider adding 1 teaspoon maple syrup or brown sugar for sweetness.
Preparing the fresh veggies
  1. Slice the avocado, julienne the cucumber, and shred the carrot.
  2. Cook edamame if frozen according to package directions and drain.
Assembling the sushi bowl
  1. Place a scoop of sushi rice in each bowl.
  2. Arrange tofu cubes, avocado slices, cucumber, shredded carrot, and edamame on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, add nori strips, and garnish with green onions.
Serving
  1. Enjoy the bowl immediately for best texture, with the option of drizzling extra glaze or spicy vegan mayo.

Notes

Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days. Reheat tofu in a skillet for best texture. You can freeze glazed tofu for up to 2 months.