If you have ever wished you could enjoy the comforting flavors of sushi without the fuss of rolling or the fish, this Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a delightful casserole-style dish that layers perfectly seasoned sushi rice with savory tofu and creamy, tangy vegan mayo, then bakes to golden perfection. Every bite bursts with the vibrant flavors and textures that make sushi so irresistible, but with the ease of a baked casserole, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, combining to create the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in your vegan sushi bake. Each one plays a role in delivering the classic sushi taste but in a cozy, baked form.

2 cups cooked sushi rice: The foundational sticky rice that brings the authentic sushi texture and holds the layers together beautifully.
2 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds that essential subtle tang and shine to the rice, just like traditional sushi.
1 tbsp maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness to balance the acidity in the rice mixture.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the rice perfectly seasoned.
1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and crumbled: A hearty, protein-packed vegan substitute that soaks up savory seasonings brilliantly.
1 tbsp soy sauce: Brings umami depth to the tofu, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
1 tbsp sesame oil: Adds a nutty warmth that makes the tofu even more irresistible.
1 tbsp sriracha: Infuses the tofu with a hint of spicy kick for excitement.
1/4 cup vegan mayo: Creates creamy, tangy layers that bring the bake together luxuriously.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the mayo sauce, adding freshness that balances richness.
1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory note to the creamy topping.
1 avocado, sliced: Rich, buttery slices that add color and lusciousness to the final dish.
1/4 cup chopped green onions: For a fresh, crisp bite and vibrant green pop.
1 tbsp sesame seeds: Adds a delicate crunch and visual appeal.
1 sheet nori, crushed or finely shredded: Provides that unmistakable hint of seaweed flavor to tie it all back to sushi.
Optional: Pickled ginger and extra sriracha for serving: Classic accompaniments that elevate every bite.

How to Make Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Rice

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. While it heats up, mix your cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, maple syrup, and salt for that signature sushi rice flavor. Press this mixture evenly into a lightly greased 8×8-inch baking dish to create a solid foundation for the rest of the layers.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Tofu

Next, toss your crumbled tofu with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha. This simple marinade infuses the tofu with savory, nutty, and spicy notes. Sauté the tofu mixture over medium heat for around 5 to 7 minutes until it’s lightly browned and smells absolutely delicious. This step transforms tofu into a flavorful, hearty layer that complements the rice perfectly.

Step 3: Layer the Tofu Over the Rice

Spread the sautéed tofu mixture evenly over the pressed sushi rice in your baking dish. This layered approach is what makes the vegan sushi bake a cozy casserole rather than traditional sushi rolls, giving you a tasty, comforting way to enjoy all the flavors without rolling or packing.

Step 4: Prepare and Drizzle the Mayo Sauce

Whisk together vegan mayo, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This creamy sauce adds a lovely tang and depth to the bake. Drizzle half of this dressing over your tofu layer, spreading it evenly for a luscious finish that will bake into a golden top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Pop your assembled dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The mayo layer will turn golden and slightly crispy, adding a delightful texture contrast. The aromas filling your kitchen at this point are absolutely irresistible!

Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings

Once out of the oven, top the bake with creamy avocado slices, chopped green onions for crunch and color, sesame seeds for subtle texture, and shredded nori for that classic sushi seaweed flavor. Drizzle the remaining mayo sauce over the top to finish it off beautifully.

How to Serve Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your vegan sushi bake with fresh avocado, green onions, sesame seeds, and shredded nori creates a visually stunning dish that also adds layers of flavor and texture. These garnishes bring brightness and a light crunch, balancing out the rich, creamy baked layers underneath.

Side Dishes

Consider serving your sushi bake alongside classic sides like pickled ginger to cleanse the palate, edamame for a protein boost, or a simple seaweed salad. These sides echo the flavors of your bake and elevate your meal to a well-rounded, satisfying feast.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this dish straight from the baking pan for a casual family meal, or scoop portions onto individual plates for a more elegant presentation. For a party, try serving it in small ramekins or even atop crisp cucumber slices for sushi-inspired bites that are sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover vegan sushi bake keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing it properly helps maintain freshness and flavor, so you can enjoy every bite without compromise.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Wrap the sushi bake tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer it into a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within a month for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the portion in an oven-safe dish and warm it at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating in the oven helps retain the crispiness of the baked topping and keeps the tofu layer wonderfully textured.

FAQs

Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

While sushi rice is ideal due to its sticky texture that holds the layers together, you could experiment with other short-grain rice varieties. Just make sure your rice is slightly sticky and seasoned well with rice vinegar to mimic that sushi flavor.

Is there a substitute for tofu in the Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe?

If you’re not a tofu fan, tempeh or cooked chickpeas could work as protein alternatives. Tempeh has a firmer texture that holds up well when cooked, while chickpeas provide a creamy yet hearty layer when mashed slightly.

How spicy is this sushi bake?

The recipe includes sriracha for a mild to moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust this by adding more or less depending on your spice tolerance. You can also serve extra sriracha on the side for those who like a spicier kick.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, this Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe is naturally nut-free as it does not rely on any nuts. Just be sure to check your vegan mayo and other store-bought ingredients to ensure they are free from nuts if allergies are a concern.

What’s the best way to press tofu for this recipe?

Pressing tofu removes excess water, allowing it to soak up seasonings and brown well when sautéed. Simply wrap the block in a clean towel or paper towels, place a heavy object on top for at least 15 minutes, and drain the liquid before crumbling and cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe is a joyful way to enjoy all the flavors of sushi in a straightforward, cozy format that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something special on a weeknight. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own staple for sushi cravings.

Vegan Sushi Bake Recipe

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4.2 from 38 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Vegan Sushi Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make layered casserole that mimics the flavors of sushi in a baked format. Featuring seasoned sushi rice, a savory tofu topping, and creamy vegan mayo, it’s perfect for a comforting yet healthy plant-based meal. Garnished with avocado, green onions, sesame seeds, and nori, this dish brings all the sushi favorites together without the fuss of rolling.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Layer

2 cups cooked sushi rice
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp salt

Tofu Mixture

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 & Garnish

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

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the sushi casserole.
Prepare Rice Layer: In a bowl, combine the cooked sushi rice with rice vinegar, maple syrup, and salt. Mix well, then evenly press the rice into the bottom of a lightly greased 8×8-inch baking dish to form a firm base.
Season Tofu: In a separate bowl, toss the crumbled tofu with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha to ensure it is fully coated with flavor.
Sauté Tofu: Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the seasoned tofu mixture for 5–7 minutes until it is lightly browned, enhancing both texture and taste. Spread this tofu evenly over the rice layer in the baking dish.
Make Mayo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayo, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth. Drizzle half of this sauce over the tofu layer to add creamy, tangy richness.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy, melding all the flavors together.
Add Toppings: Remove from oven and immediately top with sliced avocado, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and crushed or shredded nori to add freshness and a variety of textures.
Serve: Drizzle the remaining mayo sauce over the top, and serve warm. Optionally, accompany with pickled ginger and extra sriracha for additional flavor and spice.