Sushi Bowl

This easy Sushi Bowl recipe is fresh, flavorful, and packed with all your favorite sushi-inspired ingredients — no rolling required! It comes together with tender sushi rice, crispy tofu, crunchy vegetables, and a savory homemade teriyaki-style sauce that brings everything together. These bowls are the perfect way to enjoy sushi at home in a simplified form.

Sushi bowls are a great option for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, or anytime you’re craving something fresh and nourishing. They’re totally customizable and easy to build based on what you have in the fridge. You can mix and match your favorite toppings or sauces, making this a great base recipe to adapt to different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Plus, the variety of textures, from the crispy tofu to the creamy avocado and crunchy veggies, makes every bite exciting and delicious.

Why You'll Love this Sushi Bowl Recipe

• A nourishing, well-balanced meal. With protein-rich tofu, fiber-packed veggies, and hearty sushi rice, these bowls are as filling as they are flavorful. It’s a well-balanced meal in one dish that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.
• Simple but flavorful sauce. The homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and vinegar is sweet, salty, and packed with umami. It coats the rice and tofu well and adds that signature sushi flavor to the entire bowl.
• Customizable and flexible. These bowls are easy to personalize with different proteins (like shrimp or salmon), sauces (such as spicy mayo or ponzu), or toppings like pickled ginger and scallions. It’s a fun and approachable way to enjoy sushi your way.
• Great for meal prep. Prepare the rice, sauce, and tofu in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the bowl with your favorite fresh toppings for a quick, delicious meal anytime.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Sushi Bowl, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

• extra-firm tofu – pressed and cubed for maximum crispiness. You can substitute with cooked shrimp or cooked salmon if preferred. You can also use tempeh or a plant-based meat alternative if you want to keep it vegan but try something new. The sauce pairs well with most proteins, so feel free to experiment!
• avocado oil – for sautéing the tofu. Olive oil or vegetable oil also work well.
• sushi rice – cooked and seasoned for that classic sticky texture. Short-grain white rice is best, but you can also use jasmine rice or brown rice.
• edamame – for a protein and fiber boost.
• persian cucumber – thinly sliced. English cucumber works as a substitute.
• avocado – diced for creamy texture and healthy fats.
• carrot – shredded for crunch and color. Use a julienne peeler or grater.
• nori seaweed – sliced into strips. You can use roasted seaweed snacks if preferred.
• toasted sesame seeds – for a nutty, toasty finish.
• teriyaki sauce - made from scratch using soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin or rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a cornstarch slurry.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a small saucepan for the sauce, a nonstick pan for tofu, and bowls for assembling.

How to Make the Best Sushi Bowl

First, make the rice.

Rinse and wash the rice and place into a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of water (or according to the package instructions) and bring to a boil on high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until water is completely absorbed and rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let rest for another 10 minutes.

Next, make the sauce.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together water, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, sesame oil, and mirin until the cornstarch and sugar has dissolved. Set aside.

Now, make the tofu.

1. Prep tofu. Use a paper towel to pat dry the cubed tofu to remove excess water.
2. Pan fry the tofu. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until the hot oil is sizzling hot. Add tofu and sauté until all sides are crispy and golden brown, about 5 minutes.

3. Add sauce. Add the sauce to the skillet. Stir well until the tofu is well coated in the sauce and until thickened to the desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes.

Now, let's assemble the sushi bowls

Divide the rice into 2 wide bowls. Use tongs to add the tofu. Arrange the edamame, cucumber, avocado, and carrot on top of the rice as well.

Drizzle with sauce (from the fried tofu) and garnish with seaweed and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

This Sushi Bowl is delicious and filling served on its own. You can also pair it with some side dishes such as:

• Gomae Spinach Salad (or Goma-ae)
• Vegetable Dumplings
• Bubble Tea
• Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad
• Shanghai Style Vegetarian Steamed Buns

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store the rice, tofu, sauce, and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the bowls fresh when ready to serve to preserve texture and flavor.

How to Reheat

Reheat the rice and tofu in the microwave or on the stovetop. Assemble bowls with cold veggies and toppings just before serving.

FAQ

More Bowl Recipes

• Teriyaki Grilled Salmon Rice Bowl
• Buddha Bowl
• Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken
• Mediterranean Bowl
• Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
• Indian Rice Bowls

Print