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    Home » Recipes » Asian Inspired

    Modified: Mar 25, 2025 · Published: Apr 30, 2016 by Willow Moon · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

    Tofu Sushi Rolls with Quinoa

    Jump to Recipe Pin Video

    These vegan Tofu Sushi Rolls with Quinoa are sweet and savory - perfect for a weeknight meal.

    Tofu Sushi Rolls on a plate with dipping sauce.

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    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    "I would never have thought to use quinoa in sushi rolls, but after making this recipe, I don't want them any other way! Thanks for the recipe! - Nicole"

    Quinoa has always been a grain of choice for me. It is easy to make and it is high in protein. It is one of those grains that I like to include in a salad or use in place of rice.

    Lately, I have been eating tofu and veggies wrapped in nori sheets in place of bread. So instead of making more wraps with nori, I thought some Tofu Sushi Rolls with Quinoa were in order.

    Vegan sushi rolls are one of those easy go-to vegan meals that I like to make when I want something quick, healthy, and filling. They are like fresh Vegetable Summer Rolls because I always have nori sheets and rice paper wraps in my pantry, so I can whip them up in no time.

    Another vegan sushi recipe is my Baked Tofu Temaki Sushi.

    Tamari and sesame oil are two ingredients that I love to cook tofu with. They both add a lot of flavors, so I always have them in my pantry. For these vegan sushi rolls, I used a sweet dipping sauce with sugar.

    Have you had quinoa for breakfast? Try my Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl or my Chocolate Quinoa Bowl. They taste like porridge but with quinoa.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love Them
    • 🧾 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Tips
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs
    • Other Vegan Asian-Inspired Recipes
    • 🎥  Video
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why You'll Love Them

    • They are quick, healthy, and filling.
    • Made with tofu cooked in tamari and sesame oil, they are savory and flavorful.
    • Made with quinoa, they are a nice alternative to sushi rolls made with rice.

    🧾 Ingredients

    Tofu sushi rolls ingredients on a cutting board with labels.
    Dipping sauce ingredients on a cutting board with labels.

    Tofu

    • Firm tofu: I used firm tofu packed in water found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. You could also use extra firm tofu.
    • Tamari: I like to use low-sodium gluten-free tamari because I like to control the amount of sodium. You could also use soy sauce, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos.
    • Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor.
    • Salt: Enhances flavors.

    Quinoa

    • Quinoa: I like to buy quinoa in the bulk section of the grocery store. Make sure to thoroughly rinse it first.
    • Brown rice vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor. You could also use apple cider vinegar.
    • Sugar: Adds sweetness like you get with sushi rice.
    • Tamari: I like to use low-sodium gluten-free tamari because I like to control the amount of sodium. You could also use soy sauce, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos.

    Sweet Dipping Sauce

    • Brown rice vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor. You could also use apple cider vinegar.
    • Sugar: Adds sweetness. You could also use maple syrup, agave syrup, or your favorite sweetener.
    • Tamari: I like to use low-sodium gluten-free tamari because I like to control the amount of sodium. You could also use soy sauce, liquid aminos, or coconut aminos.
    • Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor.

    Sushi Rolls

    • Nori sheets: I like to buy nori sheets with perforated edges for easier slicing.
    • Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunchy bite. You could use avocado or cucumber instead.

    To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    5 Secrets to Transforming Tofu

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    🔪 Instructions

    Process of quinoa being made in a pot.

    Step 1: Add tamari, sugar, and rice vinegar to a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves.

    Step 2: Add water and rinsed quinoa to a saucepan. Bring water to a boil.

    Step 3: Cook until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Add tamari mixture.

    Step 4: Stir to combine.

    Collage photo of tofu added to a pan with tamari and sesame oil, then being fried in a pan.  Quinoa laid out on a nori sheet, then layered with tofu and red pepper strips.

    Step 5: Drain and press tofu. Slice tofu into squares. Add to a skillet along with tamari, sesame oil.

    Step 6: Cook until browned and slightly crispy.

    Step 7: Lay a nori sheet on a cutting board with perforated edges going vertically. Spread quinoa on top, leaving a ½"uncovered.

    Step 8: Layer strips of tofu and red pepper on top.

    Collage photo showing sushi being rolled, then sauce mixed in a small bowl with whisk.

    Step 9: Tightly roll the nori sheet away from you.

    Step 10: Wet the exposed edge so that it sticks together.

    Step 11: Slice with a serrated knife. Repeat with the rest of the sushi rolls.

    Step 12: Mix dipping sauce in a small bowl, heating if necessary to dissolve sugar.

    💭 Tips

    • If you buy your quinoa in bulk, make sure to thoroughly rinse the quinoa. It contains saponins, which give a soapy or bitter taste when not rinsed.
    • If you buy packaged quinoa, make sure it says that it has been rinsed before packaging.
    • If you press the quinoa down with a spoon, the quinoa will stay in place making it easier to roll the sushi and slice it.
    Tofu Sushi Rolls on a plate with dipping sauce.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

    Can you make sushi with tofu?

    Tofu makes a great filling for sushi. It adds a filling protein. When it's cooked in tamari and sesame oil, as I did for this tofu sushi rolls recipe, it also adds flavor.

    Other Vegan Asian-Inspired Recipes

    • Tofu Peanut Noodles in. a bowl. with chopsticks.
      Tofu Peanut Noodles
    • Baked Tofu Temaki Sushi with Cauliflower Rice on a plate.
      Baked Tofu Temaki Sushi with Cauliflower Rice
    • Vegan Tempura
      Super Crispy Vegan Tempura
    • Crispy Teriyaki Tofu and Cauliflower Rice on a plate.
      Crispy Teriyaki Tofu and Cauliflower Rice

    🎥  Video

    Check out the video below to see how easy it it to roll sushi!

    If you tried this Tofu Sushi Rolls Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how you like it in the 💬 comments below. I love hearing from you!

    If you are looking for an easy sushi recipe, you've come to the right place. These vegan sushi rolls couldn't be any easier!

    📋 Recipe

    Tofu Sushi Rolls on a plate with dipping sauce.
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    5 from 3 votes

    Tofu Sushi Rolls with Quinoa

    These vegan Tofu Sushi Rolls with Quinoa are sweet and savory - perfect for a weeknight meal.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Japanese inspired
    Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 40 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 sushi rolls (36 pieces)
    Calories 260kcal
    Author Willow Moon
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    Tofu

    • 15 oz. firm tofu
    • 1 tablespoon low sodium gluten free tamari
    • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
    • Pinch salt

    Quinoa

    • 1 cup quinoa
    • 2 cups water
    • 4 tablespoons brown rice vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 2 tablespoons low sodium gluten free tamari

    Sweet Dipping Sauce

    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • 2 tablespoons low sodium gluten free tamari
    • 2 tablespoons brown rice vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

    Sushi Rolls

    • 6 nori sheets
    • 12 strips of red pepper
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    Tofu

    • Drain and press tofu. If you don't have a tofu press, place tofu in between a clean towel with a heavy object, like a cast iron skillet on top.
    • Slice tofu on its side into thirds, then lay flat and cut into four squares. You will end up with 12 tofu squares (this makes them easy to flip.)
    • Pour sesame oil into a hot pan. Add tofu, tamari, and salt. Cook both sides on medium heat until browned and slightly crispy.

    Quinoa

    • Rinse quinoa thoroughly. Bring quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
    • Heat brown rice vinegar, sugar, and tamari in a pan until the sugar dissolves. Pour over cooked quinoa, and mix thoroughly. Let cool.

    Sweet Dipping Sauce

    • Mix dipping sauce ingredients until sugar dissolves. Heat in a pan or the microwave if necessary.

    Sushi Rolls

    • Lay a nori sheet out on a cutting board with the perforated lines going vertically (if your nori has perforated lines). Spread ½ cup quinoa on nori sheet, pressing quinoa into nori and leaving about ½" of the far side uncovered.
    • Slice tofu squares in half so that you have 24 rectangular strips.
    • Layer 4 tofu strips and 2 long red pepper slices on quinoa. Roll tightly away from you.
    • Wet the uncovered edge so that the roll will stick. Slice on perforated lines with a serrated knife, or to the size of your liking. Repeat with the other rolls.
    • Serve with sweet dipping sauce.

    Notes

    These sushi rolls will last up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 847mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 2.6mg
    SIGN UP for my newsletter, get a FREE 30 Minute Vegan Dinners 7-Day Meal Plan as a welcome gift! 💌

    *Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.

    More Asian Inspired

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    • Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies with Peanut Sauce in a bowl with sauce in the background.
      Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies with Peanut Sauce
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Nicole says

      July 07, 2018 at 7:03 pm

      I would never have thought to use quinoa in sushi rolls, but after making this recipe, I don't want them any other way! Thanks for the recipe!5 stars

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        July 10, 2018 at 1:54 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
    2. Valentina says

      May 04, 2016 at 2:23 pm

      These sound and look so tasty! What a fun appetizer this would be!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        May 04, 2016 at 5:46 pm

        Thanks Valentina!

        Reply
    3. Mary says

      May 04, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      I love vegetarian versions of sushi! I've never used quinoa in place of the rice before, but this has me curious to give it a try.

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        May 04, 2016 at 5:45 pm

        I've used parsnip rice in place of sushi rice too. I like to experiment with alternatives.

        Reply
    4. Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

      May 04, 2016 at 11:46 am

      Yum!! I have never tried to make sushi before but this looks delicious! I wish I was having this for lunch right now!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        May 04, 2016 at 5:43 pm

        I love making my own sushi because you can customize it and it is so much cheaper than buying it!

        Reply
    5. Lucy says

      May 04, 2016 at 10:59 am

      Oh my gosh, I LOVE the idea of using quinoa in place of rice in sushi. Way healthier, and it packs a lot of protein. The sweet dipping sauce sounds delicious too. We have a dumpling night about once a week, I bet it would be perfect!

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        May 04, 2016 at 5:42 pm

        Thanks Lucy! I need to work on a gluten free vegan version of dumplings. So far, I have rice paper wrappers in mind to use in place of the regular dumpling wrappers. We'll see how that turns out...

        Reply
    6. Renee Nicole's Kitchen says

      May 04, 2016 at 10:51 am

      Beautifully done. I've only rolled sushi once and it took a lot of practice (and a very sharp knife) to get my rolls to come out as nice as yours.

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        May 04, 2016 at 5:37 pm

        Thanks Renee! It took me a couple of times to get it tight enough. I find a serrated knife works the best for cutting, otherwise the rolls get squished.

        Reply
    7. Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says

      May 04, 2016 at 9:51 am

      This is fantastic! I love tofu, I love quinoa, and I love sushi, but I'd never thought of combining them before! Great idea- those flavors seem like they'd be amazing.

      Reply
      • Willow Moon says

        May 04, 2016 at 5:35 pm

        Thanks Sarah!

        Reply

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