If you love sushi but don’t always have the time (or patience) to roll it up, this Easy Sushi Bowl is the perfect solution. It has all the flavors and textures of your favorite sushi roll—fluffy rice, fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and savory protein—without the hassle of rolling or special tools.
Simply layer the ingredients in a bowl, drizzle with a flavorful sauce, and you have a quick, customizable meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
This recipe became a weeknight favorite in our home because it’s fast, fun to assemble, and a great way to satisfy sushi cravings without takeout.
Everyone in the family can build their own bowl with their favorite toppings—salmon for one person, shrimp or tofu for another. It’s colorful, fresh, and surprisingly easy to put together with ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sushi bowl is the ultimate shortcut to enjoying sushi flavors at home. Instead of rolling and slicing, you simply layer everything in a bowl, making it easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
The flavors are fresh and bright, with creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a satisfying protein of your choice. It’s also endlessly customizable—swap proteins, add more veggies, or adjust the sauces to suit your taste.
The bowl is naturally gluten-free if you use tamari, and it can be easily made dairy-free. Plus, it’s a balanced meal with carbs, protein, healthy fats, and fiber all in one bowl.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (or jasmine rice)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cooked protein of choice (salmon, shrimp, crab, or tofu)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- ½ cup shelled edamame
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (plain or mixed with sriracha)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Pro Tips
- Season the rice with vinegar, sugar, and salt for that authentic sushi flavor.
- Use day-old rice for a firmer texture that holds its shape better.
- Prep veggies and sauce in advance so assembling takes just minutes.
- Mix sriracha into mayo for a quick and easy spicy mayo drizzle.
- Serve toppings in small bowls and let everyone build their own bowl.
Tools You’ll Need
- Saucepan or rice cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for serving
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein swaps: Use canned tuna, cooked crab, rotisserie chicken, or baked tofu.
- Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- Add-ins: Try mango, pickled ginger, radishes, or nori strips for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Use tofu, edamame, or a fried egg as the protein.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
- Chop veggies up to a day in advance.
- Prepare the sauce and keep it in a jar until ready to serve.
- Store each component separately for up to 3 days for easy assembly.
How to Make Easy Sushi Bowls
1. Cook and Season the Rice
Cook rice according to package instructions. While it’s still warm, stir in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare Protein and Veggies
Slice avocado, cucumber, and other veggies. Cook or prepare your protein—seared salmon, cooked shrimp, or tofu all work well.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha (if using) to make spicy mayo. Add a drizzle of sesame oil for flavor if you like.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Spoon rice into bowls. Arrange veggies, avocado, and protein on top. Drizzle with soy sauce and spicy mayo.
5. Garnish and Serve
Finish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with lime wedges or extra soy sauce on the side.
Leftovers and Storage
Sushi bowls taste best fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep avocado separate to prevent browning, and add sauce just before serving. Rice may firm up in the fridge—add a splash of water and reheat briefly before eating.
Freezing is not recommended since rice and vegetables lose their texture once thawed.
Nutrition & Benefits
This sushi bowl offers a balanced mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. The rice provides energy, edamame and your chosen protein add essential amino acids, and avocado supplies heart-healthy fats.
Fresh veggies bring fiber and micronutrients, while sesame seeds contribute antioxidants and a nutty crunch.
Fresh, Fun, and Perfect for Any Night
This Easy Sushi Bowl has all the flavors of your favorite sushi roll but comes together in a fraction of the time. It’s fresh, customizable, and satisfying—perfect for a quick dinner or meal-prep lunch.