Vegan Poke Bowl

Poke bowls are fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor. This vegan version swaps out seafood for tofu crab, a tasty plant-based alternative. It’s marinated to soak up all the delicious flavors you’d expect in a poke bowl. With fresh veggies, fluffy rice, and a savory sauce, every bite is super satisfying.

Making your own vegan poke bowl at home is easier than you think. You can mix and match ingredients to fit your taste. Plus, prepping everything ahead of time makes it a quick meal when you need it. Whether you’re craving something light or a filling lunch, this bowl has you covered!

Ready to prepare your own homemade vegan sushi bowl? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Why You Must Try This Vegan Sushi Bowl

This poke bowl with shredded tofu crab is packed with flavor, texture, and fresh ingredients. The marinated tofu gives it a delicious crab-like taste, while seasoned sushi rice, crunchy veggies, and spicy mayo make every bite exciting. It’s easy to make, totally customizable, and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal!

Tastes Just Like the Real Thing. Grated tofu soaks up the marinade, giving it a rich, seafood-like flavor. The texture is soft yet slightly chewy, just like crab!
Easy to Make at Home. No fancy skills or hard-to-find ingredients needed! You can whip up this bowl in no time with simple steps.
Packed with Freshness. Crunchy veggies like cucumber, radish, and carrots add the perfect contrast. Every bite is light, crisp, and super refreshing!
Full of Fantastic Flavor. The mix of tangy rice, savory tofu “crab,” and spicy sriracha mayo makes each bite irresistible. Plus, you can tweak the flavors to match your taste!
Excellent for Meal Prep. Make everything ahead of time and assemble it when you’re ready to eat. It’s perfect for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Every great sushi bowl starts with the right ingredients, and this one is no exception! Shredded tofu makes a tasty seafood swap, while seasoned rice, fresh veggies, and spicy mayo bring all the flavors together. With plenty of easy substitutions, you can mix and match to create your perfect bowl!

Labeled ingredients for a vegan poke bowl, including tofu, edamame, sushi rice, avocado, cucumber, carrots, cabbage, nori, and sauces.

Seasoned Sushi Rice – Sushi rice is sticky, slightly sweet, and tangy, making it the perfect foundation for a poke bowl. It holds everything together and adds that classic sushi flavor. Tip: Mix in the vinegar, sugar, and salt while the rice is still hot for the best absorption! Try plain short grain rice, brown rice for a nuttier taste or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Shredded Tofu Crab – Finely shredded tofu mimics the soft, flaky texture of real crab while soaking up all the delicious marinade flavors. It adds protein and makes the bowl extra satisfying. Press your tofu before shredding for a better texture! Hearts of palm (like in these plant-based fish tacos) or jackfruit (similar to the texture in this vegan tuna recipe) also work great for a seafood-like texture.
Fresh Veggies – Veggies like cucumber, avocado, and edamame add crunch, creaminess, and a pop of freshness. They keep the bowl light, balanced, and full of texture. Mix and match your veggies for variety—radish slices, pickled carrots, or cubed mango are great additions! Swap in your favorite seasonal veggies to keep things fresh and exciting.
Spicy Vegan Mayo – A mix of plant-based mayo and sriracha gives the bowl a creamy, spicy boost that ties all the flavors together. It balances the tangy rice and fresh veggies perfectly! Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha. Use a tahini sauce, dairy-free aioli or cashew cream for a soy-free alternative.
Chili Oil – A drizzle of chili oil adds a deep, rich heat that makes every bite more exciting. It enhances the umami flavors and brings the whole dish together. Use a little at first and add more if you like extra heat! Try toasted sesame oil for a milder, nutty flavor without the spice.

How to Make a Vegan Poke Bowl

Making a vegan poke bowl with tofu crab is easier than you think! Shredded tofu soaks up a flavorful marinade, giving it a seafood-like taste, while fresh veggies, seasoned sushi rice, and spicy mayo bring everything together. It’s a fun, customizable meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for lunch or dinner!

A pot of cooked seasoned sushi rice, fluffed and ready to use as the base for a vegan poke bowl.

Step 1: Prepare the Rice – Cook your sushi rice using a stovetop, Instant Pot, or rice cooker. Check the tips for the best method.

A whisk in a bowl of soy-based marinade with sesame seeds and red chili flakes, used to flavor the tofu vegan crab.

Step 2: Whip Up the Tofu “Crab” – Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and chili oil in a microwave-safe bowl.

Bowl of shredded tofu ready to be seasoned for vegan poke bowl crab filling.

Grate the tofu into shreds, mix it into the sauce, and microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds.

Bowl of vegan mayo and sriracha placed side by side, ready to be mixed into a creamy spicy sauce.

Creamy orange spicy mayo sauce in a white bowl with a spoon, ready for using in a vegan poke bowl.

Seasoned tofu mixture in a glass bowl, used as vegan crab for poke bowls with spicy mayo and shredded tofu.

Then, Step 3: Mix the Spicy Sauce – In a small bowl, mix plant-based mayo and sriracha. Set aside a little for drizzling later. Stir the rest into the tofu mixture.

Seasoned sushi rice in a white saucepan, topped with a mix of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt before being stirred in.

Step 4: Season the Rice – Once the rice is cooked and still hot, mix in vinegar, sugar, and salt. Fluff with a fork for the best texture.

Two vegan poke bowls topped with colorful vegetables, tofu, avocado, nori, and spicy mayo on sushi rice.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls – Divide the rice into 4-6 bowls. Spread the tofu “crab” evenly over the top.

Finally, Step 6: Add Tasty Toppings and Serve – Top with your favorite fresh ingredients like seaweed, avocado wedges, cucumber salad, radish, brined carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds (black or white). Drizzle the extra sriracha mayo on top, then serve and enjoy!

Helpful Serving Tips and Suggestions

Take your vegan poke bowl to the next level with fun and tasty serving ideas! From crispy toppings to creative sauces, there are so many ways to make each bowl unique. Whether you scoop it with seaweed, add extra spice, or switch up the base, these tips will make every bite even better:

Add a Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle crispy fried onions, crushed nori, or toasted sesame seeds on top. They add a satisfying crunch that makes every bite even better!
Serve with Sushi Wraps – Use small sheets of nori to scoop up the rice and tofu crab like mini sushi tacos. It’s a fun way to eat your poke bowl with extra umami flavor!
Drizzle with Extra Sauce – Love a saucy bowl? Add an extra drizzle of spicy vegan mayo, vegan-friendly eel sauce, rich oyster sauce, or a splash of soy sauce (or coconut aminos) for even more flavor.
Pair with Pickled Veggies – Serve with pickled red onions, earthy radish, or cool cucumbers for a tangy contrast. It balances out the creamy and spicy flavors perfectly!
Try a Different Base – Swap the sushi rice for brown rice, hearty quinoa, or even mixed greens. It’s a great way to change things up while keeping it tasty!
Serve with a Side of Miso Soup – A warm bowl of umami miso soup pairs perfectly with the fresh, chilled poke bowl. It makes for a cozy and complete meal!

Poke Bowl FAQs

How long does this vegan poke bowl recipe last?

Your vegan sushi bowl will stay fresh for about 1-2 days in the fridge. It’s best to store the rice, tofu crab, and sauce separately to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the ingredients together, and enjoy!

Can I make this vegan poke bowl tofu free?

Yes, you can definitely make this vegan poke bowl without tofu! Here are some great substitutes for shredded tofu crab: shredded jackfruit, chunks of hearts of palm, mashed chickpeas, or marinated tempeh. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite substitute!

Do I have to use sugar and salt in this poke bowl recipe?

You don’t have to use granulated sugar and salt in the sushi rice, but they do help create that classic sweet-and-savory flavor that’s typical in sushi bowls. The sugar adds a mild sweetness, while the salt balances the flavors and enhances the taste. If you’re avoiding sugar or salt, you can skip them or try alternatives like coconut sugar or a pinch of reduced sodium mineral salt for a more natural option.

Can I make this vegan poke recipe gluten-free?

To make your vegan poke bowl gluten-free, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Sushi rice is naturally gluten-free, but check to make sure. Also, watch out for processed ingredients with gluten in sauces or mayo, or make your own to stay safe!