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Caramelized Pineapple Vegan Sushi Bowl

Miranda | The Herby Eater
A vibrant, sweet-savory sushi-inspired bowl with caramelized pineapple, edamame, avocado, and crispy nori over seasoned rice. Fresh, balanced, and packed with texture.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine fusion, Japanese-Inspired
Servings 2 servings

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan (for rice)
  • Nonstick skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Ingredients
  

Rice:

  • 1 cup short grain rice or jasmine/brown rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar optional
  • ½ tsp salt

Caramelized Pineapple:

  • 1½ cups fresh pineapple diced small
  • 1 tsp neutral oil
  • 2 tsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tsp maple syrup

For Bowl:

  • 1 cup shelled edamame steamed
  • ½ large avocado sliced
  • ½ cup cucumber thinly sliced
  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 sheets nori cut into strips or torn
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

Optional Topping (but recommended):

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp lime juice

Instructions
 

Rice

  • Rinse rice until water runs clear. Cook with water according to package instructions.
  • Once done, stir in rice vinegar, sugar (if using), and salt. Let cool slightly.

Caramelized Pineapple

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high with oil.
  • Add diced pineapple in a single layer and let it sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop color.
  • Stir and continue cooking until golden and slightly sticky.
  • Add soy sauce and maple syrup, toss, and cook another 1–2 minutes until glossy. Remove from heat.

Toppings

  • Slice avocado, cucumber, and dice bell pepper.
  • Steam or thaw edamame if needed.
  • Cut or tear nori into small strips.

Assemble & Finish

  • Divide rice between bowls.
  • Arrange caramelized pineapple, edamame, avocado, cucumber, and bell pepper around the bowl.
  • Top with nori strips, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.
  • Drizzle with soy sauce mixture if using.

Notes

Let the pineapple actually sit in the pan—don’t stir too early or you’ll miss the caramelization.
You can swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa if you want to change it up.
Add sriracha or wasabi for heat if that’s your thing!
These bowls hold well for meal prep—just keep avocado separate until serving.
Keyword Dairy-Free, Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Main, Plant Based, Vegan, Vegetarian, Weeknight Meal