California Roll Sushi Bowls (Printable)
A fresh, deconstructed take on the classic California roll combining beloved flavors in an easy, customizable format perfect for quick meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Sushi Rice
01 - 1½ cups sushi rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
04 - 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Toppings
06 - 7 oz imitation crab sticks (surimi), shredded or chopped
07 - 1 large avocado, diced
08 - 1 medium cucumber, seeded and diced
09 - 2 sheets roasted nori, cut into strips
10 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
11 - 2 tablespoons pickled ginger
→ Garnish & Extras
12 - 4 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise
13 - 2 teaspoons sriracha (optional, for spicy mayo)
14 - ¼ cup soy sauce
15 - Wasabi, to taste
16 - 2 green onions, finely sliced
# How-To Steps:
01 - Rinse sushi rice under cold running water until the runoff runs completely clear. Combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water in a rice cooker or medium saucepan and cook according to package directions until tender and water is fully absorbed.
02 - While the rice is still hot, stir together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds to help dissolve the solids, then pour the mixture evenly over the hot rice. Fold gently with a spatula until well coated and let the rice cool to room temperature.
03 - Shred or chop the imitation crab into bite-size pieces. Dice the avocado and cucumber. Thinly slice the green onions. Cut the nori sheets into thin strips using scissors or a sharp knife.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together the Japanese mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sriracha amount to your preferred heat level.
05 - Divide the seasoned sushi rice evenly among 4 bowls. Arrange the crab, avocado, cucumber, nori strips, and pickled ginger on top of each portion. Drizzle with the spicy mayo and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
06 - Serve immediately with soy sauce and wasabi on the side for dipping and seasoning to taste.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It delivers every crave worthy bite of a California roll with zero sushi rolling skills required.
- The bowls come together in under forty minutes and feed a crowd without breaking a sweat.
02 -
- Do not skip rinsing the rice or you will end up with gummy, gluey grains instead of distinct, chewy pearls.
- Seasoning the rice while it is still hot is non negotiable because the grains absorb the vinegar mixture far more evenly than when cooled.
03 -
- Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet for two minutes and the aroma alone will make you never go back to the pre toasted jar.
- Cut the nori strips right before serving because they lose their satisfying snap quickly once exposed to air.