California Roll Sushi Bowls (Printable View)
Fresh sushi bowls with all classic California roll flavors - seasoned rice, crab, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and spicy mayo.
# 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 ounces 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
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Rinse sushi rice under cold running water until the runoff runs completely clear. Combine rinsed rice with 2 cups water in a rice cooker or saucepan and cook according to package directions until tender and water is fully absorbed.
02 - While the rice is still hot, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds to help the sugar dissolve, then pour the mixture evenly over the hot rice. Fold gently using a slicing motion—avoid mashing the grains—and let cool to room temperature.
03 - Shred or chop the imitation crab into bite-size pieces. Dice the avocado and seeded cucumber into uniform cubes. Slice the green onions thinly and cut the nori sheets into thin strips. Set all toppings aside.
04 - Stir together the Japanese mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth and well blended. Adjust the sriracha quantity to reach 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 spicy mayo, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
06 - Serve immediately with soy sauce and wasabi on the side so each diner can season to taste.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- All the satisfaction of a California roll without the frustration of trying to roll sushi.
- It comes together in under an hour and somehow feels both comforting and fresh at the same time.
02 -
- Do not skip rinsing the rice or you will end up with a gummy paste instead of distinct tender grains.
- Folding the vinegar mixture into hot rice rather than cold rice is the secret to achieving that authentic sushi flavor.
03 -
- Press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of leftover sushi rice before refrigerating to keep it from drying out and turning hard.
- Toasting your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet for two minutes takes them from forgettable to absolutely fragrant and worth the extra step.