California Roll Sushi Bowls (Printer-friendly)
Deconstructed California roll with seasoned sushi rice, surimi, avocado, cucumber and spicy mayo—ready in 40 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Sushi Rice
01 - 1½ cups sushi rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
04 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Toppings
06 - 7 ounces imitation crab sticks (surimi), shredded or roughly chopped
07 - 1 large avocado, sliced
08 - 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
09 - 2 sheets nori, cut into thin strips or small squares
10 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
11 - 4 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie)
12 - 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for spicy mayo)
13 - 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
14 - Pickled ginger, for serving
15 - Soy sauce, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - Rinse sushi rice under cold running water until the runoff becomes completely clear. Transfer the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water to a saucepan, bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let the rice steam, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until both the sugar and salt have fully dissolved. Drizzle the mixture over the cooked rice and fold gently with a rice paddle or wooden spoon, taking care not to mash the grains. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise with sriracha and stir until smooth and evenly blended. Set aside for drizzling.
04 - Divide the seasoned sushi rice among four serving bowls. Arrange the shredded imitation crab, sliced avocado, julienned or sliced cucumber, julienned carrot (if using), and nori strips on top of the rice in separate sections for an attractive presentation.
05 - Drizzle the spicy mayo over each bowl, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately with pickled ginger and soy sauce on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Every single California roll flavor lands in your bowl without the frustration of rolling sushi that falls apart in your hands.
- It comes together in under an hour, making it the kind of weeknight dinner that feels special without the effort.
02 -
- Skipping the rice rinse will leave you with sticky, clumpy grains that never achieve that distinct sushi texture, so wash until the water is truly clear.
- Folding the vinegar seasoning while the rice is still warm ensures even absorption, but pressing or mashing the grains will turn your beautiful bowl into paste.
03 -
- Use a wooden spoon or rice paddle dipped in water when folding the vinegar mixture into the rice so the grains do not stick and tear.
- Fan the rice gently while folding in the seasoning and it will develop a beautiful glossy sheen that makes every bowl look professionally made.