California Roll Sushi Bowl (Print Version)
Deconstructed California roll in a vibrant sushi bowl with seasoned rice, surimi, avocado, 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 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Toppings & Condiments
06 - 7 ounces imitation crab sticks (surimi), shredded or roughly chopped
07 - 1 large avocado, pitted and 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 the sushi rice under cold running water until the runoff turns completely clear. Transfer the rice and 2 cups of water to a medium saucepan, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let the rice rest, still covered, for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
02 - In a small bowl, stir together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until 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 bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sriracha amount to your preferred heat level. Set aside.
04 - Divide the seasoned sushi rice among four serving bowls. Arrange the shredded imitation crab, avocado slices, julienned cucumber, and carrot (if using) over the rice in neat sections. Scatter nori strips across the top of each bowl.
05 - Drizzle the spicy mayo over each bowl, then sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with pickled ginger and soy sauce on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It gives you every bite of a California roll without the hassle of rolling a single thing.
- The rice seasoned with vinegar and sugar is genuinely addictive on its own.
02 -
- Do not skip rinsing the rice or you will end up with gummy, starchy clumps instead of distinct grains.
- Folding the vinegar mixture while the rice is still warm helps it absorb the seasoning evenly throughout.
03 -
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes until golden and fragrant before sprinkling them on, because the raw ones taste like nothing.
- Wet your knife between cuts when slicing the avocado to get those clean, smooth pieces that fan out beautifully on the bowl.