California Roll Sushi Bowls (Printable Version)
Deconstructed sushi bowls with seasoned rice, crab, avocado, and fresh vegetables
# Ingredient List:
→ 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, thinly sliced
# How to Make:
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 saucepan and cook according to package directions until tender and water is fully absorbed.
02 - While the rice is still hot, whisk together the 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 with a spatula or rice paddle, taking care not to mash the grains. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
03 - Shred or chop the imitation crab into bite-sized pieces. Dice the avocado and seeded cucumber into uniform cubes. Slice the green onions thinly on a bias. Cut the roasted nori sheets into thin strips using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife.
04 - Stir together the Japanese mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth and well blended. Adjust the sriracha quantity to control the 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 the rice in sections. Drizzle with the spicy mayo and sprinkle generously 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 Tips:
01 -
- All the satisfaction of sushi night without the wrestling match with nori sheets and rolling mats.
- It comes together in under an hour and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
02 -
- Do not stir the rice aggressively when adding the vinegar mixture, or you will end up with a gummy paste instead of distinct, glossy grains.
- Assemble the bowls right before serving, because avocado browns and nori loses its crunch quickly once everything is combined.
03 -
- Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet for two minutes and you will never go back to the store bought pre toasted ones again.
- Fan the rice while folding in the vinegar seasoning to cool it faster and give it that beautiful glossy sheen you see at sushi restaurants.