Why You’ll Love This Recipe
California roll sushi bowls bring all the delicious flavors of the classic sushi roll into a simple, easy-to-make bowl. No need to deal with rolling sushi—this recipe combines fresh, flavorful ingredients in a bowl, making it a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of seasoned rice, imitation crab, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and a drizzle of tangy sauce creates a balanced and refreshing dish that I can enjoy anytime. It’s the perfect meal for sushi lovers who want the same taste without the fuss of rolling!
Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup imitation crab (or real crab if preferred), shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie)
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 sheet nori, cut into strips
- Pickled ginger and wasabi (optional)
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, cook the rice according to package instructions, either in a rice cooker or on the stovetop.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the seasoning. In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.
- Once the rice is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the vinegar mixture over the rice and stir gently to coat the rice. Let the rice cool down to room temperature.
- While the rice is cooling, prep the other ingredients. Shred the imitation crab, slice the avocado, and julienne the cucumber. Set everything aside.
- For the spicy mayo, mix mayonnaise and sriracha sauce in a small bowl until well combined.
- To assemble the sushi bowls, divide the seasoned rice between bowls. Top with shredded crab, avocado, cucumber, a drizzle of spicy mayo, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, then add nori strips on top. Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi on the side if you like.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 bowls
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes (for rice)
Variations
- Use real crab: If you prefer fresh crab, replace the imitation crab with cooked crab meat.
- Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, replace the crab with tofu or extra vegetables like shredded carrots or edamame.
- Add fruits: For a unique twist, add fresh mango slices to your bowl for a sweet contrast.
- Spicy tuna: Instead of crab, top your bowl with spicy tuna (tuna mixed with sriracha mayo).
Storage/Reheating
- These bowls are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the rice and toppings separately in airtight containers. The rice can be stored for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- For reheating, microwave the rice for about 30-40 seconds. Add the toppings fresh, especially avocado, to maintain their texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?
I recommend using sushi rice for the best texture, but you can substitute it with short-grain or medium-grain rice if needed. Just be sure to season it with vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The rice and ingredients can be prepared ahead of time, but I like to assemble the bowls just before serving to ensure the toppings, especially the avocado, stay fresh.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
What can I use instead of avocado?
If you’re not a fan of avocado, you can try using cucumber, radish, or even mango for a similar creamy texture and sweetness.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Definitely! You can add extra sriracha to the spicy mayo or even drizzle some chili oil over the top for an added kick.
Conclusion
California roll sushi bowls are a quick and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of sushi without the hassle of rolling. I love how versatile this recipe is, allowing me to customize it with different proteins or toppings. It’s a great option for a light, refreshing meal that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Print
California Roll Sushi Bowls Recipe
Description
California Roll Sushi Bowls bring the delicious flavors of a sushi roll into an easy-to-make, deconstructed bowl. With seasoned rice, crab (or imitation crab), avocado, cucumber, and a drizzle of soy sauce, this bowl offers all the freshness of sushi in a bowl form. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep, these bowls are customizable and sure to please sushi lovers.
Ingredients
- For the Sushi Rice:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Bowl:
- 1 cup imitation crab (or real crab meat), shredded
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cucumber, julienned
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (optional)
- 1 sheet nori (seaweed), shredded (optional)
- Pickled ginger (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice:
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed. - Season the Rice:
While the rice is cooking, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until the sugar dissolves. Once the rice is done cooking, stir the vinegar mixture into the rice. Let the rice cool to room temperature. - Assemble the Bowl:
Divide the seasoned sushi rice between serving bowls. Top each bowl with shredded crab, sliced avocado, cucumber, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with soy sauce and sriracha, if using. Garnish with shredded nori and pickled ginger, if desired. - Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy your California Roll Sushi Bowl!
Notes
- Customizable: Swap crab for shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a different flavor.
- Ripe Avocado: Ensure your avocado is ripe for the best texture and creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha for a spicy boost, or skip it for a milder bowl.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store ingredients separately for easy, fresh meals throughout the week.
- Healthy: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, this bowl is both nutritious and delicious.
