California Roll Sushi Bowls
These California roll sushi bowls bring the clean flavors of the classic roll into an easy, build-your-own bowl that’s bright, creamy, and lightly tangy, perfect for quick meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 cups sushi rice Use short-grain or medium-grain rice for the best sticky texture.
- 2.5 cups water Water for cooking the rice.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar Use a mild flavored rice vinegar.
- 2 tablespoons sugar Can reduce to 1 tablespoon or swap for a mild sweetener.
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
For the Toppings
- 0.5 pound imitation crab meat Real crab can be used as a swap.
- 1 whole avocado, sliced Use ripe but firm avocados.
- 1 whole cucumber, julienned Use English or Persian cucumbers for best results.
To Serve
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Low-sodium soy sauce can be used.
- Nori sheets, cut into strips Add for garnish.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Combine the rinsed rice and 2 1/2 cups water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Warm over medium heat and stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat and keep it covered for 10 minutes to steam gently.
- Transfer rice to a wide bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture until the rice is evenly coated. Allow rice to cool to room temperature.
Assembly
- Slice the avocado and julienne the cucumber. Flake or slice the imitation crab into bite-size pieces.
- Divide the seasoned sushi rice into serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with imitation crab, sliced avocado, and julienned cucumber.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top. Add nori strips at the side and serve soy sauce on the side.
Notes
Serve warm, room temp, or chilled to fit the season. Keep toppings separate until serving to maintain freshness.