California Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe

This vibrant California Roll Sushi Bowl brings all the beloved flavors of a classic California roll to your table in an easy, deconstructed form. With perfectly seasoned sushi rice topped with creamy avocado, sweet imitation crab, and crisp cucumber, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste without the rolling skills. A drizzle of spicy mayo adds the perfect finishing touch to this satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Short-grain sushi rice: The foundation of any good sushi dish, providing that distinctive sticky texture that holds everything together. Don’t substitute with other rice varieties if possible.
• Seasoned rice vinegar: Gives the rice that characteristic tangy sushi flavor that makes it truly authentic.
• Avocado: Provides creamy richness and healthy fats that perfectly complement the other ingredients.
• Imitation crab: The star protein that gives this dish its California roll identity. It’s sweet, tender, and ready to use right out of the package.
• Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and lightness to balance the rich ingredients.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the spicy sauce, delivering creamy richness.
• Sriracha: Brings just the right amount of heat to the mayo for that classic spicy kick.
• Sesame seeds: Optional topping that adds subtle nuttiness and visual appeal.
• Green onion: Provides a fresh, mild bite and beautiful color contrast.
• Nori furikake: This Japanese seasoning blend contains seaweed flakes and sesame seeds, adding that umami punch that makes this truly taste like sushi.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these creative twists:

• Protein Swap: Replace imitation crab with cooked shrimp, smoked salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy Tuna Bowl: Mix canned tuna with sriracha mayo for a spicy tuna variation.
• Rainbow Bowl: Add thin slices of mango, radish, and carrot for a colorful “rainbow roll” effect.
• Temaki Style: Serve with sheets of nori on the side so people can make hand-rolled wraps with the ingredients.

How to Make California Roll Sushi Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Rinse the sushi rice under cool water until it runs clear (about 30-45 seconds). This removes excess starch and prevents gummy rice. Add the rice and water to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.

Step 2: Season the Rice

Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the seasoned rice vinegar. Be careful not to mash the rice – use a cutting motion with your spatula. Set aside and allow to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

While the rice cools, dice or slice your avocado, imitation crab, and cucumber. For the avocado, wait until just before serving to cut it to prevent browning.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sriracha until well combined. If you prefer a drizzling consistency, add a couple tablespoons of water to thin it out.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cooled rice among four bowls. Arrange the avocado, imitation crab, and cucumber attractively on top of the rice.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Drizzle with spicy mayo or serve it on the side. Sprinkle with your choice of optional toppings – sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or nori furikake.

How to Serve

These California Roll Sushi Bowls are perfect as a standalone meal, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your meal:

Sides:

Pair with miso soup for a restaurant-like experience, or serve with a simple seaweed salad for additional texture and flavor.

Drink Pairings:

Green tea is traditional, but a crisp Japanese beer like Sapporo or a chilled sake would also complement these bowls beautifully.

Presentation:

Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients. For a fun dinner party idea, set up a DIY sushi bowl bar with all ingredients separated so guests can build their own creations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bowls are best enjoyed immediately after assembly. However, if you need to store leftovers, keep components separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The rice, crab, and cucumber will keep for up to 2 days, but the avocado will brown quickly.

Meal Prep Tips

You can prepare the rice, spicy mayo, and cut the cucumber and imitation crab up to 2 days ahead. Store everything separately in the refrigerator. Cut the avocado fresh when you’re ready to assemble.

Reheating

These bowls are typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If your rice has been refrigerated, you can microwave it briefly with a damp paper towel over it to restore its texture before assembling your bowl.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This California Roll Sushi Bowl brings the beloved flavors of sushi into your home in the most approachable way possible. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving those fresh, clean flavors but don’t want the fuss of rolling sushi. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving it at a casual get-together, these colorful, customizable bowls are sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!

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