California Roll Sushi Bowls Recipe

Introduction

California Roll Sushi Bowls offer all the delicious flavors of a classic California roll in a convenient, deconstructed bowl form. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that feels fresh and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup short-grain sushi rice
• 1.5 cups water
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 oz imitation crab meat (or real crab)
• 1 medium cucumber, sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• Sriracha (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice with 1.5 cups of water according to the package instructions.
2. Step 2: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and while still warm, gently mix in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: Slice the cucumber and dice the avocado; set them aside for assembly.
4. Step 4: In serving bowls, start with a layer of sushi rice, then top evenly with cucumber slices, diced avocado, and crab meat.
5. Step 5: Drizzle the bowls with low-sodium soy sauce and add sriracha for some heat if desired.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top before serving.
• Swap imitation crab for cooked shrimp or smoked salmon for different protein options.
• If you prefer a vegan version, use cucumber, avocado, and marinated tofu instead of crab meat.
• Use seasoned rice vinegar with added sugar and salt if you want to simplify the seasoning step.

Storage

Store any leftover sushi bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Avoid storing avocado if you want to prevent browning; add it fresh just before serving next time. Reheat the rice gently in the microwave, but consume the other ingredients cold or at room temperature for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?

Sushi rice has a stickier texture that holds the bowl together nicely, but you can use short-grain rice as a substitute. Long-grain rice may work but won’t have the same classic sushi texture.

How do I keep avocado from browning in the bowl?

To prevent browning, add avocado just before serving and consider tossing the avocado pieces with a little lemon or lime juice to slow oxidation.

California Roll Sushi Bowls Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 135 reviews

A fresh and flavorful California Roll Sushi Bowl that captures the classic sushi roll ingredients in a simple, deconstructed bowl form. Perfect for a quick, no-fuss meal with sushi rice, imitation crab, crunchy cucumber, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of soy sauce and optional sriracha for a spicy kick.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice

• 1 cup short-grain sushi rice
• 1.5 cups water
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

Toppings

• 4 oz imitation crab meat (or real crab)
• 1 medium cucumber, sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, diced

Condiments

• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• Sriracha (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse and Cook Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice with water according to the package instructions, typically by bringing it to a boil then simmering until tender.
2. Season the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl while still warm. Mix in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt thoroughly to infuse the rice with the signature sushi flavor.
3. Prepare Toppings: Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and dice the ripe avocado. Set these aside for layering on the bowls.
4. Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, spoon a generous amount of the seasoned sushi rice as the base. Top each bowl with sliced cucumber, diced avocado, and shredded or chopped imitation crab meat.
5. Add Sauces: Drizzle each assembled bowl with low-sodium soy sauce for saltiness and add sriracha for heat if you prefer a spicy touch.
6. Serve Fresh: Serve the California Roll Sushi Bowls immediately to enjoy the freshness and best texture of the ingredients.

Notes

• You can substitute imitation crab with cooked real crab meat for a more authentic flavor.
• Adjust the amount of sugar and salt in the rice vinegar mixture to your taste preference.
• For a vegetarian version, replace crab meat with sliced grilled mushrooms or tofu.
• If you want more heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add a sprinkle of chili flakes.
• Use chilled rice if you prefer the bowls cold, similar to traditional sushi.

Keywords: California Roll, Sushi Bowl, Sushi Rice, Imitation Crab, Avocado, Cucumber, Easy Sushi Recipe, Japanese Cuisine