Simple California Rolls Sushi Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Simple California Rolls Sushi Bowl brings all the classic flavors of the beloved sushi roll into a quick, deconstructed dish. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner and easy enough for a weeknight meal. Fresh ingredients and toasted sesame seeds add great texture and flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz imitation crab meat, shredded
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 sheets nori, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• Soy sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rinsed rice with 2 1/2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: While the rice cooks, shred the imitation crab meat. Dice the cucumber and slice the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh. Cut the nori sheets into thin strips for garnish.
3. Step 3: In serving bowls, divide the cooked and cooled sushi rice. Top each bowl with shredded crab meat, diced cucumber, and sliced avocado.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and nori strips over each bowl. Serve with soy sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Add pickled ginger and a small dab of wasabi on the side for a more authentic sushi experience.
• For extra flavor, gently mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt into the warm rice before cooling.
• Swap imitation crab for cooked shrimp or fresh crab meat if preferred.

Storage

Store any leftover sushi rice and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the rice gently in a microwave or steamer before assembling bowls again. Avoid storing assembled bowls, as avocado may brown and textures can suffer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?

Sushi rice is short-grain and sticky, which holds the bowl together well. Using regular long-grain rice won’t give the same texture but can be used in a pinch.

How do I prevent avocado from browning?

Slice the avocado just before serving and consider squeezing a little lemon or lime juice over the slices to slow browning.

Simple California Rolls Sushi Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 92 reviews

A refreshing and easy-to-make deconstructed sushi bowl inspired by the classic California roll. This recipe features perfectly cooked sushi rice topped with shredded imitation crab, fresh cucumber, creamy avocado, nori strips, and toasted sesame seeds. It’s a quick and satisfying way to enjoy sushi flavors without the rolling.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Stovetop
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Toppings

• 8 oz imitation crab meat, shredded
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 sheets nori, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• Soy sauce for serving

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Rinse 2 cups of sushi rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it stand covered for 10 more minutes to steam.
3. Prepare toppings: While the rice is cooking, shred 8 oz of imitation crab meat. Dice 1 cucumber and slice 1 avocado just before serving to keep it fresh. Cut 2 sheets of nori into thin strips.
4. Season the rice: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until dissolved. Gently fold this sushi vinegar mixture into the warm rice to season it evenly. Let the rice cool slightly.
5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the seasoned sushi rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each with shredded crab meat, diced cucumber, and avocado slices.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds and nori strips over each bowl. Serve with soy sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• To keep avocado slices fresh and prevent browning, slice them just before assembling the bowls.
• For extra authenticity, serve with pickled ginger and wasabi on the side.
• Use leftover sushi rice to make onigiri or rice balls for another meal.
• If you prefer, substitute imitation crab with cooked real crab meat or cooked shrimp.

Keywords: California roll, sushi bowl, sushi rice, imitation crab, avocado, cucumber, nori, sesame seeds, easy sushi recipe