Description
A quick, no-roll sushi bowl that captures the flavors of a classic California roll with sticky rice, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and imitation crab, all tied together with a tangy-sweet dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup uncooked sushi rice (short-grain Japanese rice)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned)
- 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (low-sodium or regular)
- 1 cup imitation crab (surimi), shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced into wedges
- 1 English cucumber, sliced into thin matchsticks
- Nori sheets, torn into strips
- Japanese mayonnaise (e.g., Kewpie)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sriracha (optional, for spicy mayo)
Instructions
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook rice according to package instructions or in a rice cooker. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Heat in microwave for 15 seconds to dissolve sugar, then let cool completely.
- Transfer hot rice to a large bowl. Drizzle with cooled dressing and gently fold using a cutting motion with a spatula to avoid mashing. Fan rice while mixing to cool and gloss it.
- Slice cucumber into matchsticks and avocado into wedges. Shred imitation crab if not already shredded.
- Toast nori strips in a dry pan for 30 seconds or use as is.
- Assemble bowls by spooning in seasoned rice. Arrange cucumber, avocado, and crab on top.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo (mayo mixed with sriracha) if desired. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and nori strips.
- Serve immediately while rice is slightly warm and vegetables are crisp.
Notes
Never skip rinsing the rice to prevent mushiness. Use a cutting motion when mixing dressing to preserve grain integrity. Store leftovers separately: rice hardens in the fridge, so reheat with a damp paper towel. Vegetables lose crunch over time, so assemble fresh for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 65
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 15
Keywords: sushi bowl, california roll, easy sushi, healthy lunch, meal prep, no roll sushi, avocado crab bowl, quick dinner