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California roll sushi bowls - featured image

Easy California Roll Sushi Bowls: 5-Step Homemade Sushi


  • Author: angela_woods
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick and easy deconstructed sushi bowl that captures the vibrant flavors of a classic California roll without the hassle of rolling. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is ready in under 20 minutes and is highly customizable.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup uncooked sushi rice (short-grain white rice, yields about 3 cups cooked)
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 large avocados, ripe but firm, sliced or cubed
  • 1 large English cucumber, julienned
  • 1 cup imitation crab meat (surimi), shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie) or regular mayo
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 sheet nori (optional), toasted and cut into strips

Instructions

  1. Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions or in a rice cooker (approx. 20 minutes).
  2. While rice cooks, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved.
  3. Transfer hot cooked rice to a large, wide bowl. Drizzle vinegar mixture over rice and gently fold with a spatula to coat grains without mashing. Let cool to room temperature (approx. 15 minutes).
  4. Slice avocado into thin wedges, julienne cucumber, and slice green onions. Cut nori into strips if using.
  5. Shred imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces.
  6. In a small jar, combine mayonnaise, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Shake well to emulsify.
  7. Place seasoned rice in serving bowls. Arrange avocado, cucumber, and crab on top. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with green onions and nori strips.

Notes

Use short-grain sushi rice for the best sticky texture. Do not overmix the rice to avoid mushiness. Keep hands wet when handling rice to prevent sticking. Serve immediately for best texture; store rice and toppings separately if meal prepping.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 8
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 10

Keywords: sushi bowl, california roll, easy sushi, healthy dinner, meal prep, quick recipes, asian inspired, gluten-free option