If you’re craving the delightful tastes of sushi but want something a bit easier to prepare, then California Roll Sushi Bowls are the perfect solution! This vibrant dish brings together all the classic flavors of a California roll—crab, avocado, and cucumber—served in a convenient bowl format. It’s a fresh and satisfying meal that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing.
Imagine a colorful bowl filled with fluffy sushi rice topped with tender crab meat, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber, all drizzled with a spicy mayo sauce. These California Roll Sushi Bowls are not only a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite sushi bar. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Fresh and Flavorful: Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of sushi without the fuss of rolling.
- Healthy: Packed with nutritious ingredients, these bowls are a wholesome meal option.
Ingredients List
To create your California Roll Sushi Bowls, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup imitation crab meat or real crab meat, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup seaweed salad (optional)
- 1/4 cup spicy mayo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Cook Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Season the Rice
- Mix Vinegar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Microwave for about 30 seconds until the sugar dissolves.
- Season Rice: Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
- Layer Ingredients: Divide the seasoned sushi rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with shredded crab meat, avocado slices, cucumber, and green onions.
- Add Seaweed Salad: If using, add a scoop of seaweed salad to each bowl for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 4: Drizzle and Garnish
- Add Spicy Mayo: Drizzle spicy mayo sauce over the top of each bowl.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch and garnish with additional green onions if desired.
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Options: Substitute crab with shrimp, tofu, or cooked chicken for a different protein source.
- Vegetable Additions: Add shredded carrots, radishes, or pickled ginger for extra flavor and color.
- Spicy Kick: Mix sriracha into your mayo for a spicier version of the California Roll Sushi Bowls.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the spicy mayo separate until ready to serve.
- Reheating: Sushi rice can be gently reheated in the microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly. Adjust the cooking time according to the rice package instructions.
What can I substitute for imitation crab?
If you prefer not to use imitation crab, real crab meat, shrimp, or even tofu can be excellent alternatives in your California Roll Sushi Bowls.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Ensure that your spicy mayo and any sauces used are gluten-free. You can make your own mayo using gluten-free ingredients.
Can I prepare these bowls in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the rice and toppings ahead of time. Just assemble the bowls right before serving for the freshest taste.
Conclusion
Dive into the delicious world of California Roll Sushi Bowls! This quick and easy recipe combines the beloved flavors of California rolls into a fun and customizable bowl format that’s perfect for any meal. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit at your table.
We’d love to hear how your California Roll Sushi Bowls turn out! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you tried any variations. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, visit https://eldralys.com/ and keep exploring the joys of cooking! Enjoy every bite of your California Roll Sushi Bowls!
Print
California Roll Sushi Bowls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
Description
California Roll Sushi Bowls bring the fresh, delicious flavors of sushi into a quick and easy meal format—featuring sushi rice, crab, avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo, all in one vibrant bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup imitation crab meat or real crab meat, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup seaweed salad (optional)
- 1/4 cup spicy mayo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and Cook Rice: Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear. Combine with water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes. Let sit off heat for 10 minutes.
- Season Rice: Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Microwave to dissolve sugar. Fold into cooked rice and cool to room temperature.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide sushi rice into bowls. Top with crab meat, avocado, cucumber, and green onions. Add seaweed salad if using.
- Finish: Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
Swap crab for shrimp, tofu, or cooked chicken. Add carrots, radish, or pickled ginger for variety. Keep mayo separate if storing for meal prep. Use gluten-free mayo if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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