California Roll Sushi Recipe

Introduction

The California Roll is a beloved sushi classic that combines creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and tender crab meat wrapped in seasoned sushi rice and nori. It’s a perfect dish for sushi beginners and a fresh, tasty option for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups short-grain sushi rice
• 4 sheets nori
• 1 cup imitation crab meat (or lump crab)
• 1 medium cucumber, julienned
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 3 tablespoons sushi vinegar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, then let it cool slightly before mixing in the sushi vinegar evenly.
2. Step 2: While the rice cools, julienne the cucumber and slice the avocado into thin strips.
3. Step 3: Place a bamboo sushi mat covered with plastic wrap on a flat surface. Lay a sheet of nori shiny side down on the mat. Spread an even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about an inch clear at the top edge.
4. Step 4: Arrange strips of avocado, cucumber, and imitation crab horizontally across the center of the rice-covered nori.
5. Step 5: Using the bamboo mat, roll the sushi tightly from the bottom, ensuring the fillings stay inside. Wet the top edge of the nori with a little water to seal the roll.
6. Step 6: Dip a sharp knife in water to prevent sticking, then slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Serve immediately with soy sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a thin layer of mayonnaise mixed with a bit of sriracha inside the roll.
• Substitute imitation crab with cooked shrimp or fresh crab meat for a different twist.
• Chilling the rice slightly helps it hold together better when rolling.
• If you don’t have a bamboo mat, use parchment paper to help shape the roll.

Storage

California Rolls are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Avoid freezing as it affects texture. To refresh, let rolls reach room temperature before serving; do not microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?

Regular rice won’t have the same sticky texture that sushi rice provides, making it harder to roll the sushi and hold its shape. Sushi rice is recommended for the best results.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to my hands?

Keep a small bowl of water nearby and dip your fingers in it before handling the rice. This will prevent sticking and help spread the rice evenly.

California Roll Sushi Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 100 reviews

This California Roll Sushi recipe offers a fresh and delicious introduction to making sushi at home. Combining creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and flavorful imitation crab wrapped in vinegared sushi rice and nori sheets, this classic roll is perfect for sushi lovers seeking a simple yet satisfying meal.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 rolls (approximately 24 pieces) 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice

• 2 cups short-grain sushi rice
• 3 tablespoons sushi vinegar

Fillings

• 1 cup imitation crab meat (or lump crab)
• 1 medium cucumber, julienned
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced

Others

• 4 sheets nori

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, then allow it to cool slightly. Once cooled, gently fold in the sushi vinegar evenly to season the rice.
2. Prepare the fillings: While the rice cools, julienne the cucumber into thin, long strips. Slice the ripe avocado into thin slices to ensure even layering within the sushi roll.
3. Assemble the sushi roll: Cover a bamboo sushi rolling mat with plastic wrap for easy rolling and cleanup. Place one nori sheet shiny side down on the mat. Spread an even, thin layer of the prepared sushi rice over the nori, leaving about one inch of nori uncovered at the top edge to help seal the roll.
4. Add the fillings: Arrange horizontal strips of avocado, julienned cucumber, and imitation crab meat across the center of the rice-covered nori.
5. Roll the sushi: Using the bamboo mat, carefully roll the sushi away from you, pressing firmly but gently to keep the roll tight and uniform. When you reach the uncovered edge of the nori, wet it slightly with water to seal the roll securely.
6. Slice and serve: Dip a sharp knife in water to prevent sticking, then slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Serve immediately with soy sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

• Use short-grain sushi rice for the proper sticky texture needed to hold the roll together.
• Keeping the knife wet while slicing prevents the rice from sticking and ensures clean cuts.
• Plastic wrap on the bamboo mat prevents rice from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• You can substitute imitation crab with real crab meat if preferred for a more authentic flavor.
• Optional: Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi for a traditional sushi experience.

Keywords: California roll, sushi, Japanese cuisine, sushi roll, avocado sushi, crab sushi