California Roll Sushi Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the fillings: Arrange horizontal strips of avocado, julienned cucumber, and imitation crab meat across the center of the rice-covered nori.
- 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.
- 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