This California roll sushi bowl is a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal inspired by the classic sushi roll. Made with seasoned sushi rice and topped with imitation crab, avocado, cucumber, and green onions, it’s drizzled with spicy mayonnaise for the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and umami flavors. Enjoy all the deliciousness of sushi without the hassle of rolling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in just 20 minutes
- No special sushi-making skills required
- Fresh, creamy, and full of umami flavors
- Customizable with different toppings and proteins
- Perfect for meal prep or a light and satisfying dinner
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sushi Rice
- 1 cup sushi rice (short grain)
- 1¼ cups water
- 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
For the Toppings
- 8 oz imitation crab, shredded or chopped
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 cup Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Nori furikake (to taste)
- Sesame seeds (to taste)
For the Spicy Mayonnaise
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
Directions
Prepare the Sushi Rice
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a small pot, combine the rinsed rice and 1¼ cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently stir in the seasoned rice vinegar. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Spicy Mayonnaise
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sriracha until well combined. Set aside.
Assemble the Sushi Bowl
- Divide the cooked sushi rice evenly into serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with imitation crab, diced avocado, sliced cucumber, and chopped green onions.
- Drizzle with spicy mayonnaise, then sprinkle with nori furikake and sesame seeds.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with extra sriracha, soy sauce, or wasabi if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap – Use real crab, cooked shrimp, or sushi-grade salmon instead of imitation crab.
- Low-Carb Option – Substitute the sushi rice with cauliflower rice.
- Extra Crunch – Add crispy tempura flakes or shredded nori for added texture.
- Vegan Version – Replace imitation crab with marinated tofu or hearts of palm.
- Sweet and Spicy – Mix a little honey into the spicy mayonnaise for a sweet heat balance.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
- Reheating – Sushi rice can be reheated in the microwave with a damp paper towel over it for moisture.
- Serving Tip – Assemble the bowl just before eating to keep the ingredients fresh.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?
Yes, but sushi rice has a stickier texture that works best for this dish.
2. How can I make the rice more flavorful?
Add a small amount of sugar and salt to the rice vinegar before mixing it with the rice.
3. What can I use instead of imitation crab?
Real crab meat, cooked shrimp, or even shredded chicken work well as substitutes.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the ingredients separate and assemble just before serving.
5. What is nori furikake?
It’s a Japanese seasoning blend made of seaweed, sesame seeds, and other seasonings.
6. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, carrots, radishes, or bell peppers make great additions.
7. How spicy is the sriracha mayonnaise?
It has a mild to moderate heat, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
9. Can I use brown rice instead of white sushi rice?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different, and it may take longer to cook.
10. What other sauces can I drizzle on top?
Soy sauce, eel sauce, or a touch of wasabi mixed with mayo are great options.
Conclusion
This California roll sushi bowl is a delicious and easy way to enjoy sushi flavors without the hassle of rolling. Fresh, creamy, and full of umami goodness, it’s a perfect quick meal for sushi lovers. Try different variations and enjoy a homemade sushi-inspired bowl anytime!
Print
California Roll Sushi Bowl
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This California Roll Sushi Bowl is an easy, deconstructed version of your favorite sushi roll! Made with seasoned sushi rice, imitation crab, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and spicy mayo, it’s a delicious, no-fuss meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
For the Sushi Rice
- 1 cup sushi rice (short grain)
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
For the Toppings
- 8 oz imitation crab, shredded or chopped
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1 cup Persian cucumber, diced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- Nori furikake, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Spicy Mayo
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp sriracha
Instructions
Make the Sushi Rice
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Add rice and 1¼ cups water to a pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, keep covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and stir in seasoned rice vinegar.
Prepare the Spicy Mayo
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth.
Assemble the Sushi Bowl
- Divide sushi rice into 4 bowls.
- Top each bowl with imitation crab, avocado, cucumber, and green onions.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle with nori furikake and sesame seeds.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Want more protein? Add cooked shrimp or real crab meat.
- Make it low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
- Extra crunch? Add shredded carrots or crispy wonton strips.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Assembly
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
