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    Home » Recipes » Easy Dinner » California Roll Sushi Bowl

    PUBLISHED: May 19, 2022 • By Toni Dash 8 Comments

    California Roll Sushi Bowl

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    california roll sushi bowl with chopsticks

    Love a California Roll but want to satisfy your sushi cravings on demand at home? These homemade California Roll Sushi Bowls are full of all the same ingredients with spicy mayo sauce. We ditched the seaweed sheets, the rolling and went for an easy deconstructed California roll bowl perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

    california roll sushi bowl with chopsticks

    Tangy sushi rice, imitation crab meat, creamy avocado, cool cucumber and spicy sriracha mayo is all here in this easy sushi bowl. Homemade sushi bowls are fast and easy to make. They are colorful, delicious and full of great nutrients.

    Most of us aren’t going to roll our own sushi at home but may love to EAT sushi (which can also be very expensive). This sushi bowl recipe is the answer for those real sushi cravings without getting take out. Making a deconstructed sushi bowl takes care of a sushi fix in a way anyone can make for an easy lunch or dinner.

    If you love making bowl recipes try our Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Lemongrass Chicken, Baja Fish Taco Bowl and Cuban Garlic Chicken Bowls too.

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Ingredients Notes
    • How to make these Sushi Bowls – Step-by-Step
    • Variations
    • Expert Tip
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How to Store
    • More recipes you’ll love!
    • Recipe

    Recipe Ingredients Notes

    california roll sushi bowl labelled ingredients.

    All ingredients should be available at the local grocery store!

    Short grain sushi rice. This is a special type of short grain white rice that becomes plump and very sticky when cooked. You’ll find it at the grocery store with the other types of rice (or with international foods) and it’s labelled as ‘sushi rice’.

    I used Lundberg which has instructions for the stove top, instant pot and a rice cooker. You’ll cook 1 cup of rice which will yield 3-3 1/2 cups of cooked rice.

    Seasoned rice vinegar. You’ll find this with the other types of vinegar or in the international food section of the store. It gives the rice a wonderful flavor and creates a flavor base for the sushi bowl.

    Imitation crab. This is available at more regular grocery stores. I used Trans-Ocean brand Crab Classic Imitation Crab Leg Style. The density of the meat is great and you can easily cut it into bite-size pieces. This brand is also gluten-free, fully cooked and ready to use. Any brand will work. Check that the brand you buy is already cooked and ready to eat! Some are not cooked (and would need to be).

    English cucumber. These cucumbers do not need to be peeled and are seedless. Persian cucumbers can be substituted and also do not need to be peeled.

    Mayonnaise. This is the base of the spicy sauce. If you can find Japanese mayo use it! It’s richer than American mayo because it only uses egg yolk instead of the whole egg. Regular mayonnaise works great too so either can be used.

    Sriracha sauce. This well-loved hot sauce adds some spice to the sauce.

    Topping ideas: sliced green onion, sesame seeds (white and/or black sesame seeds) or nori furikake (a Japanese rice seasoning of nori seaweed, sesame seeds, salt and kelp powder).

    california roll sushi bowls with chopsti.

    How to make these Sushi Bowls – Step-by-Step

    STEP 1. Make the sushi rice

    Follow the instructions on the rice package for cooking 1 cup of uncooked sushi rice (it should indicate the amount of water to use and the process). Different brands have different preparation methods.

    When the rice is done cooking add it to a large bowl and drizzle the seasoned rice vinegar over it. Stir to mix in (photos 1-2). Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before assembling the bowls.

    sushi bowl recipe steps 1-3.

    STEP 2. Make the sauce

    In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise and sriracha. Whisk together (photo 3). The sauce will be thick. If you prefer a runnier sauce you can add a 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk to thin it.

    STEP 3. Assemble the bowls

    Grab 4 serving bowls. Divide and place rice in the bottom of the bowls. Top with the sliced avocado, imitation crab pieces and cucumber.

    Spoon the sauce on top or drizzle it on if thinned. Garnish as desired and serve.

    california roll sushi bowls from above.

    Variations

    Substitute brown rice or white rice. Though sushi rice is unique in texture and authentic to a California roll if you’d like to swap in regular rice (or cauliflower rice) go for it. You can even use cauliflower rice to slim down the calories.

    Make it a vegan sushi bowl. There are brands of vegan imitation crab that could be swapped in for the imitation crab. Substitute vegan mayonnaise in the sauce. All other ingredients are naturally vegan.

    Add crunchy vegetables. To build on the traditional California roll ingredients for a larger bowl add some fresh vegetables! Thinly shredded red cabbage, matchstick carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, sweet potato, fresh ginger.

    Expert Tip

    To cool the rice faster: place the bowl uncovered in the refrigerator.

    How to make your own seasoned rice vinegar. If you can’t find seasoned rice vinegar you can make your own vinegar mixture with regular rice vinegar, salt and sugar. Mix together 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Microwave until the sugar and salt have dissolved and use as directed above.

    california roll sushi bowls with chopsticks from side.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is this recipe gluten free?

    Depending on the imitation crab used, yes. We used Trans-Ocean brand which is
    gluten-free (you’ll see the celiac label on the front of the package) but always check the ingredients of the imitation crab to verify.

    Are the bowls served hot or cold?

    Ideally room temperature which give the most flavor. After cooking the rice allow it to cool to room temperature but don’t serve it cold.

    How to Store

    For best results, we recommend eating these when made. When storing the rice can dry out and the avocado slices will oxidize (brown).

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    Recipe

    california roll sushi bowls. square

    California Roll Sushi Bowl

    Satisfy sushi cravings with an easy California Roll Sushi Bowl! All the same ingredients (no seaweed sheet) made easily at home anytime. Perfectly seasoned sushi rice is topped with crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, imitation crab, and a spicy mayo drizzle.
    5 from 22 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: main
    Cuisine: Japanese
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Fat
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 4 bowls
    Calories: 497kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup short grain sushi rice (uncooked)
    • 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
    • 1 larege avocado sliced or cubed
    • 8 ounces imitation crab sliced
    • 1 cup English or Persian cucumber sliced
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • 2 teaspoons sriracha
    • Optional toppings sesame seeds, sliced green onion, and/or Nori Furikake

    Instructions

    • Follow the package instructions to make the sushi rice. Use measurements for 1 cup uncooked rice.
    • Add the cooked rice to a large bowl and drizzle the seasoned rice vinegar over the rice. Stir to combine.
      Set the rice aside and cool completely (to room temperature)* before assembling the sushi bowls.
    • While the rice is cooling, whisk together the mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl. If you prefer a thinner sauce (one that you can drizzle), whisk in 2 tablespoons of milk or water.
    • To assemble the sushi bowls, divide the rice between four bowls. Top with avocado, imitation crab, and cucumber.
    • Serve the sushi bowls with spicy mayo on the side or drizzled on top. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onion, and?/or nori furikake.

    Notes

    Recipe Time
    The bulk of the recipe time will be the making and cooling of the sushi rice. Each brand is different but in general it will cook for around 20 minutes and need 20-30 minutes to cool.
    Expert Tips
    *the rice can be placed in the refrigerator to speed cooling down. Stir and check so the rice cools evenly.
    How to make your own seasoned rice vinegar. If you can’t find seasoned rice vinegar you can make your own vinegar mixture with regular rice vinegar, salt and sugar. Mix together 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Microwave until the sugar and salt have dissolved and use as directed above.
    Storing: we recommend eating these sushi bowls when prepared for best results!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 555mg | Potassium: 306mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. amy says

      May 20, 2022 at 1:47 pm

      5 stars
      I love the imitation crab meat that was added to this recipe! thank you so much for sharing this recipe, now I can have sushi any night

      Reply
    2. Sarah Skaggs says

      May 20, 2022 at 9:17 am

      5 stars
      I loved this! Everything I love in one bowl

      Reply
    3. Kristyn says

      May 20, 2022 at 9:09 am

      5 stars
      What a great idea!! Love the idea of the california roll in a bowl! Packed with flavor, it’s delicious!

      Reply
    4. Claudia Lamascolo says

      May 19, 2022 at 8:58 am

      5 stars
      What a fantastic idea I love this deconstructed bowl of yum!

      Reply
    5. Mahym says

      May 19, 2022 at 8:48 am

      5 stars
      This bowl is absolutely amazing! The perfect way to enjoy my favorite flavors. So easy to make it, too!

      Reply
    6. Tavo says

      May 19, 2022 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      The sushi bowl was delicious! This is going to be my meal prep solution this summer!

      Reply
    7. Yolanda F says

      May 19, 2022 at 8:17 am

      5 stars
      This is absolutely incredible! Honestly I am making it again this weekend, I loved it to so much!

      Reply
    8. Amy says

      May 19, 2022 at 8:01 am

      5 stars
      This bowl is the perfect meal for anyone who loves traditional California rolls. So darn good!! Yum!

      Reply

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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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