California Roll Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

California Roll Bowls are a fresh, deconstructed version of the classic sushi roll, offering all the vibrant flavors and textures you love in a sushi roll, but without the need for rolling. With tender sushi rice, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, sweet crab, and a drizzle of savory soy sauce, this bowl is a quick, healthy, and customizable meal. It’s perfect for those craving sushi but looking for an easy, no-fuss option that can be made at home!

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked sushi rice (or short-grain rice)
• 1 cup imitation crab or cooked crab meat, shredded
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon nori flakes or dried seaweed (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for spice)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional for extra tang)

Directions

For the Bowl:

1. Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice and let it cool slightly before assembling the bowls.
2. While the rice is cooling, prepare the toppings: shred the crab meat (if not pre-shredded), slice the avocado, julienne the cucumber, and shred the carrots.
3. Divide the rice evenly between two bowls.

For the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha (if using), and lime juice.
2. Taste and adjust the sauce to your liking by adding more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or sriracha for spice.

Assembling the Bowls:

1. Arrange the shredded crab, avocado slices, cucumber, and shredded carrots on top of the rice in each bowl.
2. Drizzle the sauce over the top of the bowl, and garnish with sesame seeds and nori flakes if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 2.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes (for rice)
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Top the bowls with grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu for extra protein.
• Make it spicy: Add extra sriracha to the sauce or drizzle spicy mayo on top.
• Add vegetables: Toss in other veggies like edamame, radishes, or pickled ginger for more texture and flavor.
• Use brown rice: For a healthier version, swap the sushi rice for brown rice or quinoa.
• Vegan option: Use vegan crab (made from tofu or jackfruit) and omit the honey or use a vegan sweetener.

Storage/Reheating

While this dish is best served fresh, you can store leftover rice and toppings separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Reheat the rice before serving, but avoid reheating the avocado or crab, as they are best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?
Sushi rice has a unique texture that makes it perfect for this dish, but you can use regular short-grain rice as a substitute if needed.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free.

Can I use cooked chicken instead of crab?
Absolutely! You can swap the crab with cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a different protein option.

Conclusion

California Roll Bowls bring all the fresh, delicious flavors of a California roll into an easy, customizable bowl. The combination of creamy avocado, sweet crab, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving sushi or just looking for a healthy, flavorful meal, these bowls are a quick and tasty solution!

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