Easy California Sushi Roll Bowl Recipe
Craving sushi but don’t want the hassle of rolling? This California Sushi Roll Bowl is an easy recipe that brings all the flavors of a classic California roll into a simple, no-fuss bowl. It’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together fast for an easy lunch.
Tangy sushi rice, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and imitation crab create the perfect mix of texture and taste. It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that works for quick lunches, meal prep, or a budget-friendly way to enjoy sushi at home.
Make it your own by swapping in baked tofu or sushi-grade fish, adding extra veggies, or drizzling on your favorite sauce. Everything you need is easy to find at your local grocery store. Just assemble and enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Deconstructed Sushi Bowl Recipe
This California Sushi Roll Bowl is everything you love about sushi without the hassle. As a dietitian and foodie, I love meals that are both satisfying and nutritious, and this bowl checks all the boxes:
- A healthy, balanced meal: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich rice, and fresh vegetables, this bowl provides a mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full and energized.
- Satisfies sushi cravings at home: No rolling required. Just toss everything in a bowl and enjoy all the flavors of a classic California roll with minimal effort.
- Perfect for meal prep and easy lunches: Make a batch at the start of the week for quick, grab-and-go meals that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
- A budget-friendly alternative to restaurant sushi: Get your sushi fix without spending a fortune. Making it at home is much more affordable while still delivering restaurant-quality flavors.
- Fully customizable: Load it up with your favorite vegetables, swap proteins, or drizzle on your preferred sauces. This bowl is all about making sushi work for you.
Ingredients for This Easy Sushi Bowl
This sushi bowl comes together with simple ingredients that deliver the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Base:
- White rice: Sushi rice or short-grain white rice for the best texture
- Rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity and classic sushi rice flavor
Protein & Sauce:
- Crab stick (imitation crab meat): The signature ingredient in a California roll
- Mayo: For a creamy texture in the crab mixture
- Soy Sauce: Adds salty umami
- Sriracha: For The Spice!
Toppings:
- Sesame seeds: White, black, or a mix of both for crunch and nuttiness
- Nori sheets or seaweed snacks: Edible seaweed adds umami and classic sushi flavor
Fresh Ingredients:
- Cucumber: I prefer English cucumber for its crisp texture and mild flavor
- Carrot: Adds sweetness and crunch
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, balancing the textures in the bowl
For Serving:
- Soy sauce: A must-have for dipping or drizzling over the bowl
- Optional: Sriracha sauce: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish
Step-By-Step Instructions For Easy Spicy Crab Salad Sushi Bowl Recipe
This deconstructed sushi bowl is simple to make and packed with flavor. Follow these steps for the perfect sushi-inspired meal.
How to Make Perfect Sushi Rice
The key to a great sushi bowl starts with properly seasoned rice.
- Cook the rice: Rinse white rice with cold water until the water runs clear, then cook according to package instructions.
- Season the rice: While the rice is still warm, gently mix in rice vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a touch of sugar (optional, but helps balance the acidity). Let it cool to room temperature before assembling the bowls.
Prepare the Crab Mixture
- Chop or shred the imitation crab into small pieces.
- In a bowl, mix the crab with sriracha, mayo, and soy sauce until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning to taste as needed.
Assemble the Sushi Bowl
- Prepare the toppings:
- Cucumber: Slice into ribbons, matchsticks, or half-moons.
- Carrot: Shred for easy mixing and crunch.
- Avocado: Dice or slice, depending on your preference.
- Nori: Julienne into thin strips for easy sprinkling.
- Create the base: Add a scoop of cooked and seasoned sushi rice to each serving bowl.
- Add the toppings: Layer the crab mixture, fresh veggies, sesame seeds, and nori over the rice.
- Drizzle and serve: Finish with a drizzle of sriracha, spicy mayo, or soy sauce!
Variations of Homemade Sushi Bowls
This recipe is highly customizable, so you can create your favorite sushi flavors at home. Try these variations:
- Re-create your favorite sushi rolls: Use the same ingredients you love in a roll but in a bowl.
- Use sushi-grade raw fish: Swap the imitation crab for sushi-grade salmon or tuna for a more authentic experience.
- Try canned seafood: Make it with canned salmon or tuna for a quick and easy alternative.
- Go plant-based with baked tofu: A great option for a vegetarian sushi bowl.
- Add extra toppings: Try pickled ginger, pickled red onion, or other sushi-inspired veggies like tempura sweet potatoes, pickled radish, red peppers, or green onion.
Tips for the Best California Roll Sushi Bowls
- Use quality seaweed snacks: Try GimMe Organic Seaweed Snacks or Annie Chun’s Seaweed Snacks for the best flavor and crunch.
- Finish with bold flavors: Drizzle with sriracha, spicy mayo, my sweet garlic sauce, yum yum sauce, or a touch of sesame oil for extra richness.
- Use a rice cooker: It takes the guesswork out of making perfectly cooked sushi rice.
- Choose the right rice: Short grain rice is ideal for sushi bowls, but brown rice is a great high-fiber alternative.
- Boost the veggies: Add fresh bell peppers for extra crunch or mix in thawed cauliflower rice to keep the bowl light while still maintaining some regular rice for texture.
Storing This Recipe
For the best freshness, store each component separately in airtight containers.
Rice will stay good for up to three days, reheat with a splash of water to restore its texture. Keep veggies separate to maintain their crispness. The crab mixture is best eaten within two days.
If storing a fully assembled bowl, eat it within 24 hours for the best quality. This sushi bowl is perfect for meal prep, just assemble when you’re ready to eat!
More Delicious Grain Bowl Recipes!
Green Goddess Grain Bowl with Winter Greens & Cashew Dressing
Healthy and Easy Southwest Quinoa Bowl Recipe
Easy Spicy Tuna with Crispy Rice: A Must Try for Canned Tuna Recipes
Spicy Crab Salad Sushi Bowl
Equipment
- Rice cooker or pot with lid
- Fine mesh strainer
- mixing bowls
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler or julienne slicer
- grater
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For The Rice
- 1 cup white rice
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp sugar optional
For The Crab Mixture
- 16 oz imitation crab
- ¼ cup mayonaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tsp soy sauce
Toppings and Fresh Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber, sliced into ribbons, matchsticks, or half-moons
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 sheets of nori, julienned into thin strips ike GimMe Organic or Annie Chun’s
For Serving
- extra soy sauce, sriracha, or mayo
Instructions
Make the Sushi Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions.
- While the rice is still warm, stir in rice vinegar, salt, and sugar (if using). Let cool to room temperature before assembling the bowls.
Prepare the Crab Mixture
- Chop or shred the imitation crab into small pieces.
- In a bowl, mix the crab with mayo, sriracha, and soy sauce until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Sushi Bowls
- Divide the sushi rice evenly into four bowls.
- Top each bowl with the crab mixture, cucumber, carrot, avocado, sesame seeds, and julienned nori.
- Drizzle with sriracha, soy sauce, spicy mayo, or sesame oil. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Reduce the portion of rice and increase the protein and veggies to keep the bowl filling without as many carbs.
- Replace half or all of the rice with cauliflower rice to reduce the overall carbohydrate content while still keeping a similar texture.
- Add edamame or sprinkle hemp seeds for extra protein and nutrients.
- Increase the amount of imitation crab, sushi-grade fish, shrimp, or baked tofu to boost protein per serving.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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