Description
A quick, gluten-free friendly sushi bowl that captures the flavors of a California Roll without the hassle of rolling. This pantry-based meal is ready in under 20 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup short-grain Japanese sushi rice (e.g., Kokuho Rose or Nishiki)
- 1 cup water (for cooking rice)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 English cucumber, sliced into thin matchsticks or cubes
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced into wedges
- 1 can (6-8 oz) crab sticks (surimi), drained and shredded
- 1 sheet nori, toasted and broken into pieces
- 1 tablespoon Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise or regular mayo
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a rice cooker or saucepan using a 1:1.1 ratio. Cook according to appliance instructions or simmer covered for 15 minutes, then let rest covered for 10 minutes.
- While the rice cooks, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Microwave for 10 seconds to dissolve sugar.
- Transfer hot rice to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle vinegar mixture over rice and gently fold using a cutting motion with a rice paddle. Let cool to room temperature.
- Slice cucumber and avocado. Soak avocado wedges in cold water for a minute to prevent browning, then drain.
- Shred crab sticks into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast nori sheets over an open flame or in a dry pan until crispy, then break into irregular pieces.
- Assemble bowls by placing seasoned rice at the bottom. Top with cucumber, avocado, and crab. Drizzle with soy sauce or mayo, and garnish with green onions and nori pieces. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not mash the rice when mixing the dressing; use gentle cutting motions to keep grains separate. Soak avocado in cold water to prevent browning. For meal prep, store components separately and add avocado and nori just before eating to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 65
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 15
Keywords: sushi bowl, california roll, easy dinner, gluten-free, meal prep, healthy lunch, quick recipes, pantry meals