These California Roll Sushi Bowls are a fun, deconstructed version of your favorite sushi roll! Packed with creamy avocado, imitation crab, crisp cucumber, and spicy mayo over tangy sushi rice, it’s a delicious and satisfying bowl that’s ready in minutes — no sushi mat required! 🥢🥑

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the sushi flavors, none of the rolling: Easy enough for lunch or dinner.
Customizable: Add your favorite sushi toppings like shrimp, tuna, or mango.
Fresh & light: A perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy.
Quick to make: Only 20 minutes from start to finish!

Time Needed

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 bowls

Ingredients

1½ cups dry Calrose sushi rice
2 cups water
¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
¼ cup Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie preferred)
2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
8 oz imitation crab, chopped
½ cup diced English cucumber
1–2 nori sheets, chopped or crumbled
1 large avocado, peeled and sliced
Black and toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Nori furikake (optional, for topping)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, for serving

Instructions

Cook the riceRinse the sushi rice in a mesh strainer until water runs clear. Add rice and water to a rice cooker and cook until tender and sticky.
Season the riceTransfer cooked rice to a baking sheet and drizzle with seasoned rice vinegar. Gently fold it in using a rice paddle to avoid mashing. Let cool completely.
Make the spicy mayoIn a small bowl, whisk together Japanese mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth. Adjust spice level as desired.
Assemble the bowlsDivide sushi rice among bowls. Top each with chopped imitation crab, cucumber, and sliced avocado.
Garnish and serveDrizzle with spicy mayo, sprinkle with sesame seeds, furikake, and nori flakes. Serve with soy sauce on the side.

Chef Emma’s Tips

For real crab flavor, use lump crab meat instead of imitation.
Want it vegetarian? Swap crab for tofu, edamame, or mango.
Make ahead: Keep rice and toppings separate until ready to eat.
Try different sauces — eel sauce, wasabi mayo, or teriyaki drizzle are amazing options!

How to Store

Store components separately for best freshness. Assembled bowls can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Avocado should be added just before serving.

Nutrition Info (Per Bowl)

Calories: 402
Carbohydrates: 73g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Sodium: 1007mg
Fiber: 6g

Final Thoughts

These California Roll Sushi Bowls bring the joy of sushi night to your table in an easy, customizable, and totally satisfying way. Bright, fresh, and full of flavor — you’ll want to make them again and again!