California Roll Recipe: A Sushi Favorite
The California Roll is a popular and beginner-friendly sushi roll that combines the refreshing flavors of crab, cucumber, and avocado. This classic sushi roll is perfect for those new to sushi, as it contains cooked ingredients and doesn’t require raw fish. Often served inside-out with rice on the outside, the California Roll is a staple in many sushi restaurants and can easily be made at home with the right ingredients.
Equipment
- Bamboo sushi mat (optional)
- Plastic wrap
- knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl of water
- Rolling mat or towel
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 4 sheets nori
- 8 oz imitation crab meat or real crab meat
- 1 avocado
- 1 cucumber
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 sesame seeds
- Soy sauce
- Pickled ginger and wasabi optional
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the sushi rice:Cook sushi rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, gently fold in rice vinegar to season the rice. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before assembling the rolls.2. Set up your workspace:Place a bamboo sushi mat on your countertop and cover it with plastic wrap. This will prevent the rice from sticking to the mat.3. Assemble the California Roll:Lay a sheet of nori (seaweed) shiny side down on the prepared sushi mat. Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then spread an even layer of sushi rice over the nori, covering it completely. Press the rice down gently to ensure it sticks.4. Flip the nori over:Carefully flip the nori and rice over so that the rice is now on the bottom and the nori is on top.5. Add the fillings:Place a row of imitation crab, avocado slices, and cucumber strips across the center of the nori. You can mix the crab with mayonnaise for added flavor and creaminess, if desired.6. Roll the sushi:Using the sushi mat, start rolling the sushi away from you, applying gentle pressure to keep the roll tight. Roll until the entire sheet of nori is wrapped around the filling, with the rice on the outside.7. Garnish the roll (optional):Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the roll, pressing them gently into the rice.8. Slice the roll:Using a sharp knife dipped in water, slice the roll into 6-8 even pieces. Clean the knife between slices for neat, clean cuts.9. Serve:Serve the California rolls with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side. Enjoy with chopsticks or by hand!
Notes
- Use ripe avocado: Choose a ripe but firm avocado for the perfect creamy texture in your roll.
- Imitation crab vs. real crab: While imitation crab is the standard in California rolls, you can upgrade your rolls by using real crab meat for an elevated flavor.
- Rolling tip: If you don’t have a bamboo mat, you can use a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to help roll the sushi tightly.
- Make ahead: You can make these rolls a few hours ahead of time, but they’re best enjoyed fresh. Store them covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
