California Rolls Recipe

Introduction

California Rolls are a popular sushi choice that’s perfect for beginners and sushi lovers alike. These delicious rolls combine seasoned rice, savory crab filling, and fresh avocado and cucumber for a refreshing bite. Ready in about 30 minutes, they make a great appetizer or light meal.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for vinegar mixture)
• 4 cups cooked sushi rice
• 1 pound imitation crab
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for crab mixture)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• 4 sheets roasted seaweed
• Avocado slices (optional)
• Cucumber sticks (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small saucepan over high heat, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until the sugar dissolves. Fold this mixture into the cooked sushi rice while it is still warm, stirring gently to combine.
2. Step 2: Add the imitation crab to a food processor and blend until finely minced. Transfer the crab to a medium bowl, then add mayonnaise, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper if using. Mix well to combine.
3. Step 3: Place a sheet of roasted seaweed shiny side down on a bamboo rolling mat. Spread 1 cup of the sushi rice evenly over the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch gap at the top edge.
4. Step 4: Scoop some crab filling and shape it into a 1-inch wide log across the middle of the rice. Add slices of avocado and cucumber sticks on top of the crab mixture if using.
5. Step 5: Start rolling the sushi from the bottom edge, applying firm pressure with the bamboo mat to create a tight roll. Just before reaching the top edge, lightly wet the seaweed edge with water to help seal the roll. Finish rolling and place the roll seam-side down on the cutting surface.
6. Step 6: Wet a sharp knife with water to prevent sticking, then cut the roll into 6 to 8 slices. Clean the knife between cuts for neat slices. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh avocado and cucumber for the best texture and flavor in your rolls.
• Swap imitation crab for cooked shrimp or fresh crab meat for variations.
• Try adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on the rice before rolling for extra crunch.
• If you don’t have a bamboo mat, you can use plastic wrap to help shape the roll.

Storage

California rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To prevent rice from drying out, cover tightly with plastic wrap. Avoid freezing as it alters the texture. When ready to eat, bring to room temperature for the best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

Regular vinegar has a stronger taste and acidity, so it’s best to use rice vinegar for authentic flavor and balance in sushi rice.

How do I prevent the sushi rice from sticking to my hands?

Keep a small bowl of water nearby to wet your hands before handling the sushi rice. This helps prevent sticking and makes shaping the roll easier.

California Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

California Rolls are a popular type of sushi roll that combines flavorful sushi rice seasoned with vinegar, sweet imitation crab mixed with creamy mayonnaise, and fresh avocado and cucumber for a refreshing bite. This recipe guides you through making these delicious, restaurant-quality rolls at home in just 30 minutes, perfect for a light lunch or an impressive appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice Seasoning

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sushi Rice

• 4 cups cooked sushi rice

Crab Filling

• 1 pound imitation crab
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional, to taste)

Additional Ingredients

• 4 sheets roasted seaweed (nori)
• Avocado slices (optional)
• Cucumber sticks (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vinegar seasoning: In a small saucepan over high heat, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat.
2. Season the sushi rice: While the cooked sushi rice is still warm, gently fold in the vinegar seasoning to evenly coat it and impart a slightly tangy flavor.
3. Prepare the crab filling: Place the imitation crab into a food processor and blend it until finely minced. Transfer the minced crab to a medium bowl, then add mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper if using. Mix thoroughly to combine.
4. Assemble the sushi roll: Place one sheet of roasted seaweed (nori) shiny side down on a bamboo sushi mat. Evenly spread 1 cup of the seasoned sushi rice over the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge free of rice.
5. Add fillings: Scoop a line of the crab mixture across the center of the rice, shaping it into a 1-inch wide log. Add avocado slices and cucumber sticks on top of or beside the crab mixture as desired.
6. Roll the sushi: Starting from the bottom edge, use the bamboo mat to roll the sushi tightly over the fillings, maintaining firm pressure. Before reaching the end, lightly wet the top Seaweed edge with water to seal the roll. Finish rolling and place the roll seam-side down.
7. Slice and serve: Wet a sharp knife with water to prevent sticking, then cut the sushi roll into even slices, typically 6-8 pieces per roll. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use warm rice when mixing with vinegar to help it absorb seasoning better.
• If you don’t have a food processor, chop the imitation crab finely by hand.
• Avocado and cucumber add texture and freshness but can be omitted if preferred.
• Keep your knife wet when slicing to ensure clean cuts without squashing the roll.
• For best results, use short-grain sushi rice cooked and cooled properly.
• Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and lemon juice in the crab filling to your taste preference.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Sushi
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Japanese

Keywords: California Roll, Sushi, Imitation Crab, Avocado, Cucumber, Japanese, Easy Sushi Recipe, Homemade Sushi