Description
Savory California rolls deliver a delightful fusion of fresh crab, creamy avocado, and cucumber wrapped in perfectly seasoned sushi rice. Japanese-inspired cuisine meets West Coast creativity, promising a delectable bite that satisfies your sushi craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 4 nori sheets
- 200g fresh crab meat (or imitation crab)
- 1 avocado
Produce:
- 1 cucumber
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Condiments and Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp wasabi paste
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Rinse sushi rice thoroughly under cold water until water runs clear, then drain completely.
- Cook rice in a rice cooker or pot according to package instructions, aiming for sticky, slightly firm texture.
- While rice is cooking, prepare seasoning mixture by whisking rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
- Once rice is cooked, transfer to a large mixing bowl and gently fold in seasoning mixture, allowing rice to cool to room temperature.
- Slice cucumber and avocado into thin, uniform strips, ensuring even width for consistent rolling.
- Place a bamboo mat on a clean surface and cover with plastic wrap to prevent sticking.
- Lay a nori sheet shiny-side down on the prepared mat, spreading a thin, even layer of rice across the sheet, leaving a small border at the top edge.
- Carefully flip the nori so rice side is facing down on the mat, creating an inside-out roll preparation.
- Arrange crab meat, cucumber, and avocado strips horizontally across the center of the nori sheet.
- Using the mat, tightly roll the ingredients, applying gentle, consistent pressure to create a compact cylinder.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the exterior of the roll, gently pressing to adhere.
- Using a sharp, moistened knife, slice the roll into 6-8 even pieces, cleaning the blade between cuts.
- Serve immediately with wasabi paste and soy sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner, fluffier texture that prevents clumping and sticky rolls.
- Use short-grain sushi rice for best results, as its higher starch content helps create that signature sticky consistency perfect for rolling.
- Seasoning the rice while it’s still warm helps absorption, creating a more balanced and authentic flavor profile for your California rolls.
- Allow rice to cool to room temperature before assembling to prevent the nori from becoming soggy and maintain the roll’s structural integrity.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier rolling and better blending of flavors.
- Keep a bowl of water with a splash of vinegar nearby to moisten your knife and hands, preventing rice from sticking during preparation.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg