California Roll Sushi

Make authentic California Roll Sushi at home with this easy recipe featuring creamy avocado, fresh cucumber, and imitation crab wrapped in seasoned sushi rice and nori. Perfect for sushi lovers, this homemade California roll is light, flavorful, and simple to prepare with a bamboo mat. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for a restaurant-quality sushi experience right in your kitchen. Ideal for beginners and sushi night gatherings.

A classic and refreshing sushi roll featuring creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and savory imitation crab wrapped in rice and nori. Perfect for sushi lovers of all levels!

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Ingredients

• 6 cups cooked sushi rice (1200g)
• ½ English cucumber (150g)
• 1 ripe avocado (200g)
• 1 package imitation crab sticks (10–12 sticks)
• 1 package nori (about 6 sheets)
• 1 cup roasted white sesame seeds (150g)

For Serving:

• Wasabi
• Pickled sushi ginger
• Low-sodium soy sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice
   Cook the sushi rice according to your preferred method and let it cool to room temperature before assembling the rolls.
2. Wrap the Bamboo Mat
   Cover your bamboo mat tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents the rice from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
3. Prepare the Cucumber
   Cut the cucumber into 3–4-inch pieces, slice lengthwise into ¼-inch thick strips, and then cut into thin julienne sticks.
4. Prepare the Avocado
   Halve the avocado, remove the pit and skin, and slice into ¼-inch thick sticks.
5. Prepare the Crab Sticks
   Separate the crab sticks and gently tear each in half lengthwise.
6. Prepare the Nori
   Use whole sheets of nori for large rolls or cut them in half for smaller California rolls. To halve them evenly, stack a few sheets, fold in half (short ends together), press to crease, and gently pull apart.
7. Assemble the Roll
   Place the bamboo mat horizontally in front of you and lay a sheet of nori on top, dull side up. Spread ½–1 cup of rice evenly across the nori with wet fingers, leaving a ½-inch strip uncovered at the top.
8. Add Sesame Seeds
   Sprinkle a thin layer of sesame seeds over the rice, then carefully flip the nori sheet so the rice faces down.
9. Add the Fillings
   Arrange the crab, cucumber, and avocado in a line, slightly off-center, closest to you.
10. Roll the Sushi
    Position the nori about an inch from the end of the bamboo mat. Lift the mat edge closest to you and roll it over the fillings, pressing gently but firmly to form a tight cylinder. Continue rolling until sealed.
11. Shape and Slice
    Press gently along the roll with your hands to secure the shape. Using a very sharp knife, trim the ends and slice into 4–6 pieces, cleaning the knife with a damp towel between cuts.
12. Serve
    Arrange the sushi pieces on a plate and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

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Tips

• Use slightly warm water to wet your fingers while spreading the rice to prevent sticking.
• Don’t press the rice too firmly; it should stay light and fluffy.
• Keep the knife wet and sharp for clean cuts.
• Chill the rolls for 10 minutes before slicing if your kitchen is warm—it helps them hold together better.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy California Roll: Add a drizzle of spicy mayo (mayonnaise + sriracha) over the crab mixture.
• Real Crab: Substitute imitation crab with fresh crab meat for a more authentic taste.
• Brown Rice: Use seasoned brown sushi rice for a healthier twist.
• Inside-Out Roll Alternative: Skip flipping the nori if you prefer the seaweed on the outside.

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FAQs

Can I make California rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a few hours in advance. Keep them covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated until serving.

Can I freeze sushi rolls?
No, freezing affects the texture of the rice and avocado. It’s best eaten fresh.

What’s the best rice to use?
Short-grain Japanese sushi rice provides the perfect sticky texture needed for sushi rolls.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with miso soup, edamame, or a fresh seaweed salad for a complete meal.
• Serve on a platter with other sushi rolls like spicy tuna or shrimp tempura rolls for variety.
• Garnish with extra sesame seeds or a drizzle of spicy mayo for presentation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and beginner-friendly, even if it’s your first time making sushi.
• Balanced flavors of creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and savory crab.
• Great for parties, light dinners, or meal prep.
• Customizable with endless filling options.