Dinner

California Roll Sushi Bowls Recipe

Bymia larkspur January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Introduction

California Roll Sushi Bowls are a fun and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic sushi roll without the fuss of rolling. This bowl combines tender sushi rice, fresh vegetables, and savory crab for a light, satisfying meal.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of white rice topped with thin green cucumber slices arranged in one section, small pink pickled ginger pieces in another, and chopped pink and white crab sticks scattered on the side. The dish is drizzled with light orange creamy sauce in lines across the top and sprinkled with black sesame seeds and small orange fish roe. Some finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled lightly over the top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup short-grain sushi rice
1.5 cups water
3 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
4 oz imitation crab meat (or real crab)
1 medium cucumber, sliced
1 ripe avocado, diced
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Sriracha (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice with 1.5 cups water following the package instructions, either on the stovetop or in a rice cooker.
Step 2: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and while still warm, gently fold in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until fully combined and slightly glossy.
Step 3: Slice the cucumber and dice the avocado, then set them aside for assembly.
Step 4: In serving bowls, layer the sushi rice first, then top with cucumber slices, diced avocado, and crab meat evenly.
Step 5: Drizzle each bowl with low-sodium soy sauce and add sriracha if you like a bit of heat.
Step 6: Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients and the delicate flavor of the sushi rice.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top before serving.
Substitute crab with cooked shrimp or smoked salmon for a different twist.
If you prefer, mix a little mayonnaise with sriracha to create a creamy spicy sauce to drizzle.

Storage

Store any leftover sushi bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Avoid storing avocado with rice too long to prevent browning. Reheat the rice separately in the microwave, then add fresh avocado and cucumber before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a sushi bowl showing three main sections on a bed of white rice: the left side covered with small bright orange fish roe, the center made up of bite-sized white pieces of fish topped with black sesame seeds and bright green chopped scallions, and the right side lined with thinly sliced bright green avocado. The whole bowl is drizzled with a creamy light orange sauce. In the background, another similar bowl and a white bowl with light beige sauce are visible on a white marbled surface, along with black chopsticks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice?

Brown rice can be used but it will change the texture and flavor of the dish. Sushi rice provides the sticky, tender base that holds the bowl together best.

Is imitation crab meat the same as real crab?

Imitation crab is made from processed fish and mimics the texture of crab meat. Real crab offers a richer flavor but imitation crab is a budget-friendly and convenient alternative.