California Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe - Cooking Classy (2024)

Published August 27, 2022. Updated July 8, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

  • Jump to Recipe
  • Share
  • Comments
  • Print
  • Save

California Roll in layered bowl form! These are the simplified way to enjoy all the flavors of a California roll in a fraction of the time! You get a hearty bowl of sushi rice layered together with so many delicious flavors and textures. Who could resist?

California Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe - Cooking Classy (1)

California Rolls the Quick and Easy Way!

How could you go wrong with deconstructed sushi piled high in a bowl? It’s destined to be a new go-to weeknight recipe for you!

You get a slightly sweet, slightly tangy, tender sushi rice and atop is a blend of crab (or imitation crab), crisp fresh veggies including carrots, cucumber, and buttery avocado. Then there’s also umami-rich nori, flavorful pickled ginger, a salty soy finish, creamy and spicy sriracha mayo, then buttery little sesame seeds to finish it off with more texture.

Talk about explosion of flavor in every bite!

Plus these are so easy to make. Just cook the rice, chop everything up, then serve it layered together individual bowls. No meticulous cutting and rolling just slice it, dice it, dress it and boom! Dinner (or lunch) is served.

California Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe - Cooking Classy (2)Watch the Video!

California Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe - Cooking Classy (3)

What Ingredients are in a California Sushi Roll Bowl?

  • seasoned sushi rice (whichreally is so easy to make by the way)
  • avocados
  • cucumbers
  • crab meat (real or imitationeither works)
  • carrots
  • nori (which is just that seaweed which sushi is wrappedin)
  • sesame seeds
  • sriracha mayo

California Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe - Cooking Classy (4) California Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe - Cooking Classy (5)

How do You Make Deconstructed California Rolls?

  • Rinse and cook rice.
  • Heat vinegar with sugar and salt then toss with rice.
  • Mix mayo and sriracha.
  • In a bowl toss crab, cucumber, carrots, nori, ginger and avocado, OR keep it separate and layer in sections into individual bowls over the rice.
  • Mix soy and vinegar.
  • Layer rice and crab mixture among serving bowls, top with soy vinegar mixture and mayo mixture.

Try Serving in Mini Portions Too!

I think these would be so fun for a party to serve in mini bowls. Everyonewould think you are genius. I think you could easily get10 mini servings out of this, just be sure to set aside a few for yourself, they’ll go quick.

California Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe - Cooking Classy (6)

More Recipes We Think You’ll Love

  • Chicken Yakisoba
  • Unstuffed Pepper Bowls
  • Rainbow Spring Roll Bowls with Chicken or Shrimp and Peanut Sauce
  • Sweet Potato Chick Pea Buddha Bowls with Ginger Tahini Sauce

16 Quick & Easy 30 Minute Recipes! (plus weekly recipe updates)

California Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe - Cooking Classy (7)

4.97 from 27 votes

Print Recipe

California Roll Sushi Bowls

  • Review Recipe
  • Save

All the flavors of the traditional California Roll in a simplified deconstructed version! Seasoned sushi recipe is layered together with crab, nori, fresh veggies and sriracha mayo for one crave-able bowl you'll want to make again and again!

Watch the video

Servings: 5

Prep15 minutes minutes

Cook25 minutes minutes

Ready in: 40 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dry sushi rice or calrose rice
  • 5 Tbsp rice vinegar , divided
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise or regular mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp sriracha
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 10 oz imitation crab or lump crabmeat , torn or chopped into small bite size pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups diced English cucumber
  • 3/4 cup roughly chopped matchstick carrots
  • 1 nori sheet , chopped or crumbled into small pieces (add more if you'd like)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp chopped pickled sushi ginger
  • 1 large avocado , peeled and diced
  • Black and toasted sesame seeds , for garnish

Instructions

  • Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until water runs clear (it will take about 2 minutes of rinsing). Tap bottom of strainer with palm of your hand until water no longer falls from strainer (it should be well drained).

  • Transfer rice to a medium saucepan along with 2 1/4 cups water. Bring mixture to a full boil then reduce heat to low, cover with lid and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat, keep covered and let rest 10 minutes.

  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan combine 4 Tbsp of the vinegar with the sugar and salt. Heat over medium heat, cook and whisk until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, let cool while rice is resting then pour vinegar mixture over rice and toss to evenly coat.

  • In a small mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise with sriracha. Transfer to a sandwich size resealable bag. Set aside.

  • Separately in a small mixing bowl whisk together soy sauce and remaining 1 Tbsp vinegar, set aside.

  • In a large mixing bowl gently toss together crab meat, cucumber, carrots, nori, ginger and avocado OR keep it separate and just divide chopped ingredients into sections over a rice layer in serving bowls.

  • Divide prepared rice among 4 or 5 bowls. Top with crab mixture.

  • Spoon soy sauce mixture over top of each serving. Cut a small tip from one corner of the resealable bag and drizzle sriracha mayo over each serving. Serve shortly after preparing (the avocado will start to brown).

Nutrition Facts

California Roll Sushi Bowls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 465Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 8mg3%

Sodium 1185mg52%

Potassium 400mg11%

Carbohydrates 84g28%

Fiber 6g25%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 10g20%

Vitamin A 3325IU67%

Vitamin C 9.3mg11%

Calcium 26mg3%

Iron 1.8mg10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: California Roll

Author: Jaclyn

California Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe - Cooking Classy (2024)

FAQs

How many calories in a California roll poke bowl? ›

Per serving: 540 calories (90 from fat), 10g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 25mg cholesterol, 1000mg sodium, 94g carbohydrates (7g dietary fiber, 6g sugar), 16g protein. Note: We've provided special diet and nutritional information for educational purposes. But remember - we're cooks, not doctors!

What does California sushi taste like? ›

The California Roll stands as a sushi staple as it skillfully blends flavors and textures. With the creaminess of the avocado, the sweetness of the imitation crab, and the subtle crunch of cucumber, it delivers a delightful medley of tastes that harmonize beautifully.

What is the difference between a sushi bowl and a poke bowl? ›

Both bowls often feature similar toppings, such as avocado, cucumber, and furikake seasoning. However, poke rice bowls may also include ingredients that are not typically found in sushi rice bowls like edamame, seaweed salad, or pineapple chunks.

Are California Rolls cooked? ›

California Roll – Imitation crab, avocado and cucumber. The crab is cooked – so this is perfect if you're still not sure about eating raw fish. Spider Roll – Tempura soft-shell crab, avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo.

Are poke bowls healthy for weight loss? ›

Poke is a Low-Calorie Food

Finally, a food trend that is actually healthy! 4 ounces of poke contains less than 150 calories, meaning you can pig put on poke without having to count your calories. Enjoy your poke guilt-free!

Is sushi or poke bowl healthier? ›

In the end, the bowl might be higher in calories compared with the roll, but you'll get a better nutritional profile and fewer empty carbs.

Are California rolls sushi healthy? ›

A California sushi roll is a healthy choice if you don't go with high-calorie dips and sauces, such as mayonnaise. 3.6. Rainbow sushi This is a combination of different types of sushi and presented in one serving. Ingredients may include: crab sticks, salmon, shrimp, at least one type of tuna, and other fish.

Do Japanese people like California rolls? ›

The California roll, nearly unknown in Japan but wildly popular abroad, is a reversed makizushi called ura-makizushi. The rice is on the outside and the seaweed on the inside.

Why does restaurant sushi taste so good? ›

RB Sushi points out that sushi restaurants often have access to the highest quality fish and real wasabi roots, which have more flavor and are less spicy than imitation wasabi. Most restaurants and grocery stores will sell colored horseradish as wasabi because the real root is difficult to grow and expensive.

Is sushi rice or white rice better for poke bowl? ›

Base - sushi rice is commonly used, but regular white and brown rice could also be used. Fish - The raw fish is normally tuna, but salmon and cooked prawns can also be used, or you can opt for a mixture. If you are not a fan of fish, cooked chicken or cubes of firm tofu could also be substituted.

What is another name for a sushi bowl? ›

Chirashi Bowls. Chirashizushi (ちらし寿司) translates to "scattered sushi" and is a style of sushi that entails exactly what the name suggests: pieces of sashimi over sushi rice. Chirashizushi—or chirashi bowls—is probably the simplest way to enjoy what you love about sushi without having to learn how to roll maki.

What is a good substitute for sushi rice in a poke bowl? ›

Alternatively, you can experiment with spiralized zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, jasmine white rice, or traditional Japanese sushi rice. Typically, your rice should only be warm, rather than hot, as this is quite a cool meal. Fish: Fish is the core part of your Poke bowl.

What is the pink stuff in California rolls? ›

The pink stuff often served alongside sushi is called "pickled ginger" or "gari" in Japanese. Pickled ginger is a palate cleanser that is traditionally eaten between different types of sushi or sashimi to refresh the taste buds and cleanse the palate before moving on to a new flavor.

What's the best sushi for beginners? ›

Basic rolls, like salmon rolls or tuna rolls, are typically made only with sushi rice, seaweed paper and raw fish. For this reason, they are some of the best sushi rolls for beginners who are afraid to try anything too complex. If you already know that you like salmon, ordering a salmon roll is a safe start.

Should you eat sushi in one bite? ›

Open wide (but you don't have to say aaah)

“You always eat sushi in one piece”, Miho says firmly. So there is no taking a bite from it and putting it back on your plate, or – the horror! – cutting it into pieces with a knife and fork (it happens). “If the piece is too big, you can ask your sushi chef to use less rice.”

How many calories are in a full Poke Bowl? ›

The number of calories in a poke bowl can vary widely depending on the ingredients and portion size. A standard serving can range from 500 to 800 calories. It's essential to be mindful of the toppings and sauces you choose if you're watching your calorie intake.

How many calories are in 8 pieces of California roll sushi? ›

Sushi On The Roll California Combo Roll Sushi (8 pieces) contains 45g total carbs, 44g net carbs, 4.2g fat, 12g protein, and 268 calories.

Why is poke so high in calories? ›

Poke bowls are usually made with sesame oil, which is very calorie dense, and soy sauce seasoning, which is generally high in sodium.

How many calories are in one California roll? ›

The number of calories in a California roll can vary depending on the size of the roll and the ingredients used. On average, a standard California roll made with sushi rice, avocado, cucumber, and imitation crab meat contains around 250-300 calories.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6029

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.