California Roll
This California Roll is a delightful fusion of flavors! Creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and savory imitation crab make for a perfect sushi experience.
Equipment
- Bamboo sushi mat
- Sharp Knife
- Rice cooker
- Small bowl of water
Ingredients
- 4 cups Sushi Rice cooled
- 1 package Nori sheets
- 8-10 sticks Imitation crab (about 1 package)
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1 Ripe avocado
- 1 English cucumber
- Soy sauce for serving
- Wasabi for serving
- Pickled ginger for serving
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, ideally in a rice cooker for best results. Once cooked, let it cool to room temperature.
- While the rice is cooling, prepare your fillings. Peel the English cucumber and cut it into thin strips. Next, slice the ripe avocado into thin slices. Set both aside for assembly.
- In a small bowl, mix the imitation crab sticks with mayonnaise. This will add a creamy texture and enhance the flavor of the crab.
- Lay your bamboo sushi mat on a clean surface. Place a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on the mat. Have your bowl of water nearby for wetting your hands.
- Wet your hands to prevent sticking and grab a handful of sushi rice. Spread it evenly over the nori, leaving about an inch at the top edge free of rice. Press down gently to ensure it adheres.
- In the center of the rice, layer your imitation crab mixture, cucumber strips, and avocado slices. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make rolling difficult.
- Using the bamboo mat, start rolling the sushi away from you, tucking the fillings in as you go. Apply gentle pressure as you roll to keep everything tight but not too tight, which could squeeze the fillings out.
- Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to ensure clean edges. Serve your California Rolls with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.
Notes
- Prepare sushi rice a few hours in advance and keep it covered to prevent drying out.
- Slice vegetables just before assembly for freshness.
- Assemble rolls up to an hour in advance, covered with a damp cloth in the refrigerator.