California Crunch Roll Sushi
This California Crunch Roll Sushi is a fun and delightful treat, featuring a crispy texture and fresh flavors that make it perfect for meals or snacks. Easy to customize, it's a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Sushi
- 1 cup short-grain white rice Rinsed until water runs clear
- 1.25 cups water For cooking the rice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 4 sheets roasted nori sheets (sushi-grade)
- 1 cup imitation crab or real crab meat
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 small cucumber, cut into thin strips
For the Toppings
- 2 tbsp spicy mayo (mayo + sriracha)
- 1 tbsp eel sauce
- 0.5 cup toasted panko breadcrumbs or French fried onions For the crunchy topping
- to taste cream cheese strips For extra creaminess
- to taste thinly sliced jalapeño Optional for heat
- to taste teriyaki glaze Optional for flavor
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
- Cook the rice with water in a rice cooker or stovetop.
- Mix vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan until dissolved.
- Fold into warm rice gently and let it cool.
Set Up Your Rolling Station
- Wrap a bamboo sushi mat in plastic wrap.
- Place a bowl of water with rice vinegar nearby to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Roll
- Place nori (shiny side down) on the mat.
- Spread cooled sushi rice evenly, leaving ½ inch at the top.
- Flip nori so rice faces down.
- Layer crab, avocado, cucumber, and optional add-ins across the center.
Roll the Sushi
- Lift the edge of the mat with thumbs, holding filling with fingers.
- Roll tightly into a cylinder, sealing the edge.
- Use the mat to press and shape firmly.
Add the Crunch
- Brush the top of the roll with spicy mayo or eel sauce.
- Sprinkle panko or fried onions generously.
- Lightly press with the mat to secure the topping.
Slice and Serve
- Slice with a sharp, damp knife into 8 pieces.
- Drizzle with extra sauce if desired.
- Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.
Notes
Enjoy these sushi rolls as a light lunch or dinner option. They pair wonderfully with edamame or a simple salad. For special occasions, serve with various dipping sauces and pickled ginger for an exciting sushi night at home! Rinse the rice thoroughly for the best texture. Use a sharp knife for clean slicing. Don't overfill to prevent bursting. Consider a wet towel on your knife to avoid sticking.