Our california roll sushi bowl is a flavor-packed lunch that couldn’t be simpler to make! A bowl of rice topped with imitation crab and a variety of incredible toppings. Crisp cucumber, salty seaweed, and, of course, a homemade spicy mayo make this bowl incredible. 

Sushi in a bowl with crab, avocado and spicy mayo.

Bowls for Days!

There’s nothing better than a bowl for lunch or dinner! I mean, the options are endless —from Chipotle-style bowls to a Mediterranean chicken bowl and even sushi bowls! Bowls are a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors in a healthy and easy meal. 

Ingredients for California Roll Sushi Bowls

  • Sushi rice – Cooked sushi rice is mixed with rice vinegar and sugar to give it that iconic sushi rice flavor.
    Low-carb option: Skip the rice and make a california roll salad!
  • Crab – Imitation crab is what you find in a traditional california roll and makes the perfect protein for this bowl.
  • Toppings – The traditional california roll is loaded with avocado, cucumber, wrapped up in seaweed, so that is what we use for the toppings!
  • Sauce – Our homemade spicy mayonnaise makes the perfect dressing. You can also use a spicy Bang Bang sauce to spruce up the bowl!

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and quantities.

Ingredients for sushi bowl in different ramekins.

What Rice Is Best For a Sushi Bowl? 

When making sushi or a sushi bowl, use sushi rice. Sushi rice is a short grain rice with a texture that differs from jasmine rice.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Swap the protein: Don’t love imitation crab? No worries, this bowl can also be used with shrimp or sushi-grade fish to recreate more iconic sushi rolls!
  • Add spice: Drizzle an extra drizzle of sriracha over the bowl for a spicy kick. 
  • Garnish: Sprinkle the bowl with sesame seeds and drizzle with sesame oil for a beautiful presentation and rich flavor.

How to Make a California Roll Bowl 

  • Cook the rice. Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions 
  • Prep ingredients. Chop up the crab into small pieces. Slice the avocado, cucumber, green onion, and nori sheets. 
  • Assemble. To a bowl, add sushi rice, and top with crab, avocado, cucumber, green onion, and seaweed. Garnish with homemade spicy mayo.
A deconstructed sushi bowl on a platter.

How to Cook Sushi Rice? 

There are many ways to cook rice, and here are some of the easiest ways to do so: 

  • Use a rice cooker. Our rice cooker never fails to deliver perfectly fluffy rice. 
  • Oven-baked rice. Our oven-baked rice method is one of our favorite ways to make foolproof rice.
  • Stovetop rice. Cooking rice on the stovetop is a classic way to achieve perfectly cooked rice. To a pot, add water and rice using a 1:1 ratio. Bring to a light simmer, then lower the heat and cover. Cook the rice until the water evaporates, and let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing. 

Expert Tips: 

  • Use the right rice: Sushi rice is crucial for getting that iconic california roll flavor. 
  • Don’t skip the toppings: The classic cucumber, avocado, and seaweed toppings are a must to replicate that california roll flavor. 
  • Serve: Serve the sushi bowl with soy sauce and a touch of wasabi.

Serving Suggestions

Store & Reheat 

  • Storage. Keep leftovers from this bowl stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Freeze. We don’t recommend freezing this bowl. 
A shishi bowl on a plate with sesame seeds and a towel.

More Quick and Easy Recipes

If you enjoyed this sushi bowl recipe, be sure to try our other 30-minute recipes; here are some of our favorites:

If you tried this sushi bowl recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below – we appreciate it!

California Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe

Author: Valentina Ablaev
Print
5 from 4 votes
This California roll sushi bowl recipe makes a quick, easy lunch. Fluffy sushi rice, topped with fresh toppings that you know and love in the classic california roll. Everything is tied together with a homemade spicy mayo dressing, making this the perfect sushi bowl recipe!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sushi rice uncooked
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • ​8 oz imitation crab chopped
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 3 mini cucumbers sliced
  • 2 Tbsp green onion finely chopped
  • 1 nori sheet sliced thin seaweed (cut into strips)
  • 1 portion homemade spicy mayo

Instructions

  • Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions. Once the rice is cooked, fluff with rice vinegar and sugar, then set aside.
  • Add a scoop of rice to a bowl. Top the rice with imitation crab, avocado, sliced cucumbers, green onion, and seaweed strips.
  • Drizzle spicy mayo all over the bowl.
  • Serve, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use the right rice. When picking rice to use for a california roll bowl, you’re going to want to use sushi rice. 
  • Store leftovers. This bowl makes great leftovers! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days.
  • Garnish. Take your bowl to the next level with the toppings. Sesame seeds, a drizzle of sriracha, or a touch of sesame oil can go a long way!
 

Nutrition

232kcal Calories35g Carbs6g Protein8g Fat1g Saturated Fat1g Polyunsaturated Fat5g Monounsaturated Fat6mg Cholesterol332mg Sodium565mg Potassium6g Fiber11g Sugar298IU Vitamin A13mg Vitamin C41mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
California Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 232 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 6mg2%
Sodium 332mg14%
Potassium 565mg16%
Carbohydrates 35g12%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 298IU6%
Vitamin C 13mg16%
Calcium 41mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
Course: entree
Cuisine: Asian