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California Crunch Roll Sushi

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This California Crunch Roll Sushi is a vibrant twist on the classic California roll, featuring creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, savory imitation crab, and a crunchy golden topping of tempura flakes or crispy onions. Perfect for sushi nights, potlucks, or casual lunches, it’s beginner-friendly yet delivers restaurant-quality presentation and flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups short-grain sushi rice
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 8 imitation crab sticks (or cooked shredded fish fillet)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 6 roasted seaweed (nori) sheets
  • ½ cup crispy fried onions or tempura flakes
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise or sriracha mayo
  • Soy sauce, for dipping

Instructions

  1. Prepare sushi rice: Rinse rice until water runs clear. Cook with water until fluffy. Stir in warmed mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let cool to room temperature.
  2. Prep fillings: Shred crab, slice avocado, and julienne cucumber.
  3. Set up rolling station: Cover bamboo mat with plastic wrap. Place nori shiny side down, spread rice evenly, leaving a small border at the top.
  4. Assemble roll: Flip nori so rice is on the outside. Place crab, avocado, and cucumber along the bottom third. Roll tightly with bamboo mat, sealing the edge with water.
  5. Add crunch: Spread mayonnaise or sriracha mayo on top of roll. Sprinkle generously with crispy onions or tempura flakes.
  6. Slice and serve: Using a sharp, damp knife, slice into bite-sized pieces. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Substitute crab with cooked shrimp or smoked salmon for a different flavor.
  • Swap cucumber for julienned carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch.
  • Add cream cheese for a richer roll.
  • Toast panko bread crumbs for a quick crunchy topping alternative.
  • Best enjoyed fresh; topping loses crispiness after refrigeration.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/california-crunch-roll-sushi/