Love California rolls but don’t feel like making sushi at home? These Spicy California Sushi Bowls have all the flavors of your favorite sushi roll without any of the extra work!
Fluffy seasoned rice is topped with imitation crab, crunchy cucumber, creamy avocado, edamame and a drizzle of homemade spicy mayo. A little sesame and shredded nori finish everything off.
It’s fresh, filling and easy to customize. Plus, these bowls are great for a quick dinner or meal prep. If you love sushi, this is one you’ll want to make again!
Spicy California Sushi Bowl Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Sushi Bowls:
- 1½ cups uncooked jasmine or sushi rice
- 8 oz imitation crab meat, shredded
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 sheets roasted nori, cut into strips
- Soy sauce, for serving
For the Spicy Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha, depending on spice preference
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp lime juice
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice. Prepare rice according to package directions. While still warm, gently stir in the rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the spicy mayo. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil and honey until smooth.
- Prepare the toppings. Shred the imitation crab meat and dice the cucumber and avocado. Cook the edamame according to package directions. For extra flavor, toss the shredded crab with 1–2 tablespoons of the spicy mayo.
- Assemble the bowls. Divide the seasoned rice evenly among four bowls. Top with imitation crab, cucumber, avocado, edamame and sliced green onions.
- Finish and serve. Drizzle generously with spicy mayo. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and nori strips. Add a splash of soy sauce if desired.
Tips & Easy Variations
- Make it crunchy: Add crispy wonton strips or fried onions for extra texture.
- Switch up the protein: Substitute cooked shrimp or salmon for the imitation crab.
- Make it lower carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Add a little sweetness: Drizzle with unagi (eel) sauce for a sweet and savory finish.
- Adjust the heat: Start with 1 tablespoon of sriracha and add more to taste.
Can You Make Sushi Bowls Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook the rice, prepare the crab and mix up the spicy mayo ahead of time. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For the freshest flavor, wait to cut the avocado and add the nori until you’re ready to serve. Refrigerate the cooked rice promptly and keep it chilled until serving.
The Best Part?
There’s no rolling, no special equipment and no complicated ingredients. Just all the delicious flavors of a California roll in one easy bowl!
Estimated Nutrition & Macros
Per Serving (1 bowl):
- Calories: 635 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 85 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Net Carbs: 75 g
- Sugar: 12 g
Nutrition values are estimates based on four servings and include the spicy mayo. Optional honey and extra soy sauce are excluded. Values may vary depending on ingredients and brands used.
