California Roll Recipe
Make California Roll Recipe in just 1h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Sushi rice
Fillings & toppings
To serve
Tools (not eaten)
Method
Sushi rice
- 1
Rinse and soak
Place 2 cups short-grain sushi rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water, swirling with your hand, until the water runs nearly clear (about 3–4 minutes). Drain and transfer rice to a rice cooker or pot. Add 2.25 cups water and let the rice soak for 30 minutes if time allows (helps texture).
- 2
Cook
Cook rice in a rice cooker according to manufacturer's instructions, or cover with a tight lid on the stovetop, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, 10 minutes.
- 3
Season
While rice cooks, combine 4 tbs rice vinegar, 2 tbs granulated sugar and 1 tsp kosher salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir just until sugar and salt dissolve; do not boil. Transfer cooked rice to a large non-reactive bowl (hangiri or large bowl). Gently fold the vinegar mixture into the rice with a rice paddle or wooden spatula using slicing motions to avoid crushing grains. Fan the rice while mixing (or let some air circulate) to cool it to slightly warm/room temperature. Cover with a damp towel until ready (but don't refrigerate).
Fillings & assembly
- 4
Prepare fillings
Shred or flake 8 oz imitation crab (or real crab) into bite-sized pieces. Mix crab with 2 tbs mayonnaise (and 1 tsp wasabi if you like a kick) in a small bowl until evenly coated. Peel, pit and slice the avocado in half lengthwise; remove the pit, slice each half into thin slices or lengthwise strips. Julienne 1/2 cucumber, removing seeds if using a seeded cucumber. Toast 2 tbs sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes; cool.
- 5
Set up rolling station
Place the bamboo mat on a work surface and wrap with plastic wrap to keep rice from sticking. Have a small bowl of water nearby to wet your hands (prevents rice sticking). Place a sheet of nori on the mat with the shiny side down (rough side up).
- 6
Spread rice on nori (inside-out style)
Wet your hands and grab about 3/4 to 1 cup of sushi rice. Gently spread rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) bare strip along the far edge of the nori (the edge farthest from you) to seal the roll. Press rice firmly but gently — it should stick together without being mashed. Sprinkle the rice side with toasted sesame seeds if you prefer them on the outside.
- 7
Flip nori
Carefully flip the nori so the rice side faces down on the plastic-wrapped mat and the dry nori sheet faces up. This creates an inside-out roll (uramaki).
- 8
Add fillings and roll
Arrange a line of the crab-mayo mixture lengthwise about 1 inch from the near edge of the nori. Add a row of avocado slices and cucumber julienne alongside the crab. Lift the near edge of the mat, using your thumbs to hold fillings in place, and roll the mat away from you, tucking the nori over the filling to form a tight cylinder. Apply gentle even pressure with the mat to shape and seal the roll. When you reach the bare nori edge, moisten it lightly with water to help seal.
- 9
Finish
If you want sesame seeds on the outside and haven't already sprinkled them, press the roll gently onto a plate of sesame seeds to coat. Use the mat to compress the roll gently for 15–30 seconds so it keeps its shape. Repeat with remaining nori and fillings to make about 4 rolls total.
Cutting & serving
- 10
Slice
Using a very sharp knife, wet the blade and wipe it between cuts to prevent sticking. Trim the uneven ends of each roll if desired. Cut each roll into 6–8 equal pieces by slicing with a single smooth motion (don’t saw). For a 8-piece yield per roll, make 8 cuts; adjust to desired piece size. Clean and re-wet the knife between rolls.
- 11
Plate and serve
Arrange California roll pieces on a platter. Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger and additional wasabi if desired. Consume within a few hours for best texture; do not refrigerate assembled rolls for long or rice will harden.