Cali Dyna Combo Recipe

Prepare sushi rice

Rinse 1 1/4 cups sushi rice until water runs clear. Drain and combine with 1.25 cups water in a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to appliance instructions (about 18 minutes simmer + rest). While warm, transfer rice to a shallow bowl. In a small saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon salt until sugar dissolves. Pour evenly over rice and fold gently to season and cool to slightly warm.

Mix filling

In a bowl, combine 1 cup shredded imitation crab with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise. Toss to coat.

Assemble rolls

Place a bamboo mat on a work surface and lay plastic wrap over it. Place one sheet of nori shiny side down. Wet your hands with water mixed with a little rice vinegar to prevent sticking. Spread about 1/2 cup of the seasoned sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the top. Sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds over the rice if desired. Carefully flip the nori so rice side is down on the plastic-covered mat. At the near edge, arrange one quarter of the crab mixture, 1/4 cup julienned cucumber, and 1/4 cup avocado slices in a line. Using the mat, roll tightly away from you to form a cylinder, pressing firmly. Repeat to make 4 rolls. Using a sharp wet knife, slice each roll into 6–8 pieces, wiping the knife clean between cuts.

Finish

Arrange slices on a platter, garnish with remaining toasted sesame seeds.

Prepare sushi rice

If you haven't already, prepare a separate 2 cups of seasoned sushi rice the same way: rinse, cook, and season with rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Keep warm and slightly sticky.

Prepare shrimp dynamite topping

Preheat oven broiler to high (or a 400°F/200°C oven for baking). In a bowl, combine 1 cup chopped cooked shrimp, 3 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to spice preference), 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil and 3 tablespoons panko. Mix until evenly combined. The mixture should hold together loosely; if too wet, add another tablespoon panko.

Assemble rolls

Place a nori sheet shiny side down on plastic-covered bamboo mat. Wet hands and spread about 1/2 cup seasoned rice evenly over the nori, leaving the top edge bare. Flip the nori so rice is down. At the near edge, place a line of shrimp (if you prefer tempura shrimp or cucumber inside, substitute as desired) or keep simple with cucumber/avocado (optional). Roll tightly into a cylinder and slice into 6–8 pieces as with the California roll. Repeat for remaining nori.

Top and bake

Place each sliced roll piece on a baking tray lined with foil. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the shrimp dynamite mixture onto the top of each piece, shaping into small mounds. Sprinkle a pinch of panko and sesame seeds on each. Broil 2–4 minutes until topping is browned and bubbling (watch closely) or bake at 400°F for about 6–8 minutes until golden. Remove and cool slightly.

Finish

Garnish with additional sliced green onion and arrange on platter.

Place soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi in small dishes. Arrange California and Dynamite roll pieces on a single platter or two sections of a platter to present as the 'Cali Dyna Combo'. Serve immediately.