Jul 09 2026

Lu2 Recipe

Time1h
Serves2

4pc Nigiri & California Maki

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Sushi Rice

California Maki Filling

Maki Ingredients

Method

Prepare Sushi Rice

  1. 1

    Rinse the Rice

    In a fine mesh strainer, rinse 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

  2. 2

    Cook the Rice

    Combine the rinsed sushi rice and 2.5 cups of water in a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to the rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 20 minutes until water is absorbed.

  3. 3

    Season the Rice

    In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 0.5 teaspoon salt until dissolved. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Allow to cool.

Prepare Nigiri

  1. 4

    Form Nigiri Rice

    Wet your hands with water. Take a small handful of sushi rice (about 1 ounce) and mold it into an oval shape.

  2. 5

    Add Fish on Top

    Place a slice of fresh fish on top of the formed rice. Optionally, spread a small amount of wasabi between the rice and fish.

Prepare California Maki

  1. 6

    Prepare the Filling

    In a bowl, combine 0.5 cups of crab meat, the flesh of 1 avocado (sliced), and half of a cucumber (julienned). Mix in 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise until well combined.

  2. 7

    Assemble the Maki

    Lay a nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat. Wet your hands and evenly spread a layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top. Place the filling along the bottom edge of the rice.

  3. 8

    Roll the Maki

    Using the bamboo mat, carefully roll the sushi away from you, applying gentle pressure. Seal the edge of the nori with a little water. Repeat with the second sheet of nori.

  4. 9

    Slice the Maki

    Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled maki into 6 to 8 pieces. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Serve

  1. 10

    Plate the Dish

    Arrange 4 pieces of nigiri and the sliced California maki on a serving plate. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

More from San Francisco Kitchen