Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Sushi Yama›California Roll Recipe

California Roll Recipe

Inspired by Sushi Yama
Time1h
Serves2

Crab, avocado, and cucumber rolled in sushi rice.

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Ingredients

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Sushi Rice

Filling

Assembly

Method

Prepare the Sushi Rice

  1. 1

    Rinse the Rice

    Place the sushi rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch from the rice.

  2. 2

    Cook the Rice

    In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed sushi rice and 1.25 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

  3. 3

    Season the Rice

    In a small bowl, mix together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Filling

  1. 4

    Chop the Crab

    Shred the imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

  2. 5

    Slice the Avocado

    Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh out with a spoon. Slice the avocado into thin strips.

  3. 6

    Slice the Cucumber

    Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon. Slice each half into thin strips.

Assemble the Rolls

  1. 7

    Prepare the Nori

    Lay a bamboo sushi mat on a clean surface and place a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on the mat.

  2. 8

    Spread the Rice

    Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then take a handful of sushi rice and spread it evenly over the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top edge.

  3. 9

    Add the Filling

    In the center of the rice, place a few pieces of crab, followed by a couple of avocado slices and cucumber strips.

  4. 10

    Roll the Sushi

    Using the bamboo mat, lift the edge closest to you and begin to roll it away from you, pressing gently to form a tight cylinder. Continue rolling until you reach the exposed edge of the nori. Moisten this edge with a little water to seal the roll.

  5. 11

    Slice the Roll

    Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 6-8 bite-sized pieces. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to ensure clean slices.

Serve

  1. 12

    Plate the Sushi

    Arrange the sushi pieces on a serving plate. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.

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