You hear people say, “I can’t eat sushi (raw fish), but I eat California roll.” California roll is so popular that even people who don’t want to try exotic ethnic food will eat it. It is made of pretty innocuous ingredients for sushi: rice, roasted seaweed (sushi nori), cucumber, avocado, and crab meat. No raw fish, and even the seaweed is hidden inside the roll.
It is said that the California roll was invented in southern California by a Japanese sushi chef in the ’70s. Sushi became popular in the ’80s, and it spread all over the country. Now not only Japanese restaurants, but most American supermarket delis carry this popular sushi roll.
Frankly, the California roll is not very Japanese (although Japanese people like it too!). However, because it is one of the most famous and loved Japanese food in the US, it’s worthwhile to introduce this recipe. The ingredients are easy to find and it’s not very hard to make (especially with our video :).) Roll one up and enjoy!
California Roll
Equipment
- plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 1 recipe Sushi Rice
- 2 sheets nori roasted seaweed (large, cut into halves)
- 1 can crab meat (seasoned with lemon juice and salt)
- 1 avocado (cut into 1/2″ sticks)
- 1 cucumber (cut into 1/2″ sticks)
- sesame seeds
- soy sauce (optional for dipping)
- wasabi (optional for dipping)
Instructions
- Put plastic wrap on a bamboo rolling mat (makisu).
- Place a half sheet of roasted seaweed on the plastic.
- Spread 1/4 of the Sushi Rice on the seaweed. Sprinkle sesame seeds on the rice.
- Turn the seaweed over, rice side down on the plastic.
- Put some crab mixture, avocado, and cucumber horizontally on the middle of the seaweed. This will form the center of the roll.
- Roll and tighten hard with the rolling mat to make a log.
- Cut into 8 pieces.
Video
7 Comments
I followed your instructions for sushi rice and california roll and made beautiful sushi! Your video makes it easy!
I am so glad to hear that, Paula! Thanks for trying our recipe 🙂
hi
i chose Japan as a country to research on for food technology and as our assessment is too cook a dish from our chosen country i was wondering if you think this recipe would be a good choice? i have about 2 hours to do it and i have to modify the recipe so that it serves 1-2 people. but yeah i was just wanting your opinion? thanks x
Chahaya
how about Nikujaga?
okay yeah thanks!
hello, i want to do this recipe but i can´t find the can of crab meat, can i use crab sticks? if i use them… how should i cook it? thanks!
Daniel,
you can use crab sticks, and they are ready to eat.