Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 10-Minute California Sushi Bowl is a fast, fresh, and flavorful twist on the classic California roll—no rolling required. With all the delicious elements of sushi like imitation crab, avocado, cucumber, and sushi rice, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, light lunches, or satisfying cravings without the fuss. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a wholesome, customizable, and fun way to enjoy sushi at home.

ingredients

10-Minute California Sushi Bowl (Super Fresh)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

sushi rice (cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar)sliced cucumberripe avocadoimitation crab (or real crab if preferred)carrot matchsticksnori sheets or seaweed snackssoy saucemayowasabisesame seedsgreen onionspickled ginger (optional)

directions

Start by preparing your sushi rice and seasoning it with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt if not already seasoned.

Divide the rice into bowls as your base.

Top each bowl with sliced cucumber, avocado, imitation crab, and carrot matchsticks.

Crumble or cut seaweed snacks or nori sheets and sprinkle over the bowls.

Drizzle with soy sauce and a bit of mayo or spicy mayo.

Add a dash of wasabi, sprinkle sesame seeds, and garnish with chopped green onions.

Serve immediately with optional pickled ginger on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2-3 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesTotal time: 10 minutes

Variations

Use real crab, shrimp, or smoked salmon for a protein upgrade.

Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier base.

Add edamame or radish for extra crunch and color.

Make it spicy with sriracha mayo or a drizzle of chili oil.

Try it with quinoa for a fusion twist.

storage/reheating

Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.For best texture, store toppings separately from rice and assemble before serving.Do not freeze.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rice?

Yes, reheat it slightly and season with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to mimic sushi rice.

Is imitation crab safe to eat raw?

Yes, it’s fully cooked and ready to eat straight from the package.

Can I make this bowl vegan?

Absolutely—use tofu or marinated mushrooms instead of crab.

Can I prep this in advance?

You can prep the toppings and rice ahead of time, then assemble just before eating.

How do I make spicy mayo?

Mix mayonnaise with a bit of sriracha or chili paste to taste.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it gluten-free.

Can I add fruit?

Yes! Mango pairs surprisingly well in sushi bowls.

What type of seaweed works best?

Toasted nori sheets or seaweed snacks work great for crunch and flavor.

Do I need special tools?

Nope—just a knife and a bowl!

Conclusion

The 10-Minute California Sushi Bowl is the ultimate no-fuss meal that delivers bold sushi flavors in every bite. Quick, colorful, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a go-to for sushi lovers looking for convenience without compromise. Give it a try—you might ditch the rolls for good!