If you're new to making sushi, please see the Sushi Beginner's Guide before getting started! This includes guides to all the basics, FAQ, and how to source ingredients. This site focuses on Americanized/Westernized sushi, check out the Types of Sushi page to learn more!
One of the most iconic sushi rolls in America - the California Roll! California Rolls are traditionally made with imitation crab stick, avocado, and cucumber. Click the links below to check out recipes for some other variations - a Crab Salad California roll and a Spicy California Roll!
Crab Salad California Roll
This crab salad California roll is a simple sushi roll with crab salad, avocado, and cucumber. Great for beginners!
Check out this recipe
Spicy California Roll
This spicy California roll is a simple sushi roll filled with spicy crab salad, avocado, and cucumber. A great recipe for beginners!
Check out this recipe
Ingredients & Substitutions
Don't forget to check out the guides on Buying Fish For Sushi and Buying Other Ingredients for Sushi if you're not sure where to find what you need! I include online product links for reference, but it's typically much cheaper to purchase these items locally, so check out your local options!
Imitation Crab Stick
- Make this roll more indulgent by swapping the crab stick for a ½ batch of crab salad, or give it a little kick with ½ batch of spicy crab salad!
- Imitation crab is a seafood product made from fish (typically cod) that is processed to resemble crab meat. Though it may not be the most appealing description, imitation crab sticks are essentially the seafood version of a hotdog.
- Imitation crab is more than just "fake crab" it's a distinct food with a rich history in both Japan and the western world. I encourage you to check out this video to learn more!
- You can find imitation crab at most major grocery stores in the US, but you will find a larger selection at an Asian grocery store. Sometimes labeled as krab, kanikama, surimi, or kamaboko.
- You can sub an equal weight of cooked real crab meat if desired. I'll be developing a recipe for crab salad made with real crab sometime soon.
- Crab stick may not be gluten free, please check the package carefully if you have a dietary restriction.
Cucumber Strips
- Check out my guide to slicing cucumber for sushi (link) if you haven't done this before. This method removes the center portion, leaving only the crunchy outside.
- The variety of cucumber used doesn't make too big of a difference, but I typically use "Hot House" cucumbers.
- You can consider substituting the cucumber strips with avocado, or omitting them completely if desired.
Avocado Slices
- Slice the avocado into ~¼" thick pieces. You should use about ~⅙th of a medium avocado.
- It's best to use a perfectly ripe avocado if you can. Ripe avocados will be slightly soft when pressed, but not mushy.
- I like to buy my avocados while they're still hard, then transfer them to the fridge once they're perfectly ripe. Avocados ripen much slower in the fridge.
Black Sesame Seeds
- You can find black sesame seeds at an Asian grocery store, some well-stocked American grocery stores, or online (link)
- Black sesame seeds have a very long shelf life in the pantry, so if you stock up with a large jar it will last a very long time!
- You can substitute white roasted sesame seeds or optionally omit the sesame seed topping.
Sushi rice
- Sushi rice is prepared, medium grain rice that is seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. The seasoning added to the rice is what give it the distinctive taste and sticky texture.
- If possible, I strongly recommend picking up the proper kind of rice rather than using whatever rice you have on hand. Other varieties of rice (jasmine, basmati, etc.) will not turn out the same.
- Follow my recipe for Simple Sushi Rice before you begin making your sushi. You can find more information there on locating the proper ingredients.
Nori
- Nori is the seaweed wrapping used to hold together sushi rolls. After opening, store leftover nori sheets in an airtight bag at room temp with all the air pressed out to maintain freshness.
- Packages of nori vary a lot in quantity and price. I've tried out a variety of brands at different price points and have been happy with all of them. I don't think you need to splurge on the more expensive brands.
- A Japanese grocery store will have the widest selection of nori. You may be able to find nori in the "Asian foods" section of a large American grocery store, but you can also find nori online if needed.
- Nori comes in a variety of sizes, so make sure you pick up full sheets (approximately 8"x7"). These sheets can be cut down smaller when making rolls (if desired). You can read more about this in the How to Make Sushi Rolls post.
California Roll
Simple sushi roll - imitation crab stick, cucumber, and avocado. Great for beginners!
Ingredients
- 1 full size sheet of nori cut smaller if desired
- ~¾ cup prepared, seasoned sushi rice
Inside Roll
Outside Roll
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Cover the sheet of nori in a thin even layer of rice, filling all the way out to the edges. Optionally, top the rice with some black sesame seeds (click for guide)
- Flip the sheet of nori over so the rice is face down on a bamboo rolling mat that is wrapped in plastic. (click for guide)
- Arrange the fillings (imitation crab stick, avocado, and cucumber) in even lines, 1 inch from the edge along the longer side of the nori sheet. 1 + ½ of a crab stick should cover the whole length. Optionally, use your hands to shred the crab stick if desired (some brands shred more easily than others). (click for guide)
- Carefully and tightly roll up the roll. (click for guide)
- Place the plastic-wrapped rolling mat over the top of the roll and press the roll into a consistent shape. (click for guide)
- Place the roll on a cutting board and grab your sharpest knife. Run the knife under water for a second, then shake off any excess. Cut the roll into 8 equal pieces using a gentile sawing motion with the knife, running the knife under the tap between every 2-3 cuts to prevent sticking. (click for guide)
- Plate the roll on your serving dish. (click for guide)
Notes
If this is your first time making sushi be sure to check out the Sushi Beginner's Guide before getting started!
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If you like this roll, you might also like...
Tobiko California Roll (Sushi)
A tobiko sushi roll! A simple California roll wrapped in tobiko covered sushi rice. Easy and great for beginners!
Check out this recipe
Umami Mami Roll
Specialty sushi roll - a California roll (imitation crab stick, cucumber, and avocado) topped with umami salmon (or umami tuna) and crispy onions.
Check out this recipe
Shrimp Killer Roll
Specialty sushi roll - shrimp tempura on the inside topped with avocado, sushi ebi (butterflied shrimp), spicy mayo, tempura crunch (tenkasu), and black sesame seeds.
Check out this recipe
California Sunrise Roll
This California Sunrise Roll is a specialty sushi roll. It's a California roll (imitation crab stick, cucumber, and avocado) topped with salmon, brushed with lemon infused olive oil, and finished with tobiko.
Check out this recipe
Send me pictures of your creations -- it'll make my day! Message @CraftyCookbook on Instagram or tag me in a post! Please note, tagged posts are only visible to me if your account is public. Did you make any interesting changes or substitutions for this recipe? Tell me about them in the comment section below!
B says
Thank you!