This Spicy California Roll is a common twist on one of the most popular sushi rolls in the US, the California Roll! California Rolls are traditionally made with imitation crab stick, avocado, and cucumber. This version uses a spicy crab salad filling to give it a little kick! Click the links below to check out recipes for a classic California Roll and a Crab Salad California Roll!
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!
FAQ
What does a Spicy California Roll have in it?
A Spicy California roll is made with spicy crab salad, avocado, and cucumber. Spicy crab salad is made with imitation crab meat (or real crab meat) mixed with a flavorful sauce that usually contains both mayo and sriracha.
How many calories are in a Spicy California Roll?
This Spicy California Roll recipe has 400 calories per roll. Calorie counts for spicy cali rolls from restaurants will vary from place to place.
What is the difference between Spicy Tuna Roll and Spicy California Roll?
A spicy tuna roll is made with raw, minced tuna, while a spicy California roll is made with cooked crab or imitation crab instead. For both rolls, the tuna or crab is flavored with sauces like mayo and sriracha to add more flavor.
Are Spicy California Rolls healthy?
Spicy California Rolls are not the healthiest option for sushi, because they use spicy crab salad which has mayo in it. If you're looking for a healthier option, try a Classic California Roll, or something like a Salmon Avocado Roll.
Do Spicy California Rolls have raw fish?
No, Spicy California Rolls are made with cooked crab or imitation crab, so they do not contain any raw fish.
Ingredients & Substitutions - Spicy California Roll
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!
Spicy Crab Salad
- You can find my recipe for spicy crab salad here! It contains imitation crab stick, Japanese mayo, Sriracha, lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce.
- Click the link above to learn more about imitation crab stick, but it's important to note that it's more than just "fake crab". Also note, imitation crab is a cooked product, so this does not contain raw seafood.
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.
Spicy California Roll
Ingredients
- 1 full size sheet of nori cut smaller if desired
- ~¾ cup prepared, seasoned sushi rice
Inside Roll
- ½ batch spicy crab salad
- 2 cucumber strips
- 3 avocado slices (~⅙ of an avocado)
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 (spicy crab salad, cucumber, and avocado) in even lines, 1 inch from the edge along the longer side of the nori sheet. (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 water between every 2-3 cuts to prevent sticking. (click for guide)
- Plate the roll on your serving dish. (click for guide)
Notes
Nutrition
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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!
Amy says
Just what I was looking for! I made a few rolls and saved the leftover for my work lunch the next day!
Anonymous says
love these, they have so much more flavor than the restaurant ones im used to!
Ryan says
Imitation crab contains fish.
Jacqueline Schell says
Hi Ryan, that’s correct. Imitation crab contains cooked white fish, typically cod.