This Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl is a fun and tasty way to enjoy sushi without all the rolling! It’s packed with fresh ingredients like rice, veggies, and crunchy toppings that make every bite exciting.
Who doesn’t love a bowl of colorful goodness? I like to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra crunch. Plus, it’s super quick to make, so you can enjoy sushi anytime! 🍣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sushi Rice: This short-grain rice is sticky when cooked, making it perfect for sushi bowls. If you’re out, you can use short-grain white rice as a substitute, but it won’t be quite the same. Make sure to wash it thoroughly to get that stickiness!
Rice Vinegar: This ingredient gives the rice its flavor. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works too. Just be careful with the amount you use, as it can be more acidic.
Imitation Crab Meat: This is great for texture and taste, but you could also use real crab if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, consider marinated tofu or even grilled eggplant for a different twist.
Crispy Onions or Panko Breadcrumbs: These add crunch! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko or skip them altogether. I personally love the crunch that crispy onions add—it makes the dish pop!
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Sushi Rice?
Cooking sushi rice requires a bit of finesse, but it’s manageable with these steps. First, rinse the rice until the water is clear. This removes the excess starch and keeps the rice from clumping too much as it cooks.
- Combine the rinsed rice and water in a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, lower the heat to the minimum, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until all the water is absorbed.
- After cooking, remove from heat but keep it covered for another 10 minutes to steam. This makes the rice fluffy!
Remember, don’t lift the lid while it’s steaming—this keeps all the steam in for perfect rice. Enjoy your fresh, sticky base for the toppings!
How to Make a Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sushi Rice:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup imitation crab meat, shredded or chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup crispy onions or panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup spicy mayo (mix of mayonnaise and Sriracha)
- Soy sauce for drizzling
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the rice and toppings, then 15 minutes to assemble everything. It’s quick, fun, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sushi Rice:
Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and makes the rice nice and sticky. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and water, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for about 18-20 minutes, until the water is fully absorbed. After that, remove from heat but keep it covered for another 10 minutes to let it steam properly.
2. Season the Rice:
While the rice is resting, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved. Once the rice is ready, gently pour this mixture over it and fold it in with a spatula. Be careful not to mash the rice! Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the Toppings:
Now it’s time to chop up the toppings! Dice the cucumber and tomato, slice the avocado, and chop the fresh cilantro. Keep everything ready for assembly.
4. Assemble Your Bowl:
Grab a serving bowl and start with a generous scoop of the sushi rice as your base. This is the foundation of your Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl!
5. Add the Toppings:
Layer on the diced cucumber, avocado slices, diced tomato, and imitation crab meat right on top of the rice. This will add lots of flavor and texture to your bowl!
6. Add the Crunch:
Sprinkle crispy onions or panko breadcrumbs over the top for an extra crunch. Then, add the chopped cilantro for a fresh pop of flavor.
7. Drizzle with Deliciousness:
Finish it off by drizzling some spicy mayo and soy sauce over the entire bowl. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds for a nice garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
And there you have it! Your Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl is ready to serve. Enjoy this delightful and colorful dish right away!
Can I Substitute Brown Rice for Sushi Rice?
While you can use brown rice, keep in mind that it has a different texture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes and use 1 1/2 cups of water for the best results. The end result will be heartier but delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Sushi Bowl?
Store any leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the avocado and spicy mayo on the side to maintain freshness. When ready to eat, reassemble the bowl for optimal taste!
Can I Make This Bowl Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the imitation crab meat with marinated tofu or additional vegetables. Use vegan mayonnaise for the spicy mayo and eliminate any animal-derived condiments. You’ll still have a delicious dish!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re a spice lover, you can add extra Sriracha to the spicy mayo or sprinkle some chili flakes on top. For an extra kick, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or another hot sauce of your choice!
