Best 5 Basic California Roll Recipes

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**California Roll: A Taste of California's Culinary Delights**

The California roll is a delectable sushi roll that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Originating from Los Angeles in the 1970s, this inside-out roll is a testament to California's vibrant culinary scene and its embrace of diverse flavors. Unlike traditional sushi rolls, the California roll has the rice on the outside, enveloping a core of nori seaweed, crab meat, avocado, and cucumber. This unique presentation not only adds visual appeal but also creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Our article presents a collection of California roll recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic dish. From the basic California roll recipe for beginners to more adventurous variations featuring tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, and even vegan options, this article has something for every sushi enthusiast. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey and savor the delectable flavors of California's iconic sushi roll.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CALIFORNIA ROLL RECIPE BY TASTY



California Roll Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: sushi rice, seasoned rice vinegar, sushi grade nori, sesame seed, imitation crab, small cucumber, avocado

Provided by Kiano Moju

Categories     Snacks

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups sushi rice, cooked
¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
4 half sheets sushi grade nori
1 teaspoon sesame seed, optional
8 pieces imitation crab
1 small cucumber, cut into matchsticks
1 avocado, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Season the sushi rice with the rice vinegar, fanning and stirring until room temperature.
  • On a rolling mat, place one sheet of nori with the rough side facing upwards.
  • Wet your hands and grab a handful of rice and place it on the nori. Spread the rice evenly throughout the nori without mashing the rice down. Season rice with a pinch of sesame seeds, if using, then flip it over so the nori is facing upwards.
  • Arrange, in a horizontal row 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the bottom, the crab followed by a row of avocado and a row of cucumber.
  • Grabbing both nori and the mat, roll the mat over the filling so the extra space at the bottom touches the other side, squeezing down to make a nice tight roll. Squeeze down along the way to keep the roll from holding its shape.
  • Transfer the roll onto a cutting board. Rub a knife on a damp paper towel before slicing the roll into six equal portions.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 572 calories, Carbohydrate 96 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 17 grams, Sugar 68 grams

CALIFORNIA ROLL



California Roll image

A California roll is a fresh take on traditional Japanese rice rolls. Filled with avocado, crab, and cucumber, it's fresh and crunchy and makes a filling meal. You can use real or imitation crab.

Provided by Allrecipes

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Japanese

Time 1h50m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 cups water
2 cups uncooked white rice
½ cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 teaspoon white sugar, or as needed
1 teaspoon salt, or as needed
¼ pound cooked crab meat, drained of excess liquid and shredded
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
5 sheets nori (dry seaweed)
1 avocado, sliced
¼ cup red caviar, such as tobiko
1 English cucumber, seeded and sliced into strips
2 tablespoons drained pickled ginger, for garnish
2 tablespoons soy sauce, or to taste
1 tablespoon wasabi paste

Steps:

  • Wrap a sushi rolling mat completely in plastic wrap and set aside.
  • Bring water and rice to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer rice to a bowl and cut in rice vinegar using a rice paddle or wooden spoon. Season with 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste. Allow to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
  • Combine crab meat with mayonnaise in a small bowl.
  • Place a sheet of nori on a flat work surface. Spread a thin layer of rice on top of the nori. Place the nori, rice side down, on the prepared rolling mat. Place 2 to 3 avocado slices on top of the nori in one layer. Top with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the crab mixture. Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons tobiko lengthwise on one side of the avocado-crab mixture, and 2 cucumber strips on the other side. Using the mat as a guide, carefully roll the California roll into a tight log. Remove the rolling mat. Top roll with more tobiko, cover with plastic wrap, and gently press the tobiko into the top of the roll. Remove the plastic and cut roll into 6 even pieces using a wet knife. Repeat with remaining sheets of nori and filling. Serve garnished with pickled ginger, soy sauce, and wasabi paste

Nutrition Facts : Calories 444.5 calories, Carbohydrate 70.3 g, Cholesterol 93.6 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 15.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 1237 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

CALIFORNIA ROLL SUSHI



California Roll Sushi image

California Roll - it's really good. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

Provided by Erin

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian

Time 1h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup uncooked short-grain white rice
1 cup water
¼ cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon white sugar
½ cup imitation crabmeat, finely chopped
¼ cup mayonnaise
8 sheets nori (dry seaweed)
2 ½ tablespoons sesame seeds
1 cucumber, cut into thin spears
2 avocados - pitted, peeled, and sliced the long way

Steps:

  • Wash the rice in several changes of water until the rinse water is no longer cloudy, drain well, and place in a covered pan or rice cooker with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover the pan. Allow the rice to simmer until the top looks dry, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, and let stand for 10 minutes to absorb the rest of the water.
  • Mix the rice vinegar and sugar in a small bowl until the sugar has dissolved, and stir the mixture into the cooked rice until well combined. Allow the rice to cool, and set aside.
  • Mix the imitation crabmeat with mayonnaise in a bowl, and set aside. To roll the sushi, cover a bamboo rolling mat with plastic wrap. Lay a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on the plastic wrap. With wet fingers, firmly pat a thin, even layer of prepared rice over the nori, leaving 1/4 inch uncovered at the bottom edge of the sheet. Sprinkle the rice with about 1/2 teaspoon of sesame seeds, and gently press them into the rice. Carefully flip the nori sheet over so the seaweed side is up.
  • Place 2 or 3 long cucumber spears, 2 or 3 slices of avocado, and about 1 tablespoon of imitation crab mixture in a line across the nori sheet, about 1/4 from the uncovered edge. Pick up the edge of the bamboo rolling sheet, fold the bottom edge of the sheet up, enclosing the filling, and tightly roll the sushi into a cylinder about 1 1/2 inch in diameter. Once the sushi is rolled, wrap it in the mat and gently squeeze to compact it tightly.
  • Cut each roll into 1 inch pieces with a very sharp knife dipped in water.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 231.7 calories, Carbohydrate 23.7 g, Cholesterol 4.7 mg, Fat 14.4 g, Fiber 4.4 g, Protein 3.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 135 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

CALIFORNIA ROLL



California Roll image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     appetizer

Time 2h5m

Yield 8 appetizer servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
4 sheets nori
1/2 batch sushi rice, recipe follows
1/3 cup sesame seeds, toasted
1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into matchstick-size pieces
4 crabsticks, torn into pieces
Pickled ginger, for serving
Wasabi, for serving
Soy sauce, for serving
2 cups sushi or short grain rice
2 cups water, plus extra for rinsing rice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt

Steps:

  • Squeeze the lemon juice over the avocado to prevent browning.
  • Cover a bamboo rolling mat with plastic wrap. Cut nori sheets in half crosswise. Lay 1 sheet of nori, shiny side down, on the plastic covered mat. Wet your fingers with water and spread about 1/2 cup of the rice evenly onto the nori. Sprinkle the rice with sesame seeds. Turn the sheet of nori over so that the rice side is down. Place 1/8 of the cucumber, avocado and crab sticks in the center of the sheet. Grab the edge of the mat closest to you, keeping the fillings in place with your fingers, and roll it into a tight cylinder, using the mat to shape the cylinder. Pull away the mat and set aside. Cover with a damp cloth. Repeat until all of the rice has been used. Cut each roll into 6 pieces. Serve with pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce.
  • Place the rice into a mixing bowl and cover with cool water. Swirl the rice in the water, pour off and repeat 2 to 3 times or until the water is clear.
  • Place the rice and 2 cups of water into a medium saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, uncovered. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
  • Combine the rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer the rice into a large wooden or glass mixing bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Fold thoroughly to combine and coat each grain of rice with the mixture. Allow to cool to room temperature before using to make sushi or sashimi.
  • Yield: 4 cups

CALIFORNIA ROLLS



California Rolls image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 1/3 cups rice
5 1/3 tablespoons vinegar
5 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons salt
10 sheets seaweed, halved
1/2 pound imitation crab, cut into long, thin pieces
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and julienne
1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and cut into long, thin pieces
Sesame seeds

Steps:

  • Wash the rice until the water rinses clear. Drain the rice in a colander and let it stand for 30 minutes. Place the rice in a pot or rice cooker, and add 4 cups of water or follow the instructions on a rice cooker. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove the cover, place a damp towel over the rice, and let cool for 10 minutes.
  • You can find sushi vinegar prepared at a grocery story or you can easily make it by pouring the vinegar, sugar and salt into a pan under low heat until the sugar and salt are dissolved. If you like sweeter vinegar, just add more sugar.
  • Pour sushi vinegar over cooked rice and mix it gently. You can do this in a wooden bowl for making sushi rice or in your rice cooker by turning off the cooker and pouring the vinegar and mixing gently and evenly and leaving it until it cools down to room temperature. The lid should remain open.
  • Cover a makisu (sushi rolling mat) with plastic wrap. Place half of a sheet of the seaweed over the plastic on the mat. Place a handful of rice across the seaweed and spread it evenly over the seaweed. Toss the imitation crab with the mayonnaise in a small bowl. Place some of the imitation crab meat meat along the center of the rice. Add some cucumber and avocado along the center of the rice. Using the mat and plastic wrap, roll the rice around the filling and press lightly to seal. Remove the mat and plastic wrap and sprinkle the roll with sesame seeds. Cut the sushi roll into bite sized pieces. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh, flavorful ingredients for the best results. Look for sushi-grade fish, ripe avocado, and crisp cucumber.
  • Prepare the rice properly: Cooking sushi rice correctly is essential for achieving the right texture. Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking, and use the correct ratio of rice to water. For California rolls, use a slightly sweeter rice vinegar.
  • Make sure the seaweed is pliable: If the seaweed is too dry or brittle, it will be difficult to roll and may crack. To soften the seaweed, briefly toast it over an open flame or dip it in warm water.
  • Use the right amount of filling: Don't overload the rolls with too much filling, or they will be difficult to roll and may fall apart. Aim for a thin, even layer of filling that will distribute evenly throughout the roll.
  • Roll the rolls tightly: Use a bamboo rolling mat to roll the rolls tightly. This will help keep the rolls together and prevent them from falling apart.
  • Cut the rolls evenly: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolls into even pieces. This will ensure that each piece is the same size and has a clean, attractive appearance.

Conclusion:

California rolls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack. They are relatively easy to make, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results. By following the tips above, you can create California rolls that are flavorful, well-made, and sure to impress your friends and family.

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