All the flavors of sushi… without all the work! These Sushi Bowls are loaded with flavorful fixings like surimi, sliced avocado, dried seaweed, and homemade spicy mayo!
If anyone were to ask me my all time FAVORITE food… it would be sushi. Hands down, all day, no doubt about it. I love the flavors, I love the textures, and I especially love all the delicious sauces.
And although I’ve never attempted to make it at home, I’ve definitely thought about it. Because anything you love ordering from a restaurant… you should someday learn how to make. Right!?
Well… I’m not there yet… but one thing I can tell you is that I’m ALL about these Sushi Bowls. Because they’re easy to make and you can add EXACTLY what you want to them. Including EXTRA spicy mayo! Am I a bit obsessed? Yes, yes I am. But trust me… once you try it (the mayo and the bowl) you’ll understand.
what we love about this sushi bowl
There’s SO much to love about this recipe! Not only is it easy and SO much more affordable than getting sushi from a restaurant, but it’s completely customizable. Meaning you can either re-create your favorite sushi rolls OR make up your own unique combo!
What you’ll need for this recipe
Rice – Since rice is a key ingredient in sushi, it makes the perfect base for this Sushi Bowl. You can use sushi rice, sticky rice, or really any type of white rice. To learn how to make sticky rice from regular rice, check out my “pro tip” below.
Imitation crab – Imitation crab, also known as surimi, kanimi, or crab sticks, is a main ingredient in California Rolls and other specialty sushi rolls. It can be found in the seafood department at your local grocery store. Not a fan of imitation crab? Feel free to substitute any of your favorite proteins, such as shrimp, salmon, tuna, tofu, or chicken.
Veggies – I used a combination of veggies that are commonly found in sushi rolls: cucumbers, matchstick carrots, and sliced avocado. I also added some thinly sliced red peppers for color and fresh sliced jalapeño for a touch of spice. Other popular sushi veggies include sweet potato, asparagus, shitake mushroom, and daikon radish.
Roasted seaweed – Since many sushi rolls are wrapped in Nori (dried edible seaweed) I added some dried, roasted seaweed to this Sushi Bowl. Nori has a distinct flavor and texture and adds the perfect accent to this recipe.
Spicy mayo – My FAVORITE sushi rolls are topped with spicy mayo, so adding a drizzle to this Sushi Bowl was a no-brainer. I love making it homemade, but you can also find versions of it at your local grocery store.
How to make sticky rice from regular rice
- If possible, start with short or medium grain rice.
- Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes; drain before cooking.
- Add a few extra tablespoons of water to the pot.
- Bring the water and rice to a boil over high heat; boil 10 minutes with no lid.
- Once the water has been completely absorbed, remove from heat and cover with a lid.
- Keep the covered pot on the stove for 10 minutes before serving.
How to make Sushi Bowls
Prep the ingredients. Prepare the ingredients by cooking the rice according to package instructions (for sticky rice, see instructions above), slicing and chopping veggies to desired size, and preparing your spicy mayo.
Layer the ingredients in a shallow bowl. Layer the ingredients starting with the rice, then protein and veggies, according to taste.
Drizzle with sauce and garnish. Drizzle as desired with soy sauce, spicy mayo, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Make Ahead Tip
This recipe is easy to make ahead for stress free meal prep! Simply prepare the rice in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container, chop and slice your veggies (up to one day in advance), and mix up your spicy mayo so it’s all set to go!
Recipe Variations
- Substitute cauliflower rice for regular white rice
- Use any of your favorite proteins (e.g. shrimp, tuna, salmon, chicken, beef or tofu)
- Add blanched asparagus, mushrooms or radishes
- Add shelled edamame (mukimame)
- Add fresh mango
- Garnish with wasabi and/or pickled ginger
- Sprinkle crunchy tempura flakes on top
- Drizzle with soy sauce, eel sauce, or sriracha
- Substitute black sesame seeds
- Re-create your favorite sushi rolls using various combinations of ingredients
more Asian-inspired recipes you’ll love
- Teriyaki Shrimp Crostini
- Crab Rangoon
- Wonton Chips
- Egg Roll Wonton Cups
- Egg Foo Young
- Sweet & Sour Sauce
- Egg Roll in a Bowl
Sushi Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 cup imitation crab sliced
- 2-3 mini cucumbers sliced
- 1/2 cup matchstick carrots
- 1/2 cup red pepper sliced
- 1/2 avocado sliced
- roasted seaweed to taste
- 1/2 jalapeño thinly sliced
- 1 green onion sliced
- 1/4 cup spicy mayo
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions (for sticky rice, see instructions above). Set rice aside.
- Chop veggies to desired size.
- Prepare spicy mayo.
- Layer the ingredients in a shallow bowl starting with the rice, then protein and veggies.
- Drizzle as desired with soy sauce, spicy mayo, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Substitute cauliflower rice for regular white rice
- Use any of your favorite proteins (e.g. shrimp, tuna, salmon, chicken, or tofu)
- Add blanched asparagus or mushrooms
- Add fresh mango
- Drizzle with soy sauce
- Substitute black sesame seeds
- Re-create your favorite sushi rolls using various combinations of ingredients
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