California Rolls

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Simplicity and delightful California rolls have become a favored sushi choice in American Japanese restaurants. This easy-to-follow homemade California sushi roll recipe has step-by-step photos and a helpful video tutorial to guide you how to make it at home. Whether for lunch or dinner, serving these California rolls, salmon sushi cups and Hawaiian musubi pairs exceptionally well with miso soup.

Love Japanese food? Check out these chicken udon stir fry, homemade ramen noodles, teriyaki chicken rice bowl, crispy teriyaki tofu, teriyaki sauce, Japanese milk bread rolls, red bean mochi, beef gyudon bowl, Japanese chicken curry and tonkatsu recipes.

homemade California sushi rolls cut up on the white long plate

What is California roll?

A California roll is one of the most popular sushi in North America, especially in Southern California. It was created in the early 1970s in America and Canada. Nowadays, it has become popular worldwide. Besides, it is called California maki which is a makizushi, sushi roll usually rolled inside-out. California roll is not a traditional sushi, it is a fusion cuisine like salmon sushi cups and Hawaiian musubi. You will hardly see them in the Japan and Asia area.

California rolls typically include sushi rice, nori, avocado and imitation crab. Sushi rice is a seasoned rice, often seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Also, nori are sheets of dried seaweed that are used to wrap the rice and other ingredients.

Then, add sliced avocado as filling to provide a creamy texture and mild flavor. Instead of traditional raw fish sushi rolls, California rolls often contain imitation crab (made from fish paste), they are cooked and have a mild flavor. Some like to sprinkle ingredients such as sesame seeds, tobiko (fish roe) or a drizzle of spicy mayo on the top or outside the rolls. In this California roll recipe, I like to sprinkle some white sesame seeds because it is easier to find.

The distinguishing feature of the California roll is usually the rice is on the outside of the seaweed, with the filling in the center. In addition, California rolls are often served with soy sauce, pickled ginger and wasabi. They are a popular choice for those who may be new to sushi or are not comfortable with the idea of raw fish, as the use of cooked imitation crab and avocado makes them more approachable.

What does California roll taste like?

California rolls have a mild and balanced flavor. The taste of California rolls is influenced by the combination of ingredients used in their preparation. The avocado in California rolls contributes a creamy and buttery texture. It adds a mild and nutty flavor that matches well with the other ingredients.

The use of imitation crab, often made from fish paste. It provides a sweet and savory flavor to the roll. It is a cooked ingredient. This homemade California rolls recipe, I add mayo with the blended imitation crab which adds creamy, slightly tangy and savory.

Besides, the sushi rice is seasoned with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. This seasoned rice offers a slightly tangy and sweet taste that complements the other ingredients. While the nori is on the inside of the roll, its flavor subtly infuses the rice and other ingredients, contributing a hint of umami flavor.

Overall, California rolls are light, refreshing and have a slightly sweet taste. It's a great option for those who are new to sushi or may be hesitant about trying raw fish, as it offers familiar and approachable flavors. The combination of ingredients aims to provide a delightful eating experience with a balance of textures and tastes.

What is the difference between a Japanese sushi roll and a California roll?

The main differences between a traditional Japanese sushi roll and a California roll lie in their ingredients, preparation and presentation.

Traditional Japanese sushi rolls often feature raw fish (sashimi) as a primary ingredient, along with vegetables like cucumber. Common types of rolls are tuna (Tekka Maki) and salmon (Sake Maki). Also, traditional Japanese rolls often involve placing the rice on a sheet of nori, adding the fish and other ingredients. Then, roll the sushi using a bamboo mat. The rice is usually on the inside.

However, California rolls typically contain cooked imitation crab that is made from fish paste, avocado and sushi rice. Unlike traditional rolls, the California rolls do not include raw fish. Besides, the rice is on the outside, with the nori and filling on the inside.

What is the difference between Japanese sushi rice and Korean sushi rice?

In fact, they are very similar. The main difference is the rice seasoning. Japanese sushi is seasoned with rice vinegar which is vinegar with salt and sugar. Korean sushi roll’s rice is seasoned with salt and sesame oil.

What sauces go well with California rolls?

California rolls can be served with a variety of sauces, including soy sauce, soy-based dipping sauces, ponzu sauce, spicy mayo, eel sauce, or a simple mixture of soy sauce and wasabi.

What are the ingredients for homemade California sushi rolls?

In this easy homemade California sushi roll recipe, I mainly use crab salad which is chopped imitation crab sticks with mayonnaise and avocado. Sprinkling some toasted white or black sesame seeds is optional.

The ingredients are imitation crab sticks, mayonnaise, sushi rice vinegar, nori, avocados and rice.

homemade California sushi rolls ingredients

What is imitation crab sticks?

Crab sticks or imitation crab meat is known as kanikama in Japan. It is a type of seafood made of starch and finely grind white fish that has been shaped and cured to resemble the leg meat of crab. It is a product that uses fish meat to imitate shellfish meat. Also, crab flavoring is added and a layer of red food coloring is applied to the outside.

Besides, different brands of imitation crab sticks taste different. You can add a pinch of salt if your imitation crab sticks don’t have much taste. Normally, I purchased imitation crab sticks at Asian stores instead of regular grocery stores because the imitation crab sticks taste a little bit better.

What kind of rice do you use?

Normally, I use Japanese sushi rice for making sushi and kimbap. They are short and wide rice. In the states, Calrose brand rice is very popular and easy to find in most regular grocery stores and I like to use it to make sushi and kimbap, Korean sushi rolls.

Can I use store bought sushi rice vinegar?

Yes, you can. However, add it to your taste because various brands are slightly different. I like to make my own sushi rice vinegar because it is simple and only 3 ingredients you can easily find at your pantry. In this homemade California roll recipe, I will show you how to make sushi rice vinegar. You can store the rest in the glass jar and save it for next time use. Always remember to add sushi rice vinegar to your taste.

How do you pick avocados?

Usually I pick the raw greenish avocados and don’t press it. Put it on the counter top for 2-3 days until it ripens and changes to brownish green. If you want to speed up the ripening time, put an apple next to the avocados, it ripens faster in 1-2 days.

Can you refrigerate California rolls overnight?

Yes, you can refrigerate them overnight. However, when you refrigerate it, the rice will be harder and doesn’t taste as good as freshly made. The best is to consume them the same day as you make it.

How long can you keep California rolls out?

Around 1-2 hours at room temperature. Most of the time, I wrap them with a plastic wrap, so it can keep rice moist and will not dry off fast. Then, put it in the refrigerator if I have leftovers.

Cooking tips for how to make homemade California rolls:

Sushi rice:

It is best to use Japanese rice for making sushi rice.
I like to use an instant pot to cook rice because it is faster and the taste is better.
Wash and drain the rice, put the washed rice into the instant pot and add water. Level off the rice and make sure the rice is covered by water. Close the lid and vent, push the manual button, adjust time for 6 minutes at high pressure and natural release pressure.
Also, I like to make my own sushi rice vinegar. Put sugar, salt and vinegar in the pot and turn on a small fire and keep stirring until sugar and salt dissolve. Let it cool down. I used ⅓ cup or add sushi rice vinegar to your taste and store the rest in a glass jar for next time.
If you use store bought sushi rice vinegar, please add to your taste because different brands are slightly different.
Add the sushi rice vinegar to the hot cooked rice a little bit at a time and mix with the rice. Then, let the sushi rice cool down before wrapping.

Filling:

I like to make crab salad by cutting the imitation crab sticks into shorter lengths. Then, put them in the chopper and chop it into small pieces. Put the chopped crab sticks into a bowl, add mayonnaise and mix it well.
Peel and cut avocado into slices.

Wrapping:

A regular seaweed sheet is 8 inches x 7.5 inches. Personally, I prefer to cut out 1.5-2 inches (height) of the nori because when you wrap the sushi rolls, it will look better. Therefore, the size of the nori sheet is around 8 inches x 6 inches. (However, you don't have to cut the nori/seaweed sheets, it is optional.)
Besides, I like to use a plastic wrap to wrap the bamboo sushi mat, so the mat won't get messy, dirty and it is easier to clean.
Wet your hands a little bit before getting the sushi rice on the nori, then spread the rice. It is because the rice won't stick on the hands when you try to spread the rice on the seaweed.
Try to put the filling in the middle of the seaweed. Roll up the nori with the bamboo mat, then slightly press it and shape the roll. (Remember don't press too hard because the filling will come out the ends.)

Cutting:

Sharpen your knife.
Use a wet paper towel to wipe the knife each time you cut the sushi rolls. This can help you cut the sushi better.

FAQs:

Is the crab in a California roll raw?

The crab in a traditional California roll is often imitation crab, which is cooked and made from fish paste. Some variations may use real crab, which can be cooked. In this California roll recipe, I like to mix the imitation crab with mayo for better texture and taste.

Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab in a California roll?

Yes, you can use real crab in this California roll recipe. It can be cooked or raw, depending on your preference. Real crab can enhance the flavor and texture of the roll.

Are California rolls vegetarian?

Traditional California rolls are not vegetarian because they typically include imitation crab, which is made from fish. However, vegetarian versions can be made by omitting the crab or using plant-based alternatives.

Can I make a gluten-free California roll?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free California roll by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring that all the ingredients, including the imitation crab are gluten-free.

Instructions for how to make homemade California rolls:

How to make sushi rice:

1.Put 2 cups of Japanese rice into a bowl and add some water, wash and rub the rice until the water turns milky. Then, drain the water and repeat washing the rice 2-3 times.

2. After that, drain the rice well. (You can use a strainer.)

3. Next, put the washed and drained rice into the instant pot pressure cooker.

washed Japanese rice into the instant pot pressure cooker

4. Pour 2 cups of water into the instant pot and level the rice. Make sure the rice is covered by water. Close the lid and vent. Push the manual button, adjust time to 6 minutes at high pressure and naturally release pressure.

water added into the washed rice in the instant pot pressure cooker

Sushi rice vinegar:

5. In the meanwhile, put ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt into a pot.

6. Turn on a small fire and keep stirring until sugar and salt dissolve. Let it cool off. In this recipe, only use ⅓ cup of the sushi rice vinegar. Pour the rest of them into a glass jar and refrigerate for next time. (The sushi rice vinegar can store up to 6 months in the refrigerator.)

cooking sushi rice vinegar in the sliver pot top view

7. When the rice is done, scoop it out and put into a mixing bowl.

cooked Japanese rice scoop out on the wooden spoon

Seasoning rice:

8. Slowly add ⅓ cup of sushi rice vinegar from step 6 into the hot cooked rice and mix it well. Then, let it cool down before wrapping.

sushi rice vinegar mix with rice in the silver bowl

9. Wrap the bamboo sushi mat with a plastic wrap. This can keep the bamboo mat clean and easier to clean.

sushi bamboo mat wrap with a plastic wrap

Filling:

10. Cut 11 long imitation crab sticks into shorter pieces. (It is around 14oz.)

11. After, put the cut imitation crab sticks into a chopper. Chop until it's small pieces.

chopped crab sticks into the red chopper

12. The following step, put the chopped crab sticks into a bowl and add ½ cup of mayonnaise. Mix it well.

chopped crab sticks mix with the mayo in the silver bowl for California rolls

Sliced avocados:

13. Peel and slice 2 large ripe avocados.

14. A regular seaweed sheet is 8 inches x 7.5 inches. Personally, I prefer to cut out 1.5-2 inches (height) of the nori because when you wrap the sushi rolls, it will look better. Therefore, the size of the nori sheet is around 8 inches x 6 inches. However, you don't have to cut the seaweed sheets. This is optional.

Wrapping sushi:

15. Take a scoop of the seasoned rice from step 8 and spread on the nori. (Wet your hands a little bit before getting the sushi rice on the nori because it helps the rice not to stick on the hands when you spread the rice on the seaweed.)

cooked sushi rice spread on the nori seaweed

16. Flip the nori with rice. Now, the rice facing the bamboo mat and nori on the top.

crab meat salad and sliced avocado on the nori homemade California sushi roll

17. Scoop 3 big tablespoons of crab salad from step 12. And, put some sliced avocado.

rolled up homemade California sushi roll

18. Roll up the nori with the bamboo mat. Slightly press it and shape the roll. (Remember don't press too hard because the filling will come out the ends.) See the video below the recipe card for details.

3 Homemade California rolls stack up on a long white plate

Cutting sushi rolls:

19. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds (black or white) or roe. This is optional as well. Then, cut the rolls into pieces. (Sharpen your knife. Use a wet paper towel to wipe the knife each time you cut the sushi rolls. This can help you cut the sushi better.)

cut up homemade California sushi rolls on a white plate

Enjoy this simple, delicious and easy homemade California sushi roll recipe! Also, check out these pad Thai noodles, Korean glass noodles, orange chicken, salt & pepper squid, baked salmon, Asian shaved ice, hot & sour soup and sesame oil chicken rice recipes.