Ingredients:
- White Rice (or Sushi Rice):
- Sushi rice is traditional, but you can use white rice or even brown rice for a healthier option.
- For sushi rice, you’ll want to season it with rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt after it cooks. This gives it the typical sushi flavor. If using plain rice, you can skip this step, but adding a little rice vinegar can give it a nice tangy kick.
- Crab Meat:
- Imitation crab (also known as surimi) is the common choice in sushi bowls for its mild flavor and texture.
- If you prefer real crab, opt for fresh lump crab meat or cooked crab.
- You could also substitute with smoked salmon or tuna if you enjoy those flavors in sushi.
- Cucumber:
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or julienne strips to add a refreshing crunch.
- You can also peel the cucumber before slicing if you prefer it without the skin.
- Avocado:
- Use a ripe avocado for creaminess and a buttery texture.
- Cut it in half, remove the pit, and slice into thin half-moon pieces or cubes.
- Sriracha:
- Add Sriracha to give the bowl a spicy kick. Start with a small amount and taste, adding more if you like it extra spicy.
- Sriracha mayo (a mix of Sriracha and mayo) is also a popular topping and adds creaminess with heat.
- Mayonnaise:
- Use regular mayonnaise or Japanese mayo (like Kewpie), which is richer and sweeter than regular mayo.
- If you like a milder spice, mix in some honey or rice vinegar with your mayo for a slight tang.
- Soy Sauce (or Liquid Aminos):
- Soy sauce is the traditional choice for sushi bowls, adding a salty umami flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, Liquid Aminos is a great alternative and has a similar taste.
- Everything But the Bagel Seasoning:
- This seasoning adds an umami crunch to the bowl, with sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and poppy seeds.
- You can find this seasoning in most grocery stores or make your own by combining sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion flakes, poppy seeds, and a pinch of sea salt.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice:
- For sushi rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook it according to package instructions (typically 1:1.25 ratio of rice to water). Once cooked, let it sit for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- For added flavor, mix in a teaspoon of rice vinegar, a teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt to the warm rice and let it cool slightly before serving.
- For white or brown rice: Cook it according to package instructions. Brown rice typically takes longer (about 30-40 minutes) and has a firmer texture than white rice.
- Prepare the Crab:
- If using imitation crab, chop it into bite-sized pieces or shred it into strips.
- For real crab, just flake it gently with a fork.
- Optionally, you can season the crab with a bit of soy sauce or sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or julienne strips, depending on your texture preference. If you want more crunch, slice them thick.
- Dice the avocado and be sure it’s ripe for the best creamy texture.
- You could also add thinly sliced radishes or carrots for more color and crunch.
- Make the Spicy Mayo:
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of mayo with 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha. You can adjust the spiciness to your taste. For extra creaminess, you can also add a teaspoon of sesame oil.
- If you like more heat, add chili paste or fresh chopped chili to your mayo.
- Assemble the Bowl:
- Start with a base of rice in each bowl.
- Arrange the crab meat, cucumber, and avocado in sections on top of the rice, like a sushi platter.
- Drizzle some soy sauce or liquid aminos over the ingredients, and drizzle a generous amount of spicy mayo.
- Garnish the Bowl:
- Sprinkle Everything But the Bagel Seasoning over the top of the bowl for that savory crunch.
- Optionally, add sesame seeds, a sprinkle of seaweed flakes, or a few pickled ginger slices for added flavor.
Customization Ideas:
- Protein Variations:
- Swap the crab for smoked salmon, tuna, or shrimp.
- You could also add grilled chicken or tofu for a non-seafood option.
- Additional Toppings:
- Edamame: These protein-packed soybeans add great texture.
- Pickled ginger: Adds a tangy bite and a classic sushi flavor.
- Seaweed: Try nori sheets or seaweed salad to bring in more sushi vibes.
- Spicy Tuna: Mix raw tuna with sriracha, mayo, and soy sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Variations:
- Carrots (julienned) for color and crunch.
- Radishes for a peppery bite.
- Shredded daikon radish for a fresh, crunchy texture.
Pro Tip:
For a sushi roll-inspired bowl, feel free to add pickled cucumbers, a dash of wasabi, or mango slices for a tropical twist.