Is a California roll raw

No. A classic California roll uses imitation crab and avocado, both cooked or ready to eat, which makes it a safe first roll for beginners.

Why is the rice on the outside

The California roll is an inside-out roll, called uramaki. The rice goes outside so the nori does not show, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch.

Can I make it without a bamboo mat

Yes. A clean kitchen towel covered in plastic wrap works in a pinch, though a bamboo mat gives you a tighter, rounder roll.

How do I keep the roll from falling apart

Spread the rice to the edges, keep the filling in a tight line, and press the roll firmly through the mat before slicing.

California Roll

Name: California Roll
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 pieces
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned; 2 nori sheets; 6 ounces imitation crab sticks; 1 ripe avocado, sliced thin; 1/2 cucumber, cut into thin strips; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; Soy sauce, for serving; Pickled ginger and wasabi, for serving

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Sushi

California Roll

A California roll is the easiest place to start rolling sushi at home, since it uses cooked crab and avocado instead of raw fish. You build it inside-out, with the rice on the outside and the nori wrapped around imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber. This recipe makes two rolls, about 16 pieces, in around 35 minutes once the rice is ready.

Prep30 min

Cook15 min

Total45 min

Serves2

Makes16 pieces

LevelEasy

Ingredients

2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned
2 nori sheets
6 ounces imitation crab sticks
1 ripe avocado, sliced thin
1/2 cucumber, cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Soy sauce, for serving
Pickled ginger and wasabi, for serving

Directions

Cover a bamboo mat with plastic wrap. Lay one nori sheet shiny side down on the mat.
With damp hands, spread half the rice evenly over the nori, pressing it to the edges. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the rice.
Flip the nori so the rice faces down on the wrap. Lay crab, avocado, and cucumber in a line across the lower third of the nori.
Lift the edge of the mat and roll away from you, tucking the filling tight. Press the roll firmly through the mat to seal.
Wet a sharp knife and slice the roll into 8 even pieces, cleaning the blade between cuts. Repeat with the second roll.
Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.

Tips and variations

Keep a bowl of water nearby and wet your hands often so the rice does not stick to you.
Press the rice gently. Packing it too hard makes the roll dense and gummy.
Use a very sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between cuts for clean slices.
Swap the imitation crab for cooked shrimp or real lump crab if you want a richer roll.

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Common questions

Is a California roll raw: No. A classic California roll uses imitation crab and avocado, both cooked or ready to eat, which makes it a safe first roll for beginners.
Why is the rice on the outside: The California roll is an inside-out roll, called uramaki. The rice goes outside so the nori does not show, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch.
Can I make it without a bamboo mat: Yes. A clean kitchen towel covered in plastic wrap works in a pinch, though a bamboo mat gives you a tighter, rounder roll.
How do I keep the roll from falling apart: Spread the rice to the edges, keep the filling in a tight line, and press the roll firmly through the mat before slicing.