Recipe

How to DIY a California Roll When You’re Craving Sushi But Broke

By Brittany Cutler at Michigan State University

If you’re anything like me, you probably spend way too much money going out for sushi with your friends (…or getting takeout to eat in your bedroom alone). From the classic California and Dragon Roll to the eccentric Striped Dragon and Wet Dream Roll (yes, this is actually a name), you’ve tried them all.

While nothing you make at home will ever beat the creations of experienced sushi chefs, this simple recipe will definitely not disappoint. It’s easy to make and will surely impress everyone you know after you post it on your Snapchat story. So next time you find your sushi weakness kicking in, save some money and make it at home. Hey, more money for booze, right?

DIY California Roll

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 1
  • Medium
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup sushi rice
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 sheet nori (seaweed)
  • 1/2 cup shredded crab
  • 1 teaspoon mayonaise
  • Sesame seeds
  • Avocado
  • Cucumber

Photo by Brittany Cutler

Step 1

Rinse the uncooked rice in a strainer until water becomes clear.

Step 2

Combine rice with water in a medium saucepan.

Step 3

Bring water to a boil, reduce heat and cover for 15 minutes or until cooked.

Step 4

Transfer rice to a non-metal bowl and stir in vinegar.

Photo by Brittany Cutler

Step 5

Place rice in the refrigerator to cool slightly.

Step 6

In the meantime, prep veggies by cutting into thin slices.

Step 7

Mix shredded crab with mayonnaise in a separate bowl.

#SpoonTip: You can also use imitation crab.

Step 8

Place sheet of plastic wrap on bamboo rolling mat.

#SpoonTip: You can use a kitchen towel if you don’t own a mat.

Step 9

Place sheet of nori on top of the plastic wrap.

Step 10

Add cooled rice.

Photo by Brittany Cutler

Step 11

Spread the rice evenly on nori sheet using fingers.

#SpoonTip: Wet your fingers to avoid from sticking.

Photo by Brittany Cutler

Step 12

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and flip so that the rice is now on the bottom.

Step 13

Add row of crab mixture, avocado, and cucumber.

Photo by Brittany Cutler

Step 14

Fold the nori and rice over with fingers until ingredients are covered.

Photo by Brittany Cutler

Step 15

Roll over the bamboo mat, pressing firmly to mold the roll.

Photo by Brittany Cutler

Step 16

Slice roll into 8 pieces with a sharp knife.

#SpoonTip: Dip knife in cup of water before each slice to prevent from sticking.

Photo by Brittany Cutler

Step 17

Tada! You’ve just made your own sushi roll. Serve with soy sauce, spicy mayo, or wasabi.

Photo by Brittany Cutler

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