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Craving sushi but don’t want to spend hours rolling and cutting? Sushi rice bowls are thperfect solution!
Sushi bowls have quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals for busy weeknights. I love how they capture all the delicious flavors of traditional sushi without the fuss of rolling and slicing.
Instead, I can simply layer my favorite ingredients over a bed of perfectly cooked sushi rice.
What I find particularly appealing is how customizable these sushi bowls can be.
My children enjoy picking out their favorite toppings, from creamy avocado to crunchy cucumbers, and even spicy tuna or crab.
It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen while encouraging them to try new flavors.
Plus, the vibrant colors and textures make each bowl visually appealing, which is always a hit at the dinner table. With sushi bowls gaining popularity, I’m excited to share my collection of easy recipes that will surely become family favorites!
1. Simple California Rolls Sushi Bowl
A fresh take on the California roll, this bowl features creamy avocado, crab, and cucumber. The Simple California Rolls Sushi Bowl is one of my absolute favorites when it comes to quick and delicious meals. It captures all the classic flavors of a traditional California roll but in a much easier, deconstructed format.
I love how this bowl comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy sushi at home without the pressure of rolling everything perfectly!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz imitation crab meat, shredded
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 sheets nori, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Soy sauce for serving
Instructions:
1- To make a Simple California Rolls Sushi Bowl, start by rinsing 2 cups of sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This step is essential to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
After rinsing, combine the rice with 2 1/2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from heat and let it stand covered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
3- Next, shred 8 oz of imitation crab meat and set it aside. Dice 1 cucumber and slice 1 avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Cut 2 sheets of nori into thin strips for garnish.
4- To assemble the bowls, divide the cooled sushi rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the shredded crab meat, diced cucumber, and sliced avocado.
5- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over each bowl and add the nori strips for extra texture and flavor. Serve with soy sauce on the side for dipping.
For an authentic touch, consider adding pickled ginger and wasabi alongside the bowls. If you have any leftover sushi rice, you can use it to make onigiri (Japanese rice balls) the next day. Enjoy your delicious California Rolls Sushi Bowl!
Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per bowl.
2. Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl
This Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that captures the flavors of a traditional sushi roll without the need for rolling. It features a base of fluffy rice topped with imitation crab, fresh vegetables, and crunchy elements, all drizzled with savory sauces.
Ingredients
- For the Bowl:
- 8 oz imitation crab, diced
- 3 cups white or brown rice, cooked
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 large avocado, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- For the Eel Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp mirin
- For the Spicy Mayo:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- For the Toasted Panko:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
- Cook the rice according to package instructions. White rice is typically used, but brown rice can be substituted.
- Prep Ingredients:
- Dice the imitation crab and cucumber. Cut the avocado into larger chunks and chop the cilantro.
- Make the Spicy Mayo:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Sriracha. Mix well and set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare the Eel Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Heat over medium until it boils, then reduce to low and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs:
- In a skillet over medium heat, combine Panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Toast until golden brown and crunchy, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Bowl:
- In a serving bowl, scoop in a generous amount of cooked rice.
- Top with diced imitation crab, cucumber, avocado, and cilantro.
- Drizzle with eel sauce and spicy mayo according to your taste.
- Finish by sprinkling toasted Panko crumbs on top.
- Serve:
- Enjoy your Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl immediately while fresh!
This recipe is not only simple but also allows for flexibility in ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
Calories: Around 430 kcal per serving.
3. Sushi Cottage Cheese Bowl
For a high-protein, creamy sushi bowl, cottage cheese adds a fresh twist.
The Sushi Cottage Cheese Bowl is a fusion twist on the traditional sushi flavors, blending creamy cottage cheese with imitation crab, fresh cucumber, and a touch of spicy sriracha.
This bowl is an easy, no-cook, high-protein meal that brings the essence of sushi in a quick and budget-friendly way. With everything bagel seasoning to add crunch and a hint of garlic, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for busy days when you need a nutritious, filling option without much prep.
Enjoy this delightful sushi-inspired bowl for a light lunch, dinner, or as part of your meal prep routine.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 cup avocado, sliced
- ⅓ cup imitation crab (or substitute with real crab if preferred)
- ¼ tsp everything bagel seasoning (or plain sesame seeds)
- ¼ tsp sriracha sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, add the cottage cheese as the base.
- Layer the chopped cucumber, avocado and imitation crab on top.
- Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for added flavor and texture.
- Drizzle sriracha sauce over the bowl for a bit of heat (adjust to taste).
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 days for a quick, ready-to-eat meal.
Calories: Roughly 350 kcal per bowl.
4. Quick & Easy Canned Tuna Sushi Bowl
For a speedy, protein-packed take on sushi, this Quick & Easy Canned Tuna Sushi Bowl brings all the classic flavors together in just minutes.
Perfect for those craving sushi on a busy day, it combines the convenience of canned tuna with fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and a touch of spice.
This no-fuss bowl is an ideal choice for a light lunch or quick weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and nutrient-rich.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked sushi rice, cooled
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1tbsp mayo
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 sheet nori, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions:
- Mix tuna with mayo and soy sauce.
- Layer sushi rice in your bowl, then top with tuna mixture, avocado, carrot, and cucumber.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and a touch of sriracha if desired for added heat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and nori strips.
- Serve immediately, or store in the fridge for up to one day. Enjoy your quick and easy sushi-inspired bowl!
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per bowl.
5. Dynamite Shrimp Sushi Bowl
Spicy shrimp and healthy toppings make this bowl dynamite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice, cooked and cooled
- 4 oz cooked shrimp
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup edamame, shelled
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Toss shrimp in hot sauce and layer sushi rice in your bowl.
- Add shrimp, avocado, edamame, and finish with sesame seeds.
Calories: About 310 kcal per bowl.
6. Spicy Crab Sushi Bowl
Loaded with spicy crab and all the classic sushi flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice, cooked and cooled
- 4 oz imitation crab, shredded
- 1 tbsp spicy mayo (mayo with sriracha)
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Mix crab with spicy mayo.
- Layer sushi rice in a bowl, top with crab, avocado, and sesame seeds.
Calories: Around 330 kcal per serving.
7. Yum Yum Sushi Bowl [Easy Japanese Rice Dinner!]
A creamy, savory bowl that delivers bold flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice, cooked and cooled
- 4 oz cooked shrimp
- 1 tbsp yum yum sauce (mayo with paprika, garlic powder, and a dash of sugar)
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Layer the sushi rice in your bowl.
- Top with shrimp, cucumber, and a drizzle of yum yum sauce.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds before serving.
Calories: Approximately 370 kcal per bowl.
8. Dragon Roll Sushi Bowl [With Eel & Avocado]
An elegant choice with rich flavors from eel and avocado.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice, cooked and cooled
- 4 oz cooked eel (unagi), sliced
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 1 tbsp eel sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Layer sushi rice at the bottom of your bowl.
- Add eel, cucumber, and avocado on top.
- Drizzle with eel sauce and sesame seeds.
Calories: Around 410 kcal per bowl.
9. Easy Spam Sushi Bowl Recipe
A Hawaiian-inspired bowl for a sweet and savory meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice, cooked and cooled
- 4 oz spam, cubed and sautéed
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup diced pineapple
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp furikake or sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Layer sushi rice in the bowl, add cooked spam, avocado, and pineapple.
- Sprinkle with furikake or sesame seeds and serve.
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per bowl.
10. Baked Salmon Sushi Bowl
Packed with heart-healthy omega-3s from salmon.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi rice, cooked and cooled
- 4 oz baked salmon, flaked
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup sliced cucumber
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Add sushi rice to your bowl and layer with salmon, avocado, and cucumber.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds before serving.
Calories: About 420 kcal per serving.
I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.
I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!