Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you go
For the basic sushi rice recipe
- 50g (¼ cup) round sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- a pinch of salt
For the filling
- ½ fresh salmon fillet, boneless
- 1 avocado, cut into thin slices
- black and/or white sesame seeds
🍣 🥢 For more sushi ideas, check out my article on sushi variations.
Preparing the Sushi Rice
Quick recap: whatever quantity of rice you’re making, keep the classic proportions in mind - 1 volume of rice to 1.3 times that volume of water. For example, if using cups, 1 cup of rice to 1⅓ cups of water.
Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear (at least 4 times). In a saucepan, combine the rice with water, cover and bring to a boil, stir once, then reduce to medium heat and cook for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat without opening the lid and let rest for 10 minutes.
While the rice is resting, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil to dissolve everything.
Transfer the rice to a bowl and pour the still-hot vinegar over it, mixing gently to season the rice. Let cool to room temperature (never in the fridge), covering with a kitchen towel so it doesn’t dry out.
Shaping the California Rolls
- Cut off ⅓ of the nori seaweed sheet and set aside for another recipe, as you’ll only use the larger portion. On your bamboo mat (which you should cover with plastic wrap), place the nori sheet with the matte side facing you.
- Spread a thin layer of rice (0.5cm/¼ inch thick) over the entire sheet and sprinkle with black and/or white sesame seeds.
- Carefully flip everything over so the rice is on the bamboo mat. Then proceed as you would for a salmon maki. Place the fish strip and avocado on the lower part. Roll up using the bamboo mat while holding the filling in place with your fingers.
- Using a sharp knife that you wipe between each cut, slice into 8 California rolls and arrange on a serving platter.
Tips and Variations
These California rolls use the same ingredients as Sushi Sandwiches, so you can easily make a few pieces of each at the same time!