Healthy lunch meal prep just got a delicious upgrade with these easy California Roll Sushi Bowls. Packed with vibrant vegetables, tender crab, and perfectly seasoned sushi rice, this deconstructed sushi bowl offers all the classic flavors without the rolling fuss. Whether you’re planning weekday lunches or a simple dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health, this bowl is your new go-to. Balanced, fresh, and totally customizable, it’s a recipe built for busy lifestyles and big appetites alike.
Table of Contents
🥢 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Fresh – Ready in about 30 minutes, ideal for last-minute healthy lunch meal prep.
- Sushi Without the Roll – No rolling mat, no problem! Just layer and enjoy.
- Customizable – Easily swap crab for shrimp, tofu, or smoked salmon.
- Nutritious & Filling – Combines protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you energized.
📝 Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain sushi rice
- 1½ cups water
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 oz imitation crab meat (or real crab)
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
🍽️ Instructions
- Rinse & Cook the Rice
Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook using a rice cooker or on the stovetop with water. - Season the Rice
While warm, gently stir in vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let cool slightly. - Prep the Veggies
Slice the cucumber into thin sticks and dice the avocado into small cubes. - Assemble the Bowls
In individual bowls, start with a bed of seasoned sushi rice. Top with cucumber, avocado, and crab meat. - Drizzle with Sauce
Mix soy sauce and sriracha (if using) in a small bowl. Drizzle over the assembled bowls. - Serve Fresh
Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2 bowls
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 360
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
💡 Tips & Variations
- Make it Veggie: Swap crab with marinated tofu or edamame.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle sesame seeds or crushed nori on top.
- Spicy Twist: Mix mayo with sriracha for a spicy drizzle.
- Meal Prep Hack: Prep rice and toppings in advance and store separately.
California Roll Sushi Bowls
Equipment
- – Medium pot or rice cooker
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board & knife
Ingredients
- – 1 cup short-grain sushi rice
- – 1½ cups water
- – 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- – 2 tbsp sugar
- – 1 tsp salt
- – 4 oz imitation crab meat or real crab
- – 1 medium cucumber sliced
- – 1 ripe avocado diced
- – 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- – 1 tsp sriracha optional
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to package directions.
- While warm, stir in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let it cool slightly.
- Slice cucumber and dice avocado.
- In serving bowls, layer sushi rice, cucumber, avocado, and crab.
- Mix soy sauce and sriracha (if using). Drizzle over bowls.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
– Add toppings like sesame seeds or spicy mayo.
❓ FAQs
Can I prep this in advance for the week?
Yes! Cook the rice and prep veggies ahead. Store everything separately and assemble when ready to eat.
What’s the best rice for sushi bowls?
Short-grain sushi rice gives the ideal stickiness. Avoid long-grain or jasmine rice for this dish.
Can I substitute crab with another protein?
Absolutely. Try cooked shrimp, canned tuna, tofu, or even rotisserie chicken.
How do I keep avocado from browning in meal prep?
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice and store in an airtight container.
✅ Conclusion
Healthy lunch meal prep doesn’t have to be boring. These California Roll Sushi Bowls bring together freshness, texture, and flavor—all in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weekday lunches or a no-fuss dinner, they’re endlessly customizable and always satisfying. Prioritize fresh ingredients and mindful layering, and you’ll have a dish that tastes like your favorite sushi roll—minus the mat. Happy prepping!