How to Make a California Roll

A California roll is a creative American twist on sushi. This page will describe the California Uramaki. Uramaki has nori or seaweed on the inside and the rice on the outside, as opposed to a regular sushi roll, which usually has the seaweed on the outside.

Ingredients

Sheet of nori (seaweed)
Sushi rice
Crab meat (can be imitation or real)
Avocado slices
Tobiko or flying fish eggs (optional)
Sesame seeds (optional)
Mayonnaise or cream cheese (optional)

Steps

1
Use saran wrap to cover your sushi rolling mat. This method avoids rice getting into the mat.
2
Place the seaweed sheet, shiny side down, on the mat.

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3
Pour water into a bowl and dip your fingers in it. Wetting your hands makes the rice less sticky while you work with it so it stays on the seaweed instead of your fingers.
4
Get a small handful of rice and thoroughly spread it on the seaweed, completely covering it with a thin layer. Don't mash the rice down but be sure it sticks to the seaweed. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
5
Turn the seaweed to its other side, so the non-rice side is facing you and the rice is on the bottom.
6
Place the strips of avocado in the middle of the seaweed sheet, parallel with the length. Usually, it will take at least 2 or 3 slices, depending on how long each slice is.
7
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise either on the top or bottom of the avocado. If you use a squeeze container (like a restaurant ketchup bottle), the mayonnaise will appear neater on the seaweed.
8
Place the individual crab pieces on the mayonnaise. While doing this, make sure that everything is even; this is important when you actually make the roll.
9
Make the roll by starting out with the seaweed side closest to you. Start folding the sushi mat away from you in a circle, so it forms a roll. Be sure not to squash the items in the roll as you go along, but make sure that it's sturdy, an even size, and firm.
10
Take a knife and cut the uramaki in half. Place one slice above the other and divide both pieces into thirds. This will give you 6 equal pieces.
11
Serve the pieces on their side to present the ingredients that are inside of the roll. This is to create a colorful and interesting palette to the person eating it.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I make a roll with rice papers?

Community Answer

Soften the rice paper with water, fill your rice papers with whatever ingredients you want and gently roll them.
Question

What's an easy way to make salmon rainbow rolls?

Community Answer

This article will help you: How to Make Rainbow Sushi Rolls.
Question

How do I eat it without gagging?

Community Answer

There is no easy way, other than eating small amounts until you get used to the taste. But really, if you don't like it, just don't eat it. Nobody will hold it against you.