Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (400g) short-grain Japanese sushi rice
  • 2 1/4 cups (530ml) water
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp (12g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp (6g) salt
  • 8 oz (225g) imitation crab, shredded or finely chopped
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Kewpie mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Sriracha
  • 1 tsp (5ml) toasted sesame oil
  • 1 stalk (15g) green onion, thinly sliced
  • 6 sheets Nori (dried seaweed)
  • 1 medium (150g) cucumber, julienned
  • 1 medium (150g) avocado, sliced into strips
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then drain and let sit for 15 minutes.
  2. Combine rice and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.
  3. While the rice is hot, gently fold in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt using a slicing motion to avoid mashing the grains.
  4. Spread the rice on a flat tray or wooden bowl and let it cool to room temperature until it is glossy and tacky.
  5. In a medium bowl, fold together the shredded imitation crab, softened cream cheese, Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, toasted sesame oil, and sliced green onion.
  6. Place a sheet of nori on a plastic-wrap-covered bamboo sushi rolling mat.
  7. Spread a thin, even layer of the cooled sushi rice over the nori.
  8. Place a portion of the spicy crab mixture, julienned cucumber, and avocado strips across the center of the rice.
  9. Using the bamboo mat, roll the sushi tightly to create a professional seal.
  10. Slice the rolls into pieces using a sharp non-serrated knife and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.