Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200g) sushi rice (also labeled shari)
- 2 1/4 cups (530ml) water (for cooking rice)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (12g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
- 1 sheet nori seaweed
- 2 oz (57g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz (113g) crab salad with a small amount of sriracha (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- Optional: 1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced
- Wasabi (optional)
- Soy sauce (for dipping)
Instructions:
- Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs almost clear (3-4 times). Cook rice in a rice cooker with 2 1/4 cups water, following the manufacturer's instructions. Let sit undisturbed for 10 minutes after cooking.
- While the rice is cooking, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Gently fold the hot rice into the sushi vinegar mixture, using a slicing motion with a wooden spoon or rice paddle to avoid mashing the rice.
- Cover the rice with plastic wrap, directly touching the surface, to keep it moist while it cools slightly.
- Cut avocado and cucumber into thin slices. Have cream cheese and crab salad ready.
- Place the sushi rolling mat on a flat surface and cover it with plastic wrap. Place the nori sheet on the plastic wrap. Spread a thin, even layer of rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch space at the top edge.
- Arrange a thin row of cream cheese, crab salad, and avocado (and any other fillings) horizontally across the center of the rice.
- Using the mat, lift the edge closest to you and begin rolling, tucking the filling under with your fingers. Squeeze gently as you roll to create a tight roll.
- Once rolled, firmly wrap the roll in plastic wrap. Place the mat over the top of the plastic wrap and squeeze firmly to shape and seal the roll.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 6-8 even pieces while still wrapped in plastic wrap. Remove the plastic wrap and serve immediately with wasabi and soy sauce.