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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Cover the rice with plastic wrap, directly touching the surface, to keep it moist while it cools slightly.
  5. Cut avocado and cucumber into thin slices. Have cream cheese and crab salad ready.
  6. 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.
  7. Arrange a thin row of cream cheese, crab salad, and avocado (and any other fillings) horizontally across the center of the rice.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.