Ingredients:
- 1 cup (185g) short-grain sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) water
- 2 tbsp (30ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tsp (5g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
- 4 oz (115g) imitation crab (kani)
- 1 medium (100g) cucumber
- 1 ripe (100g) avocado
- 1 sheet (5g) nori
- 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15g) wasabi paste
- 2 tbsp (30g) pickled ginger
Instructions:
- Rinse the 1 cup (185g) short-grain sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess surface starch.
- Combine the rinsed rice and 1 1/4 cups (300ml) water in a rice cooker or medium saucepan with a tight lid; bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
- While the rice is hot, fold in 2 tbsp (30ml) rice vinegar, 1 tsp (5g) granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp (3g) salt using a slicing motion with a spatula to avoid mashing the grains.
- Allow the rice to cool to room temperature until it is pearlescent and slightly tacky.
- Wrap a bamboo rolling mat in plastic wrap and place a half-sheet of nori, rough side up, on the mat.
- Wet hands with water to prevent sticking and spread about 1/2 cup (85g) of the seasoned rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch (2.5cm) border of bare seaweed at the top.
- Carefully flip the nori over so the rice is facing down.
- Lay 3 strips of shredded imitation crab, 3 julienned cucumber matchsticks, and 3 thin avocado wedges horizontally across the center of the nori.
- Using the bamboo mat, lift the bottom edge and roll it tightly over the fillings, applying firm but gentle pressure.
- Seal the edge by lightly dampening the bare nori strip with a drop of water.
- Repeat the assembly and rolling process for a second roll using another half-sheet of nori and the remaining rice and fillings.
- Wipe a sharp non-serrated chef's knife with a damp cloth between every cut; slice each roll in half, then into six equal pieces.
- Serve the 12 pieces with 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15g) wasabi paste, and 2 tbsp (30g) pickled ginger.