crunchy sushi bowl! Okay, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love sushi? But sometimes, all that rolling and precision cutting just feels…daunting. That’s where this glorious crunchy sushi bowl comes in. It’s the spirit of sushi, deconstructed and amplified, delivering all the flavor without any of the fuss. This vibrant, satisfying meal is my go-to when I’m craving that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and crunchy.
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Why You Will Love This crunchy sushi bowl Recipe
This deconstructed sushi bowl recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner dreams. It’s quick, easy, and completely customizable to your taste preferences. Imagine fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, your favorite protein, and the irresistible crunch of crispy fried onions all drizzled with a creamy, tangy sauce.
It’s the comfort of a bowl combined with the excitement of sushi. I remember the first time I made this; my kids, who are usually picky eaters, devoured it! The individual components allow everyone to tailor their bowl to their liking.
Ingredients Needed for This crunchy sushi bowl Recipe
For the Rice:- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cooked salmon, diced
- 8 ounces cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces baked tofu, cubed
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup edamame, shelled
- 1/4 cup crispy fried onions
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 sheets nori seaweed, cut into thin strips
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Prepare all ingredients according to the ingredients list.
How to Make This crunchy sushi bowl Recipe
- 1. Cook the Rice: Rinse the sushi rice until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for another 10 minutes.
- 2. Prepare the Sushi Vinegar: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
- 3. Season the Rice: Gently fold the sushi vinegar mixture into the cooked rice. Be careful not to mash the rice.
- 4. Prepare the Protein: Ensure your chosen protein is cooked and ready to go. If using salmon, gently flake it apart. Cold cooked shrimp works great. Tofu can be baked or pan fried for a crispier texture.
- 5. Assemble the crunchy sushi bowl: Divide the seasoned rice into bowls. Top with your chosen protein, vegetables, crispy fried onions, sesame seeds, and nori strips.
- 6. Make the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your desired level of spice.
- 7. Drizzle the Sauce: Drizzle the spicy mayo over each bowl.
- 8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your deconstructed sushi bowl right away.
How to Serve This crunchy sushi bowl Recipe
Serve your crunchy sushi bowl immediately for the best texture and flavor. You can offer extra toppings like pickled ginger or wasabi on the side. This is a great meal to enjoy on its own!
Consider pairing it with a light miso soup or a simple seaweed salad for a complete and satisfying Japanese inspired meal. A chilled glass of sake or a crisp white wine also complements the flavors beautifully.
How to Store This crunchy sushi bowl Recipe
Separately store any deconstructed sushi bowl parts after preparation.
- Rice: Can store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Protein and Vegetables: Keep protein and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Sauce: Store spicy may in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Crispy Toppings: Store crispy fried onions and nori strips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch.
Tips to Make This crunchy sushi bowl Recipe
- Rice is Key: Use sushi rice! It has the right starch content for that slightly sticky texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Follow the cooking instructions carefully to avoid mushy rice.
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to use any protein you like. Chicken, tuna, or even plant based alternatives work great.
- Get Creative with Vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or snap peas.
- Spice It Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of sriracha in the spicy mayo to suit your spice preference.
- Add Variety: Add a dash of sesame oil on rice to bring out flavors.
Helpful Notes for This crunchy sushi bowl Recipe
- Sushi Rice vs. Regular Rice: Sushi rice has a higher starch content, which gives it a stickier texture that’s essential for holding the bowl together.
- Rice Vinegar Substitutes: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with a pinch of sugar.
- Nori Seaweed: Nori seaweed adds a distinct umami flavor. Look for roasted nori sheets for the best taste.
- Crispy Fried Onions: These add a satisfying crunch. Find them in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores.
- Soy Sauce: Use low sodium soy sauce.
Variation of This crunchy sushi bowl Recipe
- Spicy Tuna crunchy sushi bowl: Use canned tuna mixed with sriracha mayo for a quick and affordable option.
- Vegetarian Version: Use marinated tofu, avocado, edamame, and a variety of colorful vegetables. Follow us on Pinterest for more vegetarian ideas!
- Salmon Avocado crunchy sushi bowl: Use smoked salmon and extra avocado for a creamy, rich twist.
- Mango Avocado crunchy sushi bowl: Add some diced mango for a burst of tropical sweetness.
- Rainbow Crunchy Sushi Bowl: Use all kinds of colorful toppings like beets, shredded carrots and purple cabbage.
What exactly is a crunchy sushi bowl?
A crunchy sushi bowl is a deconstructed version of sushi. It contains all the flavors and components of traditional sushi, like rice, protein (such as tuna or salmon), vegetables, and a tangy sauce, but served in a bowl instead of rolled.
Can I use different ingredients in my sushi bowl?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your crunchy sushi bowl with your favorite sushi ingredients. Try different types of fish, vegetables, or even add cooked proteins like chicken or tofu to suit your taste.
What makes the sushi bowl ‘crunchy’?
The ‘crunch’ comes from adding crispy elements like toasted sesame seeds, fried onions, or tempura flakes. These add texture and enhance the overall eating experience of the sushi bowl.
Is a crunchy sushi bowl healthy?
Crunchy sushi bowls can be very healthy, depending on the ingredients you use. Choose lean proteins, plenty of vegetables, and limit the amount of high-calorie additions like mayonnaise-based sauces to keep it nutritious.
Conclusion
This crunchy sushi bowl recipe is a delightful, customizable way to enjoy the flavors of sushi in a convenient and approachable format. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a satisfying and flavorful meal. So go ahead, give this crunchy sushi bowl a try! Let us know in the comments what your favorite variations are!