Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of the crunchy, flavorful experience of a Crunch Roll, this sushi bowl is a must-try. It’s easy to assemble, making it a great weeknight meal, and it’s customizable to suit your taste. You get all the delicious flavors of a sushi roll, but in a bowl that’s quicker to prepare and eat. Plus, the combination of creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and crunchy panko is irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
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Imitation crab meat
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Cooked white rice (brown rice works as well)
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Cucumber, chopped
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Avocado, chopped
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Fresh cilantro, chopped
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Panko breadcrumbs
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Olive oil (for toasting panko)
For the Eel Sauce:
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Soy sauce
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Sugar
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Mirin
For the Spicy Mayo:
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Mayonnaise
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Sriracha sauce
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Eel Sauce: Combine soy sauce, sugar, and mirin in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Let it cool and store in the refrigerator.
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Cook the Rice: Ensure the rice is cooked and ready. You can use either white or brown rice.
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Toast the Panko: In a skillet, heat olive oil and toast the panko breadcrumbs for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
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Prepare Fresh Ingredients: Chop the crab meat, cilantro, cucumber, and avocado into desired sizes.
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Make the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with Sriracha. Adjust the level of spice to your preference and refrigerate until needed.
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Assemble the Bowl: Layer the rice in a bowl. Top with crab, cucumber, avocado, and cilantro. Drizzle with eel sauce and spicy mayo. Finally, sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs over the top.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe serves 4.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes (with pre-prepared ingredients, it could be quicker).
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Cook Time: 15 minutes (for toasting panko and preparing the eel sauce).
Variations
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Add Shrimp Tempura: For a more traditional Crunch Roll experience, add shrimp tempura to the bowl.
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Use Brown Rice: Swap out the white rice for brown rice for a healthier option.
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No Spicy Mayo: If you prefer a milder flavor, skip the spicy mayo and stick with just the eel sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the rice and assemble the toppings fresh, as the crispy panko will lose its crunch when stored.
FAQs
Can I make this bowl vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the imitation crab with tofu or another vegetarian protein.
How can I make the eel sauce ahead of time?
You can cook the eel sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use sushi rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a different take on the bowl.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, to make this gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free.
How do I toast panko breadcrumbs without oil?
If you want to avoid oil, you can toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?
Yes, real crab can be used in place of imitation crab for a more authentic taste.
How spicy is the spicy mayo?
The spice level depends on how much Sriracha you use. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred heat level.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the bowl just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
How do I store the crispy panko breadcrumbs?
Store the toasted panko in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I make this bowl with shrimp tempura?
Yes, adding shrimp tempura will enhance the flavor and make it closer to a traditional Crunch Roll.
Conclusion
The Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl offers a delicious, customizable alternative to the traditional sushi roll, packed with flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or a beginner, this dish will satisfy your craving with minimal effort. Enjoy it for a quick dinner or as a fun family meal!
PrintCrunch Roll Sushi Bowl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This sushi bowl delivers all the flavors of a Crunch Roll without the complexity of rolling sushi. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights, and it’s completely customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it spicier or prefer a milder version, you can adjust the spicy mayo and toppings accordingly.
Ingredients
8 oz imitation crab meat
2 cups cooked white rice (brown rice works too)
1 cucumber, chopped
1 avocado, chopped
Fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting panko)
For the Eel Sauce:
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons mirin
For the Spicy Mayo:
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions
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Prepare the Eel Sauce: Combine soy sauce, sugar, and mirin in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Allow it to cool and store in the refrigerator.
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Cook the Rice: Ensure the rice is cooked and ready. You can use either white or brown rice for this dish.
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Toast the Panko: In a skillet, heat olive oil and toast the panko breadcrumbs for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Prepare Fresh Ingredients: Chop the imitation crab, cilantro, cucumber, and avocado into bite-sized pieces.
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Make the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and Sriracha. Adjust the spice level to your liking and refrigerate until needed.
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Assemble the Bowl: In a bowl, layer the cooked rice. Top with crab, cucumber, avocado, and cilantro. Drizzle with eel sauce and spicy mayo. Finally, sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs on top.
Notes
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Add Shrimp Tempura: For a more traditional Crunch Roll feel, add some crispy shrimp tempura to the bowl.
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Use Brown Rice: Opt for brown rice for a heartier, healthier option.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace the imitation crab with tofu or another vegetarian protein.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the panko is gluten-free if you need to avoid gluten.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Sushi Bowl
- Method: Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: Japanese