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California Roll Cucumber Salad

california roll cucumber salad
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Ingredients

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  • 2 cups sushi rice (short-grain Japanese rice)
  • 2½ cups water
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large cucumber, julienned
  • 4 nori sheets, cut into thin strips
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Soy sauce for serving (optional)
  • Optional add-ins:
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • 1 cup imitation crab meat, shredded
  • ½–1 tsp wasabi paste, to taste
  • 2–3 tbsp pickled ginger, finely minced
  • 3–4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp furikake (Japanese rice seasoning)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear, about 3-4 rinses.
  2. Combine rinsed rice with 2½ cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until water is absorbed.
  3. While rice cooks, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat gently until sugar dissolves, then set aside to cool.
  4. Transfer cooked rice to a large, wide non-metallic bowl and drizzle with the vinegar mixture. Gently fold to combine using a cutting motion, being careful not to mash the rice. Fan while mixing to help it cool faster.
  5. Allow rice to cool to room temperature, about 20-30 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber: peel if desired, cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and cut into thin matchsticks. Salt lightly in a colander for 10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
  7. Gently fold the cooled rice with the prepared cucumber.
  8. Add three-quarters of the nori strips and all the sesame seeds to the rice-cucumber mixture, reserving some nori for garnish.
  9. If using optional ingredients like imitation crab meat, avocado, or green onions, fold them in gently.
  10. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with reserved nori strips and additional sesame seeds.
  11. Serve chilled or at room temperature with soy sauce on the side for individual seasoning.

Notes

  • For best results, use short-grain Japanese rice labeled as “sushi rice” for authentic texture.
  • The salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours, as the nori will soften over time.
  • For meal prep, store components separately and combine just before serving.
  • Feel free to customize with your favorite sushi ingredients like avocado or imitation crab.
  • Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: california roll cucumber salad, cucumber salad recipe, sushi roll salad, fresh cucumber side, quick cucumber salad

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/california-roll-cucumber-salad-easy-quick/