No-Roll Sushi Bowls: The 15-Minute Craving Cure
Sushi bowls are a fun and easy recipe when the sushi craving hits, and there’s ‘food at home.’ No rolling mats, no sticky fingers, no special rice, just pure flavor. These bowls start with rice, add a protein (tuna, salmon, shrimp, or crab), and then add veggies and toppings to your liking. A quick, easy, and on-the-go lunch or snack that satisfies your biggest sushi cravings!
The Rice:
For this recipe, use microwavable rice or leftover rice to cut prep time in half! If using cold leftover rice, microwave it for 30 seconds with a damp paper towel over it to steam it back to life.
Seasoning is Key
Mix 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt into the warm rice. This gives it that authentic sushi tang.
The Protein:
Pictured are sushi bowls with tuna and smoked salmon. Here are all the protein options that would work well:
Tuna (Canned, drained)
Smoked Salmon (or leftover cooked salmon)
Shrimp (cooked shrimp from freezer section makes prep easy for these)
Crab (there is canned lump crab or imitation crab in the refrigerator section at the store)
Tailor this to your own taste! Cooked chicken glazed with teriyaki sauce would be a great option for someone who doesn’t love seafood.
The Veggies:
Use any combo of the veggies below depending on your specific bowl!
Shredded carrots (for sweetness and color)
Sliced avocado (creamy essential)
Diced cucumber (crisp freshness)
Edamame (protein boost)
Bell peppers (red or yellow for pop)
Thinly sliced radishes (peppery crunch)
The Crunch Factor: This is where your bowls shine!
Seaweed Snacks: Instead of large nori sheets, try tearing up crispy seaweed snacks for a different texture. They come in different flavors, so get some you’ll enjoy!
French Fried Onions: Yes, really! A sprinkle of crispy French fried onions adds a savory, salty crunch that pairs surprisingly well with the flavor profiles.
Sesame Seeds: Black or white (or a mix!) for that final nutty finish.
Green Onions: Freshly sliced for a sharp bite at the end.
The Sauces: Spicy Mayo vs. "Sexy Sauce"
Choose the one that fits your taste buds the best, or try them both! There are also lots of great options at the grocery store if you’d rather purchase something!
Classic Spicy Mayo
3 tbsp Mayonnaise
1 tsp Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
1 tsp Soy Sauce
½ tsp Sesame Oil
Whisk together, Chill, and Enjoy!
The "Sexy Sauce"
2 tbsp Ketchup (adds sweetness and red color)
1 tbsp Mayonnaise
1 tbsp Soy Sauce or Teriyaki (Teriyaki will be sweeter and thicker)
½ tsp Sriracha (optional, for a kick)
1 tsp Rice Vinegar
1 tsp Sugar (optional)
Whisk together, Chill, and Enjoy!
Assembly Instructions
Scoop seasoned rice into a bowl.
Arrange your chosen seafood on top.
Artfully arrange carrots, avocado, cucumber, edamame, peppers, and/or radishes around the protein.
Sprinkle generously with torn seaweed snacks, French fried onions, and sesame seeds for the crunch factor.
Garnish with green onions.
Drizzle with Spicy Mayo and/or "Sexy Sauce."
