Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe
Introduction
This Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl brings all the flavors and textures of a classic sushi roll into an easy, ready-to-eat bowl. With tender crab, creamy avocado, crisp cucumbers, and a sweet-savory eel sauce, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, the toasted panko adds a delightful crunch that makes every bite special.

Ingredients
- 8 oz imitation crab, diced
- 3 cups white or brown rice, cooked
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 large avocado, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp mirin
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the rice according to package instructions and let it cool slightly. White rice works best, but brown rice can also be used.
- Step 2: Prepare the ingredients by finely chopping the imitation crab and cilantro. Dice the cucumber and avocado into larger chunks.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the mayo and Sriracha to create the spicy mayo. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step 4: Make the eel sauce by combining soy sauce, sugar, and mirin in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until it boils, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Step 6: Toast the Panko by placing it in a small skillet. Drizzle olive oil over the Panko and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Step 7: Continue cooking the breadcrumbs for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown around the edges. Stir frequently for another 1-2 minutes until most Panko is golden. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to cool.
- Step 8: Assemble the sushi bowls by scooping rice into serving bowls. Top with diced crab, cucumber, avocado, and cilantro.
- Step 9: Drizzle the eel sauce followed by the spicy mayo over the top.
- Step 10: Finish by sprinkling the toasted Panko breadcrumbs for crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the imitation crab with marinated tofu or cooked mushrooms.
- Use sushi rice seasoned with rice vinegar for a more authentic flavor.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the Sriracha in the spicy mayo or omit it entirely.
- To add extra freshness, top with thinly sliced green onions or radishes.
- Store toasted Panko in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp for days.
Storage
Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the toasted Panko at room temperature to maintain its crunch. When ready to eat, reassemble the bowl and enjoy cold or at room temperature. Reheating the rice is optional and can be done briefly in the microwave.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?
Yes, fresh cooked crab can be used if you prefer. Just be sure it’s diced finely to match the texture of the imitation crab in the recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your Panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers.
PrintCrunch Roll Sushi Bowl Recipe
This Crunch Roll Sushi Bowl brings the flavors and textures of a classic sushi roll into an easy, deconstructed bowl. Featuring seasoned rice, diced imitation crab, fresh cucumber and avocado, topped with spicy mayo, sweet eel sauce, and crunchy toasted Panko breadcrumbs, this sushi bowl is a convenient, flavorful, and fun meal perfect for sushi lovers wanting a quick and customizable dish without the fuss of rolling sushi.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Sushi Bowl Base
- 3 cups white or brown rice, cooked
- 8 oz imitation crab, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 large avocado, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Spicy Mayo
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
Eel Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp mirin
Toasted Panko Crumbs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prep Everything: Ensure the rice is cooked and ready to use, preferably white or brown rice cooked to fluffiness. Dice the imitation crab and chop the cilantro finely. Cut the cucumber and avocado into bite-sized chunks for fresh texture.
- Prepare Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Sriracha until smooth. Set aside or cover and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing flavors to meld.
- Make the Eel Sauce: In a small saucepan or skillet, mix soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture boils. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool. The sauce can be used immediately or refrigerated for later.
- Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add Panko breadcrumbs and drizzle with olive oil, mixing well to coat all crumbs evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start turning golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes until most crumbs are golden. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to cool. Store in an airtight container if making ahead.
- Assemble the Sushi Bowls: Spoon cooked rice into serving bowls. Top the rice generously with diced crab, cucumber, avocado, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with desired amounts of eel sauce and spicy mayo to taste. Finally, sprinkle the toasted Panko breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious sushi bowl!
Notes
- Use white rice for traditional flavor, but brown rice works for a nuttier, healthier alternative.
- To save time, prepare the spicy mayo and eel sauce ahead of time and refrigerate.
- Make sure to toast the Panko just until golden to avoid burning and bitterness.
- Customize the bowl by adding pickled ginger, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced green onions if desired.
- This recipe is easy to scale up for meal prep or entertaining.
Keywords: crunch roll sushi bowl, sushi bowl recipe, easy sushi bowl, imitation crab sushi bowl, spicy mayo sushi bowl, eel sauce recipe, toasted panko, Japanese bowl

