If you love spicy crab sushi rolls but don’t want to roll sushi at home, these Spicy Crab Sushi Bowls are the perfect solution.
They have all the delicious flavors you love—fluffy seasoned rice, creamy spicy crab, crisp veggies, and avocado—layered in a colorful bowl that’s easy to assemble and fun to eat.
This recipe quickly became a favorite in our house because it tastes just like takeout sushi but comes together in less than 30 minutes.
The creamy spicy crab mix is so easy to make, and everyone can customize their bowl with extra toppings or sauces. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Spicy Crab Sushi Bowls give you all the flavors of a spicy crab roll without any special tools or sushi-rolling skills.
The creamy crab mix comes together in minutes, and the bowl can be customized with your favorite toppings.
It’s a balanced, satisfying meal with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fresh veggies. You can also adjust the spice level, add extra sauces, or swap in cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (or jasmine rice)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup imitation crab (or real crab), shredded
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- ½ cup shelled edamame
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Pro Tips
- Shred the crab finely so it mixes evenly with the spicy mayo.
- Use Japanese mayo for a richer flavor, but regular mayo works too.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less sriracha to taste.
- Season the rice while warm so it absorbs the vinegar mixture well.
- Add nori strips or pickled ginger for extra sushi-inspired flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan or rice cooker
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions and Variations
- Use real crab: If available, swap imitation crab for lump crab meat.
- Make it spicy-sweet: Add a little honey or sweet chili sauce to the crab mix.
- Low-carb version: Use cauliflower rice instead of sushi rice.
- Extra toppings: Mango, radish, or seaweed salad add flavor and color.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook rice up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge.
- Prep veggies in advance and store separately.
- Mix the spicy crab just before serving for the freshest flavor.
How to Make Spicy Crab Sushi Bowls
1. Cook and Season the Rice
Cook rice according to package instructions. While warm, stir in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let cool slightly.
2. Make the Spicy Crab Mix
In a bowl, combine shredded crab, mayonnaise, sriracha, and soy sauce. Stir until creamy and well mixed.
3. Prep the Veggies
Slice avocado and cucumber, shred carrots, and cook or thaw edamame.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Add rice to bowls. Top with spicy crab, avocado, cucumber, carrots, and edamame.
5. Garnish and Serve
Drizzle with extra spicy mayo or soy sauce, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Leftovers and Storage
Cooked rice and chopped veggies can be stored separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. For the best flavor, mix the spicy crab fresh or store it for up to 1 day in the fridge.
Freezing is not recommended because the rice and crab mixture lose texture when thawed.
Nutrition & Benefits
These bowls are packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Crab (or imitation crab) adds lean protein, avocado provides heart-healthy fats, and rice gives lasting energy.
Fresh veggies add crunch, fiber, and essential vitamins, while sesame seeds provide minerals and a nutty flavor.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?
Yes! Real lump crab meat works beautifully and adds even more flavor. Just make sure it’s well-drained and flaked before mixing with the mayo and seasonings.
2. What type of rice is best for these bowls?
Sushi rice gives the most authentic texture, but jasmine or short-grain white rice also work well. Seasoning it with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt mimics traditional sushi rice.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, store each component separately. The spicy crab is best mixed fresh, but rice and veggies can be prepped up to 3 days ahead.
4. Is imitation crab gluten-free?
Not always. Many brands contain wheat. If you’re gluten-free, check the label or use real crab meat and tamari instead of soy sauce.
5. How can I make this spicier or milder?
Add more sriracha for heat or reduce it for a milder bowl. You can also offer extra spicy mayo on the side so each person can customize their spice level.
Fresh, Creamy, and Bursting with Flavor
These Spicy Crab Sushi Bowls are a fun, easy way to enjoy sushi flavors at home without any special tools.
They’re quick to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal-prep lunch.