How To Make an Inside Out California Roll

Peel the cucumber and scoop out the seeds with a small spoon. Cut the cucumber half into thin strips about 1/8 – to 1/4-inch wide and set them aside.

Cut the avocado in half lengthwise and twist the two halves until they separate. Cut the half without the pit into two quarters. Remove their skin and cut them lengthwise into quarter-inch slices. Set the slices aside and clean your hands and knife with the damp kitchen cloth.

Lay a half sheet of nori shiny side down. Moisten your hands with a little water and grab a handful, or about a cup, of prepared sushi rice. Ball it up and put it on top of the nori.

Spread and pat the rice across the nori, leaving a 1/2-inch margin uncovered at the bottom edge.

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the rice.

Lay the plastic-wrapped bamboo in front of you. Flip the prepared nori sheet rice-side down at the bottom end of the mat.

Lay a strip of shredded crab across the middle of the nori, add a strip or two of cucumber next to it, and lay avocado slices on top.

Use the bamboo mat to roll the bottom edge of the nori over the filling in the center, tucking it over firmly so the filling is enclosed.

Pull the mat back and lay it over the roll again. This time continue to roll forward, applying even pressure and tightening as you roll, using your mat as leverage.

Once it’s taken shape, take the roll off the mat and lay the mat over it. Press and smooth the roll, compressing it tightly and evening out the ends.

With a very sharp knife use a delicate but firm sawing motion to cut the roll in half. Cut each half into three equal pieces.

Repeat the process with your remaining half of nori, lightly layering it with rice, adding the filling, and rolling and cutting the sushi. Eat at your leisure—after all, this is California-style.