Scattered California Roll

Called chirashi sushi in Japanese, the name simply means “scattered sushi,” because rather than roll everything in a sheet of seaweed, it’s put together in a bowl. How easy is that?

• ¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar, divided
• 1½ teaspoons sugar
  Kosher salt
• 1½ cups Japanese or sushi rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 Dungeness crab clusters (see Pro Tips), thawed 
• 2 tablespoons gluten free soy sauce or tamari
• 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickled ginger
• 1 to 2 teaspoons wasabi paste, depending on heat preference
• 4 radishes, cut into fine matchsticks
• 2 scallions, cut into 1-inch matchsticks
• 2 persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• One 8-by-7½-inch sheet of nori (Japanese seaweed), finely shredded

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the vinegar with the sugar and ½ teaspoon salt, stirring until dissolved. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the rice with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Let sit off the heat, covered, for 10 minutes.

Spread the rice in a large shallow bowl or baking sheet and toss with the reserved sweetened vinegar. Refrigerate briefly until cool.

Meanwhile, fill a large skillet with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the crab, cover and steam for 2 to 3 minutes, until just heated through. Remove the meat and break into 1-inch pieces. (Save shells for another use.)

In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar with the soy sauce, oil, ginger, and wasabi paste. Season with salt.

Add the radishes, scallions, and cucumbers to the rice, pour the dressing over, and toss gently to combine. Fold in the crab and spoon into bowls. Garnish with the avocado (if using), sesame seeds, and shredded nori just before serving.

Match the flavors of toasted sesame seeds, seasoned sushi rice, and sweet crab with a crisp, aromatic Austrian riesling.

Wrap any leftover crab, rice, and avocado in green leaf or butter lettuce leaves for a light lunch.

Two Dungeness crab clusters (each half of a crab) is comprised of 2 half-bodies, 8 legs, and 2 claws. A single Bairdi cluster (half of a crab) yields similar quantities of crab meat. One pound of cooked spot shrimp or 2 lobster tails are perfect substitutions. 

Brown rice is a more fiber-rich option than white rice, though not traditional. Give yourself 30 extra minutes for it to cook.