Directions

• Sushi Rice:
• Place rice in a mesh strainer and run it under cold water. Pick out any debris you may find in the rice. Place your rice in a 2-quart pot and fill the pot with cold water until it’s about 1-inch above the rice. Let it soak for 30 minutes.
• Place the soaked rice back in the strainer and rinse it again with cold water until the water runs clear. Place the rinsed rice back in the saucepan and add 2 1/4 cup cold water. Cover the pot and place it over high heat and bring it to a boil.
• Once at a boil, you’ll see steam and bubbles coming out from the lid. Turn the heat down to the lowest setting possible. Let the rice simmer for 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid to check on the rice until the timer has gone off. If there is still water in the pot after the timer has gone off, put the lid back on and let it cook for a few more minutes until all of the water is absorbed.
• While the rice is cooking, place the rice vinegar, salt and sugar into a separate pot. Bring to a boil, stirring regularly and let it cook until the salt and sugar dissolve. Add the kombu seaweed to the mixture and then turn off the heat. Set the pot aside to cool.
• Once the rice has absorbed all of the water, turn off the heat and set it aside and let it set for 15 minutes. Dump the rice into a large non metal bowl and use a wooden spoon to separate it to allow it to cool quicker.
• Don’t scrape the bottom of the pot. Any crusty bits of rice will add a funny flavor and texture to your rice. Remove the kombu seaweed from the vinegar mixture and slowly pour the mixture over the rice and gently mix.
• California Roll:
• Peel and remove the pit from the avocado, slice lengthwise into 4 equal slices and sprinkle with lemon juice. Combine the chili pepper and paprika powder to the mayonnaise, adjusting the spiciness and color, and add the shredded imitation crab sticks.
• Spread the sushi rice evenly on the cut in half sheet of nori, flip over, and form 2 rows of avocado and imitation crab. Roll with a sushi rolling mat covered in plastic wrap.
• When finished rolling, top with roasted sesame seeds, use the sushi mat to press down and neaten the roll.
• Cut into 6-8 equal pieces using a damp knife, and it is done. Be sure to wet the knife after each cut, and don’t cut by dropping the knife straight down into the roll, but by sawing the roll.
• Tempura Crawfish Tails:
• To begin, preheat the oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F for frying the crawfish.
• For the batter: In mixing bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, corn starch and salt together, blending well. Next, add the egg and mix to incorporate. Then stir in the soda water and mix for a final time. Keep the batter cold until ready to use and stir again before each use.
• For the crawfish: Evenly split the crawfish into two portions. Coat the first half with the batter, and place in the preheated oil. Cook until fluffy and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the fryer and repeat the process with the remaining crawfish.
• Firecracker Roll:
• Slice the California roll and top with tempura crawfish tails, spicy mayonnaise, and eel sauce