1-First Step: Prepare the sushi rice. Cook 1 cup uncooked sushi rice per package instructions, yielding 2 cups. In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt until dissolved. Gently fold into warm rice using a wooden spoon. Spread on a tray to cool. This takes 20 minutes total and ensures perfect stickiness.

2-Second Step: Prep the fillings. Boil or saute shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and firm; cool and slice lengthwise if large. Slice avocado into 1/4-inch strips, toss in lemon juice to prevent browning. Julienne cucumber into matchsticks, about 6 inches long. Mix 1/4 cup mayo with 1 tablespoon sriracha for spicy sauce. Keep everything ready on a plate; this mise en place speeds things up.

3-Third Step: Set up the rolling station. Place a nori sheet shiny-side down on the bamboo mat covered with plastic wrap. Dip hands in water, grab a handful of rice (about 1/2 cup), and spread evenly over nori, leaving 1-inch border at the top. Rice layer should be 1/4-inch thick. Press gently for even coverage.

4-Fourth Step: Add fillings. Along the bottom edge, layer 3 shrimp pieces end-to-end, followed by 4-5 avocado slices and a few cucumber strips. Keep fillings centered and not overflowing for tight rolls. Drizzle 1 teaspoon spicy mayo over the top for extra flavor.

5-Fifth Step: Roll the sushi. Lift the mat edge with fillings using thumbs, roll forward firmly with fingers to tuck nori over ingredients. Pull back mat, continue rolling while shaping into a tight cylinder. Use mat to square sides. Moisten top nori border with water to seal. Repeat for all sheets. Takes 5 minutes per roll.

6-Sixth Step: Slice the rolls. Wrap each roll in plastic, chill 10 minutes for firmness. Wet knife blade, slice into 8 pieces per roll. Wipe blade between cuts for clean edges. Arrange on platter.

7-Final Step: Finishing touches and serving. Drizzle remaining spicy mayo in zigzag pattern. Sprinkle sesame seeds. Serve at room temperature with soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger. Pairs great with miso soup. Total time: 40-45 minutes. Enjoy your simple boston roll sushi recipe fresh!