Homemade Dragon Roll Sushi

Name: Homemade Dragon Roll Sushi
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups sushi rice (rinsed); 2 cups water; 4 nori sheets; 8 shrimp tempura (cooked); 1 cucumber (julienned); 2 avocados (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup eel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1/4 cup spicy mayo (mayonnaise mixed with sriracha)

60 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

A delightful sushi roll featuring shrimp tempura, cucumber, and avocado topped with eel sauce and spicy mayo.

Prep

30 min

Cook

20 min

Total

60 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

The Dragon Roll is a sushi bar favourite known for its artistic presentation and combination of textures. With tempura shrimp, creamy avocado, and cucumber wrapped in nori and sushi rice, it's topped with thin slices of avocado to resemble dragon scales. Making sushi at home can seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and tools, it's a rewarding experience. This version is perfect for sushi lovers looking to expand their culinary skills and enjoy restaurant-quality rolls at home.

Instructions

Cook the rice

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Pro tip: Let the rice sit for 10 minutes after cooking to absorb the last of the steam.

Prepare the shrimp tempura

If not already cooked, prepare shrimp tempura by coating shrimp in tempura batter and frying until golden brown.

Pro tip: Use a deep fryer for even cooking.

Season the rice

Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and season with sushi vinegar. Fold gently to mix.

Pro tip: Fan the rice while mixing to help cool it quickly.

Assemble the roll

Place a nori sheet shiny side down on a bamboo mat. Spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving a 2 cm (3/4 inch) border at the top.

Pro tip: Wet your fingers to prevent sticking.

Add fillings

Lay shrimp tempura and cucumber strips along the centre of the rice.

Roll the sushi

Using the bamboo mat, roll the sushi tightly away from you, tucking the fillings as you go.

Pro tip: Apply gentle pressure to ensure a firm roll.

Add avocado topping

Layer thin avocado slices over the top of the roll. Use the mat to gently press the avocado into place.

Pro tip: Overlap the avocado slices for a 'dragon scale' appearance.

Slice and serve

Chill the roll for 5 minutes in the fridge to firm up, then slice into 8 pieces using a sharp knife.

Pro tip: Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts.

Drizzle with sauces

Drizzle eel sauce and spicy mayo over the cut rolls before serving.

Pro tip: Use a squeeze bottle for precision.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use ripe avocados for a creamy texture.
Wet your hands to prevent rice from sticking.
Chill the roll before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dragon Roll?

A Dragon Roll is a type of sushi roll featuring shrimp tempura, cucumber, and avocado, topped with slices of avocado to resemble dragon scales.

How many calories are in a Dragon Roll?

A typical Dragon Roll contains about 400 calories per serving.

Can I make Dragon Roll without a bamboo mat?

While a bamboo mat is recommended for rolling sushi, you can use a clean kitchen towel as an alternative.

What can I use instead of eel sauce?

You can substitute eel sauce with a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of sugar or honey.

How long does homemade sushi last?

Homemade sushi is best consumed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Is Dragon Roll gluten-free?

Dragon Roll can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Dragon Roll with pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce for a complete sushi experience. Pair it with a light sake or green tea to balance the flavours. Prepare the ingredients ahead of time, and you can assemble the rolls just before serving. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it's best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition per serving

400

Calories

12g

Protein

16g

Fat

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