The moment you take a bite of a Dragon Roll, your taste buds embark on an adventure. Imagine the crispiness of tempura shrimp intertwined with creamy avocado and the sweet tang of eel sauce draping over everything like a delicious blanket. The vibrant colors and textures come together like a culinary symphony that plays all your favorite notes. It’s not just sushi; it’s a whimsical rollercoaster ride for your mouth!
This Dragon Roll Recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. I still remember the first time I attempted this recipe; my friends were skeptical but soon became believers as they devoured every last piece. It’s one of those dishes that creates memories and elevates any occasion, from casual dinners to fancy date nights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Dragon Roll is incredibly easy to prepare, making it accessible even for beginners
- Its delightful combination of flavors will leave everyone craving more
- Visually stunning, it becomes the star attraction at any meal
- Plus, you can customize fillings based on your preferences, making it versatile for any palate
I once made this Dragon Roll for my family, and their delighted reactions reminded me why I love cooking so much.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Sushi Rice: Use short-grain sushi rice for that perfect stickiness which holds everything together.
-
Rice Vinegar: Essential for seasoning the rice, giving it that authentic sushi flavor.
-
Tempura Shrimp: Pre-made or homemade; crispy shrimp adds delightful crunch to each bite.
-
Avocado: Choose ripe avocados for their smooth texture and rich flavor.
-
Eel Sauce: Sweet and savory sauce that enhances the roll’s taste; it’s a must-have!
-
Nori Sheets: These seaweed sheets wrap everything beautifully, adding an extra layer of flavor.
-
Cucumber: Crunchy and refreshing, cucumber provides a nice contrast against the creamy avocado.
-
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add nutty flavor and visual appeal.
-
Pickled Ginger & Wasabi (optional): For those who enjoy a spicy kick!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Sushi Rice: Start by rinsing 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until it runs clear. Cook according to package instructions. Once ready, fluff with a fork and mix in rice vinegar while still warm.
Assemble Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on a clean surface. Slice the avocado into thin strips and julienne the cucumber into long matchsticks for easy rolling.
Lay Out Your Nori Sheet: Place a sheet of nori shiny side down on a bamboo mat or clean surface. Wet your hands to prevent sticking as you spread about 1 cup of sushi rice evenly over the nori.
Add Fillings Strategically: Arrange tempura shrimp, avocado slices, and cucumber sticks horizontally across the center of your rice-covered nori sheet. Be generous but leave space at both ends for rolling.
Roll It Up!: Using the bamboo mat as support, carefully lift one edge of the mat while rolling away from you. Tuck in fillings tightly as you go until you reach the end of the nori.
Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife dipped in water to slice your roll into bite-sized pieces. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
Enjoy serving these beautiful rolls with pickled ginger and wasabi if desired!
You Must Know
- Mastering the dragon roll recipe not only impresses guests but also elevates your sushi game
- Fresh ingredients are key to achieving that perfect blend of flavors and textures
- The delightful crunch and creamy avocado will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the sushi rice while chopping your vegetables and seafood, ensuring everything is ready for assembly.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different fillings like spicy tuna or tempura shrimp to create your signature dragon roll.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge, but enjoy them fresh for the best taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When rolling sushi, use a bamboo mat for tight rolls
- Avoid overfilling to prevent messy outcomes
- Always wet your hands when handling rice to avoid stickiness
Cooking this dragon roll recipe brings back memories of sushi nights with friends, where laughter and delicious bites filled the room.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice for the dragon roll recipe?
Yes, brown rice is a healthier alternative but may alter texture and flavor slightly.
What can I substitute for eel sauce?
Try a mix of soy sauce and honey as a sweet eel sauce alternative.
How do I know when my sushi rice is ready?
Sushi rice should be sticky yet tender after cooking, usually in about 20 minutes.

Dragon Roll
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 rolls 1x
Description
Experience a burst of flavors with this Dragon Roll recipe, featuring crispy tempura shrimp, creamy avocado, and a sweet drizzle of eel sauce. This visually stunning sushi roll is perfect for impressing guests at gatherings or enjoying a cozy night in. Easy to make and customizable to your taste, each bite offers a delightful blend of textures that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 8 tempura shrimp (pre-made or homemade)
- 1 ripe avocado (sliced)
- 1/4 cup eel sauce
- 4 nori sheets
- 1 cucumber (julienned)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Pickled ginger & wasabi (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sushi rice: Rinse rice until water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff and mix in rice vinegar while warm.
- Assemble fillings: Slice avocado and julienne cucumber.
- Lay out nori: Place one nori sheet shiny-side down on a bamboo mat. Wet your hands, then spread 1 cup of sushi rice evenly on top.
- Add fillings: Place tempura shrimp, avocado slices, and cucumber sticks horizontally across the center of the rice.
- Roll it up: Using the bamboo mat for support, gently roll away from you while tucking in fillings tightly.
- Slice the roll: With a sharp knife dipped in water, cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with pickled ginger and wasabi if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (180g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Leave a Comment