Sushi is a culinary art form that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide. One of the most beloved variations is the Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll, where crispy shrimp tempura meets the delicate flavors of sushi rice and fresh vegetables. This recipe takes you through a journey of creating your own restaurant-quality sushi rolls at home, combining the crunch of tempura shrimp with the creamy and spicy elements of sushi. Perfect for a special dinner or a fun cooking project, this dish will impress both sushi aficionados and beginners alike.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Tempura:
- 10-14 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Prepared tempura batter (ensure a thin consistency using water)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for deep frying
For the Sushi Rice:
- 2 1/2 cups short-grain or sushi rice (uncooked)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar mixed with 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp salt
For the Imitation Crab Mixture:
- 4-8 sticks of imitation crab
- 1/4 cup Kewpie mayo
- 1 1/2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- 6-7 sheets of nori (dried seaweed)
- Tezu mixture (1 1/2 cups water mixed with 1 tsp rice vinegar)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- Furikake seasoning
- Capelin roe
- Unagi sauce
- Spicy mayo sauce (1/3 cup Kewpie mayo mixed with 1/2 tsp sriracha)
- Fried onions
- Diced green onions
Supplies:
- Sushi mat
- Saran Wrap
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp Tempura
- Warm oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C)
- While the oil is heating, prepare the tempura batter according to the package instructions, ensuring a thin consistency by adding water.
- Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in panko breadcrumbs.
- Cook the shrimp in small batches until they are golden and crispy, roughly 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer them to paper towels to drain and let them rest.
2. Cook the Sushi Rice
- Wash the sushi rice under cold water until the water becomes clear.
- Prepare the rice as directed on the package or use a rice cooker.
- After cooking, move the rice to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the vinegar, sugar, and salt mixture, and gently fold the rice to season. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the Imitation Crab Mixture
- In a bowl, mix the imitation crab with Kewpie mayo and sriracha sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Sushi Rolls
- Lay a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on a sushi mat covered with plastic wrap.
- Wet your hands with the tezu mixture to prevent sticking, then spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- Sprinkle the rice with furikake seasoning for added flavor.
- Place a piece of shrimp tempura in the center of the rice, followed by a small amount of the imitation crab mixture, cucumber, avocado, and a slice of jalapeño.
- Using the sushi mat, roll the sushi tightly from the bottom edge, applying gentle pressure to shape the roll. Seal the roll by wetting the top border of the nori with the tezu mixture.
- Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Once all rolls are assembled, use a sharp knife to cut each roll into 6-8 pieces, wiping the knife with a damp cloth between cuts.
- Drizzle the rolls with unagi sauce and spicy mayo, then top with fried onions, diced green onions, capelin roe, and additional furikake if desired.
- Accompany the sushi rolls with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and a dollop of wasabi.
Conclusion
Making Shrimp Tempura Sushi Rolls at home is a rewarding culinary experience that brings the flavors of Japanese cuisine to your kitchen. This recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, from the crispy tempura shrimp to the creamy avocado and spicy crab mixture. Whether you’re hosting a sushi night or simply indulging in a gourmet treat, these sushi rolls are sure to be a hit. Enjoy your homemade sushi with family and friends, and savor the fresh, vibrant flavors of this delicious dish.