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Homemade Dragon Rolls

Bright, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and tender cooked shrimp or crab wrapped in seasoned sushi rice and nori, these Homemade Dragon Rolls offer contrasting textures and bold flavors that are perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Japanese
Servings 4 pieces
Calories 553 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Base

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for seasoning the warm rice

For the Rolls

  • 4 sheets nori
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp or crab meat, shredded or chopped
  • 1 whole cucumber, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced

For the Finish

  • 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear, then cook according to the package instructions. While the rice is still warm, season with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to taste and gently fold to combine.
  • Slice the cucumber into thin, even strips and slice the avocado. Flake or chop the cooked shrimp or crab so it’s easy to distribute along the roll. Set everything within easy reach.
  • Place a bamboo mat covered with plastic wrap on your workspace. Lay a nori sheet shiny side down on the mat. Wet your hands (this prevents sticking) and have a small bowl of water handy.

Assembly

  • Spread about 1 cup of sushi rice over two-thirds of the nori sheet, pressing gently to form an even layer. Add a line of shrimp or crab, cucumber strips, and avocado down the center of the rice. Drizzle with sriracha.
  • Use the bamboo mat to roll the nori over the filling, tucking the edge tightly and rolling away from you. Apply gentle, even pressure to shape a firm cylinder. Let it rest a minute to set.
  • Dip a sharp knife in water and slice the roll into eight pieces, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Use just-warm rice for best flavor. Practice rolls for a perfect shape. You can prepare fillings and rice ahead, but roll just before serving.
Keyword Crab Sushi, Easy Sushi Recipe, Homemade Dragon Rolls, Shrimp Sushi, Sushi