Dragon Roll Sushi (Shrimp Tempura Roll with Avocado Topping) (2024)

The Dragon Roll is one of the all-time best sushi dishes at Japanese restaurants. Filled with shrimp tempura and cucumber, dragon roll sushi has a delicious avocado topping, resembling the scales of a dragon. We’ll share all the tips and tricks so that you can easily make them at home!

I love to recreate Japanese favorites at home, including Volcano Roll, California Roll,Rainbow Roll, and this tasty dragon roll.

What makes dragon roll sushi so irresistible? It’s the winning combination of crunchy shrimp tempura, cucumber, and creamy avocado. Dragon rolls may also be made with tasty unagi/eel for a unique flavor combination. It’s easier than you think to make the perfect Dragon Roll in your own kitchen.

What is a DragonRoll?

The Dragon Roll is a type of “inside-out” sushi, with shrimp tempura and cucumber rolled inside the nori. The rice is on the outside, topped with avocado. The avocado is cut into half-moon slices and laid on top of the roll, resembling the scales of a dragon. Dragon Rolls are shrimp tempura rolls with avocado topping. However, the shrimp is sometimes substituted with unagi/eel.

Dragon Roll Ingredients

• Sushi Rice: Sushi rice is a special kind of short-grain rice, found in the Japanese section of grocery stores. It’s stickier than other varieties, allowing it to hold its shape when compacted and rolled. If you can’t find sushi rice, try looking for a medium-grain variety called Nishiki rice.
• Sushi Vinegar: For the authentic flavor, season your rice with sushi vinegar. Look for sushi vinegar in the Japanese aisle of your supermarket. Otherwise, make it yourself by combining rice vinegar with a bit of sugar and salt.
• Shrimp Tempura: For a quick and easy recipe, I used pre-made frozen shrimp tempura. You can also make them at home: simply make the tempura batter by mixing an egg with a splash of cold water and flour. Toss jumbo deveined shrimp in cornstarch before dipping them in the tempura batter. Fry them in oil until they’re crispy and golden brown.
• Cucumber: Cucumbers add crunch and texture to your roll. Cut your cucumber into thin strips. If you prefer, you may use strips of zucchini or bell pepper.
• Avocado: You’ll want a perfectly ripe avocado that’s creamy, yet firm enough to keep its shape during slicing. Find one that yields when it is gently pressed.
• Nori/Seaweed Sheet: You can easily find these thin sheets of nori seaweed in the Japanese aisle of most supermarkets.
• Lemon (optional): If you wish, squeeze lemon juice on your roll to prevent the avocado from browning. This won’t be necessary if you’ll be eating your roll right away!

How to MakeDragon Roll

Step 1: Cook Sushi Rice & Prepare Other Ingredients

• Add the rinsed sushi rice and water to the rice cooker. Once cooked, transfer to a large bowl and let it cool down slightly. When it’s still very warm, stir in the sushi vinegar, and mix well.
• Prepare other ingredients by cutting cucumbers and get nori sheet ready. If you use frozen shrimp tempura, you’ll need to bake them according to instructions.

Step 2: Make DragonRolls

• Cut the nori sheets into halves, and place one piece on top of the bamboo mat wrapped with plastic wrap, the shiny side facing down.
• Take 3/4 cup of the seasoned sushi rice and spread it over the nori sheet evenly.

• Flip everything, and let the rice face down.
• Add shrimp tempura and cucumber on top of the nori.

• Place the thumbs underneath the bamboo mat and lift the edge up and over the filling.
• Roll the bamboo mat away from you and apply some pressure to tighten it up. Keep rolling until the ends meet. Remove the bamboo mat and plastic wrap. Set it aside.

Step 3: Make theAvocado Topping

• Slice the avocado in half. Then remove the pit and skin. Cut each piece into thin half-moon slices.
• Spread the layer on the counter.

Step 4: Assemble the Dragon Roll Sushi

• Usea large knife to lift avocado slices up and carefully place them on top of yoursushi roll.
• Arrangethe avocado layer to cover your roll properly. Then place plastic wrap on top,and cover with the sushi mat. Squeeze gently to shape the avocado around theroll.
• Remove the mat from the roll while keeping the plasticwrap. Then slice the roll into bite-size pieces. Remove the plastic wrap andenjoy!

Tips & Tricks forthe Perfect Green Dragon Roll

• Allow your rice to cool before rolling, though it should still be slightly warm.
• Use Tezu water to dip your hands before handling rice to prevent sticking.
• To avoid your rolls from falling apart, you’ll need to squeeze the rice and filling while rolling. Once you finish, gently squeeze the roll one more time.
• Cut your avocado into very thin pieces so that it’s easier to shape the topping.
• If you won’t be serving your roll immediately, lemon juice can help to prevent the avocado from going brown and ruining the appearance of your roll.

Are Dragon RollsGood for You?

Because dragon rolls are made with fried shrimp, they maynot be the healthiest sushi option. Shrimp tempura rolls tend to be higher incalories than other rolls. For healthier dragon rolls, you can replace shrimptempura with boiled shrimp.

How to MakeAvocado Toppings

The artful avocado topping is what makes the dragon roll soimpressive. With a bit of practice, you can master the technique. Carefullyslice your avocado in half and remove the skin and pit. Cut each half into1/8-inch pieces, each shaped like a crescent moon. Spread out the pieces on aflat surface and gently use a large knife to lay them on top of your roll in asingle layer. Place plastic wrap on top and use your hands to gently mold theavocado into the shape of the roll.

Variations

• Golden Dragon Roll: Golden dragon rolls are topped with slices of mango instead of avocado. The sweet tropical fruit is delicious with the savory shrimp tempura.
• Red Dragon Roll: Add some red tobiko or masago to the top of your roll for a red dragon roll. Japanese for flying fish roe, this brightly colored ingredient is sprinkled on top of sushi rolls for color and texture.
• Black Dragon Roll: Thin slices of eel can be put on top of your roll for a tasty black dragon roll.
• Veggie Dragon Roll: Vegans and vegetarians can enjoy a veggie dragon roll. Simply replace the shrimp tempura with strips of smoked tofu or roasted eggplant.

If You Like This Recipe Try Out These Japanese Sushi Recipes

If you tried this recipe, let me know how your Dragon Rolls turn out in the comments below!