Shrimp Tempura Roll
Shrimp Tempura Roll is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure. This dish combines crispy tempura shrimp with creamy cheese, all wrapped in perfectly seasoned sushi rice and nori. This recipe is not just a feast for the eyes; it delivers a symphony of crunch, creaminess, and fresh ingredients that can brighten any dining occasion. This step-by-step guide will help you master this delightful dish, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings, special occasions, or a comforting dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the standout features of the Shrimp Tempura Roll is its ease of preparation. Even if you’re new to sushi-making, this recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps, making it family-friendly and approachable. The minimal yet vibrant ingredients spotlight the shrimp and save you time without compromising flavor. It’s perfect for those fast-paced weeknights or for impressing guests at your next event. With a quick cooking time and a delicious end result, you’ll find yourself whipping up this delightful roll repeatedly.
Ingredients for Shrimp Tempura Roll
To create the perfect Shrimp Tempura Roll, gather the following ingredients:
- Sushi Rice: 2 cups of sushi rice that provides the ideal stickiness.
- Shrimp: 4 large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for crispiness.
- Tempura Batter Mix: 1/2 cup to give that classic crunch.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup for extra texture.
- Nori: 4 sheets to wrap your sushi.
- Cream Cheese: 1/2 cup, softened, lends a rich, creamy layer.
- Fresh Dill and Parsley: 1 teaspoon chopped dill and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for herby freshness.
- Eel Sauce: 1/4 cup adds a sweet and savory touch.
- Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon for creaminess.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying to perfection.
- Optional: Sliced avocado, julienned cucumber, and a drizzle of spicy mayo to elevate your roll.
Step-by-Step Directions for Shrimp Tempura Roll
Prepare the Sushi Rice
Begin by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for removing excess starch, ensuring perfect texture. Cook the rice according to package instructions, then toss it delicately with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt while it’s still warm. This seasoning infuses the rice with flavor that complements the fillings beautifully.
Make the Tempura Shrimp
For the tempura shrimp, prepare the batter using cold water which will help create that signature crunch. Dip each shrimp into the batter and then coat it with panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully covered. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C) and fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Assemble the Roll
Now comes the fun part! On a bamboo mat, lay down a sheet of nori shiny side down. Spread a thin, even layer of the seasoned sushi rice over the nori, leaving about a 1-inch strip at the top. In the center of the rice, spread a layer of the cream cheese mixed with chopped dill, then place your crispy tempura shrimp, and any optional vegetables like avocado or cucumber.
Roll and Seal
Carefully lift the bamboo mat and begin rolling the sushi away from you, applying gentle pressure to shape it. As you roll, seal the edge of the nori with a bit of water to ensure it sticks together properly.
Fry the Roll
For an added crunch, consider coating the assembled roll with a light layer of tempura batter and then panko before frying briefly. Crisping it up adds a delightful texture. Once fried, let the roll drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Slice and Serve
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 6-8 pieces. Arrange your gorgeous sushi on a plate and drizzle with eel sauce and a bit of mayonnaise. Garnish with parsley for a touch of freshness and color.
Tips & Tricks
To make your Shrimp Tempura Roll even more delicious, consider these chef secrets:
- Uniform Rolls: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolls to avoid squishing them when slicing. Wetting the knife with water can help achieve cleaner cuts.
- Flavored Rice: Infuse your sushi rice with additional flavors by adding a dash of sesame oil or toasting some sesame seeds.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp and vegetables for the best flavor.
- Customize: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like spicy tuna, tempura vegetables, or other seafood.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Present your Shrimp Tempura Roll beautifully on a sushi platter. Try pairing it with a variety of dipping sauces such as soy sauce, wasabi, or a mixture of soy and spicy mayo to elevate the flavor further. Serve it alongside a light salad or miso soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information
This Shrimp Tempura Roll is a flavorful indulgence that can fit well within a balanced diet. While nutrition can vary based on serving sizes and ingredient variations, a typical serving may contain:
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
- Fats: 10-15 grams
Enjoy this dish in moderation, especially if you add any additional fried toppings.
Storing Tips & Variations for Shrimp Tempura Roll
If you need to store any leftovers, the best practice is to keep the rolls wrapped in cling film in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to a day. However, it’s worth noting that sushi is meant to be eaten fresh. To mix things up, try incorporating different ingredients or leftovers like grilled chicken or vegetables, or experiment with different sauces for a flavor twist.
Conclusion for Shrimp Tempura Roll
Don’t wait another day to try making this Shrimp Tempura Roll! With its crispy shrimp, creamy cheese, and the perfect balance of flavors, it’s an experience that your palate deserves. Gather your ingredients and step into your kitchen, where you can create a dish that is as delightful to eat as it is to make.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are thawed properly before frying them.
2. What can I substitute for shrimp?
You can use vegetables like sweet potato or zucchini for a vegetarian version, or other seafood like crab or tempura chicken.
3. Is the tempura batter gluten-free?
Check the packaging of the tempura batter mix; there are gluten-free options available.
4. How do I prevent my sushi rice from being too sticky?
Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking and follow the correct water-to-rice ratio as recommended on the package.
5. Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?
While sushi is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving for optimal taste.
Let this Shrimp Tempura Roll become a staple in your cooking repertoire, offering both ease and flavor that you’ll return to again and again!
PrintShrimp Tempura Roll
A delightful fusion of crispy tempura shrimp and creamy cheese, wrapped in seasoned sushi rice and nori, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free tempura mix)
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 4 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup tempura batter mix
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 sheets nori
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup eel sauce
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: Sliced avocado, julienned cucumber, spicy mayo
Instructions
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions and toss with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Prepare the tempura batter and coat each shrimp. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- On a bamboo mat, place nori shiny side down and spread sushi rice evenly, leaving a 1-inch strip at the top. Layer cream cheese, crispy shrimp, and any optional vegetables in the center.
- Roll the sushi away from you while applying gentle pressure, sealing the edge of the nori with water.
- For added crunch, coat the roll with tempura batter and panko before frying briefly. Drain on paper towels.
- Slice the roll into 6-8 pieces, drizzle with eel sauce and mayonnaise, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Use fresh, high-quality shrimp and vegetables for the best flavor. Customize your fillings if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
