Crunchy Roll Sushi

This Crunchy Roll Sushi is so easy to make at home, you’ll be tossing out your takeout menus!

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Have you ever tried making sushi at home? If so, you know it takes a little practice! I’ve been there—my first attempts weren’t exactly restaurant-worthy. Luckily for you, I’ve done all of the trial and error, so you can follow along and enjoy the tasty success of making your own sushi rolls, starting with a classic crunchy roll sushi.

This whole thing started earlier this year when my boyfriend and I moved into our first house together. I know, I know. Cue the “awws”. But it turns out, when you’re spending all day moving boxes, putting together furniture, and living between two places, you don’t find much time to grocery shop. Sooo, we were eating out a lot, and my favorite takeout has always been sushi. Sushi, my friends, is not a cheap meal. After our third night eating spicy tuna rolls on the floor because our table hadn’t been delivered yet, we decided we should probably learn to make our own sushi at home from now on.

Making sushi really is not that difficult, once you get the basics down! With a strong and tight rolling technique, a good Sushi Rice recipe, and a little patience, you’ll be ready to rock and roll. In fact, to make great crunchy roll sushi, all you need is some nori (toasted seaweed sheets), sushi rice, shrimp tempura, a perfectly ripe avocado, and panko breadcrumbs, plus a sushi rolling mat. The result? A crispy, crunchy, and light sushi roll to curb your cravings.

Is This Crunchy Roll Sushi Healthy?

Sushi is generally a healthy, low-calorie meal, but the crunchy roll leans more toward indulgence thanks to the deep-fried shrimp tempura. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap in grilled shrimp or a lean fish instead. You can also be mindful about your sushi roll by using low-sodium soy sauce for dipping and skipping fatty sauces like spicy mayo. That said, there are some nutritious ingredients in the mix—seaweed is packed with minerals like iodine, calcium, and iron. Meanwhile, avocado adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and other nutrients like potassium and folate.

Perfecting Your Sushi Rice

If you’ve ever made sushi at home, you know that sushi rice is the foundation of a great roll. It’s not just regular rice—it’s a perfectly seasoned, slightly sticky, and balanced blend of Japanese short-grain rice, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. The trick is to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking, then gently mix in the seasoning while the rice is still warm. Let it cool before using it to roll sushi, and you’ll get that signature texture that holds everything together beautifully.

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Once prepared, your crunchy roll sushi will stay good in the fridge for about a day. Just be sure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to help preserve it.

Can I Prep This Ahead?

Crunchy roll sushi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the rice ahead of time. Cook and cool your sushi rice, then refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. It’s best to use it within a day or two.

What Is Tempura?

Tempura is a cooking technique where an ingredient–usually a protein or vegetable–is lightly battered and deep fried. Want to try it yourself? Follow this easy Shrimp Tempura recipe!

Serving Suggestions

Crunchy roll sushi is great on its own, but it pairs well with other sushi rolls, too. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making Avocado Sushi, an Alaska Roll, or a classic California Roll. There are also other fun ways to enjoy sushi flavors, like Sushi Burritos and Sushi Bowls! For sides, consider Potstickers and Sunomono (Japanese cucumber salad) to serve with your crunchy roll sushi.