Name: Dragon Roll Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 Japanese or Persian cucumber (4 oz, 113 g); 2 avocados (12 oz, 340 g); ½ lemon (optional, for preventing avocado discoloration); 2 sheets nori (dried laver seaweed, cut in half crosswise); 3¼ cups sushi rice (cooked and seasoned; approximately ¾ cup (110 g) per roll); 8 pieces Homemade Shrimp Tempura; 2 Tbsp tobiko (flying fish roe); Unagi (freshwater eel) fillet (optional); ¼ cup water; 2 tsp rice vinegar (unseasoned); Homemade Spicy Mayo; Unagi (eel) sauce; Toasted black sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 33 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of rolling your own sushi at home, the Dragon Roll Recipe is a fantastic place to start and impress your friends and family. This vibrant sushi roll combines crispy shrimp tempura with creamy avocado and fresh cucumber, all wrapped in perfectly seasoned sushi rice and nori. Topped with luscious avocado slices and just the right touch of tobiko, spicy mayo, and eel sauce, it’s a flavorful celebration of textures and tastes that feels both fancy and approachable. Trust me, once you master this, you’ll be eager to make it again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A sushi roll is shown on a white rectangular plate with a white marbled surface beneath it. The roll has four visible layers: the base layer is white rice wrapping the inside, the next layer is dark seaweed, inside is golden crunchy tempura shrimp and green cucumber, the next layer on top is thin light green slices of avocado, and the top layer is orange spicy mayo sauce with small orange fish eggs and black sesame seeds sprinkled on it. The sushi roll is placed in a straight line stretching to the back, with some dark soy sauce drops on the plate near the roll. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Dragon Roll Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients, each bringing its own burst of flavor, texture, or color to create a balanced and stunning roll. From the crisp freshness of cucumber to the creamy richness of avocado, every component plays a starring role.

Japanese or Persian cucumber: Offers a refreshing crunch that brightens the roll and balances the creamy elements.
Avocados: Provide that silky, buttery texture that melts in your mouth and pairs beautifully with the tempura.
Nori sheets: The seaweed wrap that holds everything together while adding a subtle oceanic taste.
Sushi rice: Properly cooked and seasoned, it’s the foundation of any great sushi roll, sticky and flavorful.
Shrimp tempura: Crispy, golden fried shrimp that give the roll its satisfying crunch and savoriness.
Tobiko (flying fish roe): Adds pops of briny flavor and a vivid orange color for visual appeal.
Unagi (freshwater eel) fillet (optional): A sweet, smoky addition to enhance the roll’s richness if you want to elevate it further.
Vinegared water (tezu): Keeps your hands wet while rolling so the rice won’t stick to you.
Homemade spicy mayo: Creamy with a spicy kick, this sauce amps up the flavor profile delightfully.
Unagi sauce: A sweet and savory drizzle that ties all the flavors together at the end.
Toasted black sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for a nutty crunch and beautiful contrast.

How to Make Dragon Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by slicing the Japanese or Persian cucumber lengthwise into thin strips after removing the seeds—this keeps the roll crisp but not too watery. Next, carefully halve the avocados, remove their pits safely, and slice them thinly. Gently separate the slices so they lay flat and resemble a ribbon that will cover your roll beautifully. Tip: Squeeze some lemon juice on the avocado slices if you’re not using them immediately to prevent browning.

Step 2: Prepare the Sushi Rice and Seaweed

Cook your sushi rice and season it perfectly with vinegar to get that classic tang and stickiness. Spread out your cooked rice evenly across half a nori sheet (shiny side down), using wet hands dipped in the vinegared water (tezu) to prevent sticking. Then flip the nori with the rice facing down so the nori touches the bamboo mat—this will make rolling easier.

Step 3: Assemble the Fillings

At the edge of the nori closest to you, place two shrimp tempura pieces with tails sticking out (for charm and crunch). Add two cucumber strips and sprinkle half a tablespoon of tobiko on top for that burst of briny flavor. These fillings deliver the perfect interplay of textures inside each bite.

Step 4: Roll It Up Tightly

Using your bamboo mat, roll the sushi away from you over the fillings, applying gentle but firm pressure. Continue rolling until the entire sheet is wrapped up. Then, lay the roll seam side down and press firmly with the mat to seal everything into a neat cylinder.

Step 5: Add the Signature Topping

Carefully lift the avocado slices and layer them on top of your roll. If you want to include unagi, alternate slices of avocado and eel to cover the roll. Place the bamboo mat over the roll again, gently pressing so the avocado conforms around the roll without breaking apart. This step is what transforms a simple sushi roll into the eye-catching Dragon Roll.

Step 6: Slice and Garnish

Remove the bamboo mat and plastic wrap, then slice your roll into eight even pieces using a sharp knife dipped in water before each cut to avoid sticking. If slices start to get messy, use the bamboo mat again to compress them gently. Finally, garnish with a touch of tobiko, a drizzle of homemade spicy mayo, unagi sauce, and toasted black sesame seeds for a burst of flavor and striking presentation.

How to Serve Dragon Roll Recipe

A sushi roll is being prepared on a wooden cutting board with a white marbled texture in the background. The base layer is white sticky rice, shaped into a neat oval. On top of the rice, there is a row of thin, bright green avocado slices, neatly layered to cover the whole length of the roll. A knife is placed to the right side, with avocado partially sliced. A piece of shrimp tail sticks out from the left end of the rice layer, showing an orange and white color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The key to serving the Dragon Roll Recipe beautifully lies in the garnishes. A sprinkle of tobiko on each piece not only adds eye-catching color but also gives little pops of salty goodness. The homemade spicy mayo drizzled on top adds a creamy heat that contrasts beautifully with the delicate seafood, while toasted black sesame seeds provide a subtle crunch and nutty aroma that rounds out the experience perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your Dragon Roll with light and refreshing sides like a simple seaweed salad or pickled ginger. Miso soup is a classic companion that cleanses the palate between bites and adds a comforting warmth to the meal. For a little extra crunch, toss up some edamame sprinkled with flaky sea salt—it’s an easy, healthy way to complement the richness of the rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn your Dragon Roll Recipe into a real showstopper. Try arranging the sliced rolls in a circle on a large white plate, with small dollops of spicy mayo and unagi sauce artfully drizzled between them. You can also serve the rolls atop a bed of crispy fried onions or thin daikon radish slices for added texture and flair. Small edible flowers or microgreens add a touch of elegance for a special occasion. Don’t forget a small dipping bowl of soy sauce with a dab of wasabi on the side!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Dragon Rolls, keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours for best texture and flavor. To maintain the tenderness of the rice without it becoming hard, cover the rolls loosely with a kitchen towel rather than sealing them tightly in plastic. This keeps the rice cool but not chilled too severely, which can alter the texture.

Freezing

Freezing sushi rolls, especially with avocado, is not recommended because the texture of both rice and avocado changes drastically upon thawing. However, if you have leftover sushi rice, you can freeze it separately in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the microwave before using it again.

Reheating

If you need to reheat leftover sushi rice, do so gently in the microwave with a damp towel over the container to retain moisture. Avoid reheating the entire sushi roll to preserve the freshness and texture of the toppings, especially the avocado and tempura, which do not reheat well.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp tempura for the Dragon Roll Recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp tempura can be a convenient substitute—just make sure to reheat it in the oven or air fryer to regain its crispy texture before assembling your sushi rolls for the best results.

What can I substitute for tobiko if I can’t find it?

If flying fish roe is unavailable, you can use masago (capelin roe) or even finely chopped red bell pepper for a similar pop of color and texture without drastically changing the flavor.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning on the rolls?

Squeezing a bit of fresh lemon juice on the avocado slices before placing them on the roll helps slow down browning. Additionally, wrapping the sushi tightly and serving relatively soon after preparation will keep the color fresh.

Is it possible to make this roll vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace shrimp tempura with tempura-fried vegetables like sweet potato or asparagus, and omit the unagi and tobiko. This way, you still get the satisfying crunch and vibrant flavors without seafood.

What’s the best way to cut the Dragon Roll cleanly?

Use a very sharp knife and dip it in warm water before each slice to prevent sticking. Wipe the knife clean with a wet towel between cuts to keep slices looking neat and professional.

Final Thoughts

I hope this detailed Dragon Roll Recipe inspires you to roll up your sleeves and bring a little sushi magic into your kitchen. The blend of textures and flavors is truly addictive, and once you get the hang of it, this dish will become a beloved staple for sushi nights at home. Enjoy the process, share the joy with friends, and most importantly, savor every delicious bite!