Dynamite Roll Recipe

The Dynamite Roll is a sushi-lovers’ dream: crispy tempura shrimp tucked inside a fluffy bed of sushi rice, creamy avocado, cool cucumber, and a luscious crab salad—all rolled up and topped with a drizzle of spicy mayo and sweet unagi sauce. Every bite is the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and a welcome pop of heat. If you’ve never made sushi at home, this is the roll to try—it’s show-stopping, customizable, and easier than you might think!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a homemade Dynamite Roll lies in its handful of bold, quality ingredients—each one brings its own flair to the final bite, from the sticky rice to the decadent sauces. Don’t skip a thing; every piece has a part to play in color, flavor, and texture!

• Sushi rice: The fluffy, slightly sticky base that holds everything together; properly seasoned rice is the secret to authentic sushi texture.
• Imitation crab sticks: Chopped and mixed with creamy Japanese mayonnaise for that irresistible crab salad filling—super classic and so satisfying.
• Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie): Rich, eggy, and a little tangy, this mayo transforms crab into dreamy, sushi-shop-style salad.
• Avocado: Adds luscious creaminess and a gorgeous green color with every bite.
• English cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, it keeps your Dynamite Roll light and vibrant.
• Toasted nori seaweed sheets: The classic sushi wrapper; cutting them in half helps balance rice and filling beautifully.
• Tempura fried shrimp: The crispy centerpiece—slightly sweet, totally addictive, and absolutely essential.
• Toasted white and black sesame seeds: Lend a nutty, subtle crunch, and a pretty speckled finish to every roll.
• Unagi sauce: Sweet, savory, and sticky—this bottled sauce adds sushi-bar flair and depth.
• Spicy mayo: A little heat and creamy richness drizzled on top ties everything together.

Variations

The Dynamite Roll is a delicious canvas for trying new things, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you’re avoiding shellfish, craving extra heat, or simply want to clean out your fridge, it’s easy to adapt.

• Vegetarian Dynamite Roll: Swap out the tempura shrimp for crispy tofu strips and add more veggies like julienned carrots or sweet bell peppers.
• Spicy Tuna Dynamite Roll: Replace imitation crab with spicy tuna for even more punch—just mix finely chopped sushi-grade tuna with spicy mayo.
• Less Heat, More Sweet: Skip or lighten the spicy mayo, and double up on unagi sauce for a milder, kid-friendly roll.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tempura mix for shrimp and verify that your sauces are gluten-free.

How to Make Dynamite Roll

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Start by making the sushi rice using your favorite recipe (a rice cooker really makes this foolproof!) and let it cool until it’s comfortable to touch. Properly cooked and seasoned rice is the foundation of any great Dynamite Roll, so don’t rush this step—let the flavors settle in for best results.

Step 2: Mix the Crab Salad

Finely chop the imitation crab sticks and stir together with Japanese mayonnaise in a bowl. This simple filling is ultra-creamy, satisfyingly salty-sweet, and easy to prep ahead—just keep it chilled until you’re ready to roll.

Step 3: Set Up Your Rolling Station

Wrap your bamboo sushi mat in plastic wrap to make cleanup a breeze and help prevent sticking. Get a bowl of water nearby for dipping your hands (sticky rice is the culprit!). Have your sliced avocado, cucumber, tempura shrimp, crab salad, and garnishes all within arm’s reach—it’ll make assembly smooth and fun.

Step 4: Assemble and Roll

Lay half a sheet of toasted nori shiny side down on your sushi mat and, using damp hands, gently spread a thin, even layer of sushi rice across its surface. Take care not to smash the grains—light fingers win here! Sprinkle a mix of white and black sesame seeds on top, then flip the sheet over so the rice faces down.

Step 5: Add Fillings and Roll It Tight

Down the center of the nori, layer a spoonful of crab salad, a couple strips of cucumber, avocado slices, and two tempura shrimp (with the tails off). Grab the edge of your mat and, using gentle but firm pressure, roll everything up—tightening as you go to ensure a neat, compact Dynamite Roll. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect: practice makes progress!

Step 6: Slice and Finish

Transfer your roll to a cutting board. With a very sharp, wet knife, slice it into eight even pieces—re-wet your blade before each cut for clean slices. Finish each roll with a drizzle of spicy mayo and unagi sauce for that sushi-bar look and irresistible flavor. Serve immediately with wasabi and soy sauce on the side.

How to Serve Dynamite Roll

Garnishes

Give your Dynamite Roll a professional flourish with classic garnishes: a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or even pickled ginger for a zesty palate cleanser. A side of wasabi and a delicate drizzle of spicy mayo or unagi sauce create that unmistakable sushi-bar magic.

Side Dishes

A light miso soup, crisp seaweed salad, or some quick-pickled radishes round out your sushi night perfectly and let the flavors of your Dynamite Roll shine. Edamame dusted with flaky salt is another great, snacky partner!

Creative Ways to Present

Line up Dynamite Roll pieces on a long platter in a graceful wave, or use a bamboo leaf as a bed for that “sushi chef at home” look. Add small edible flowers or julienned veggies for color; or stack the slices in a circle for shareable, photo-worthy appeal at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Dynamite Roll (lucky you!), store the pieces in an airtight container in the fridge. Place a damp paper towel over the sushi before sealing to help keep the rice from drying out and the nori from getting chewy.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for assembled sushi rolls, as the rice turns dry and the nori rubbery during thawing. Instead, freeze extra tempura shrimp and make fresh rolls whenever a craving strikes—it tastes far better!

Reheating

Sushi is always best enjoyed fresh, but if you must, you can gently microwave just the rice for a few seconds when assembling leftovers (never the entire roll, as the fillings and nori won’t fare well). Enjoy leftover Dynamite Roll cold or at cool room temperature for best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to bring the magic of a sushi restaurant into your own kitchen, this Dynamite Roll is your golden ticket. Invite a friend, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to fall in love with every crispy, creamy, zingy bite. Trust me—once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to make Dynamite Rolls a regular at-home treat!

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