Crunchy Roll Sushi is a delicious variation of the popular California Roll. This crunchy roll features shrimp tempura filling and a crispy topping of toasted panko breadcrumbs. The flavor and texture are out of this world! This recipe is easy to make at home, rivaling the one from your favorite Japanese restaurant.

I make Japanese sushi rolls at least once a week for my family. My favorites include Dragon Roll, Boston Roll, Godzilla Shrimp Tempura Roll, and this delicious crunchy roll sushi.

If you’ve never tried Crunchy Roll Sushi, it’s time to see what your taste buds have been missing. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune at a fancy sushi restaurant. It’s a lot easier than you think to recreate your own tasty crunchy California roll at home for a fraction of the cost.

What Is Crunchy Roll Sushi?

Crunchy roll sushi is a unique variation of the classic California Roll. It’s a type of maki sushi (rolled sushi) made with crispy shrimp tempura or imitation crab and tasty avocado. It’s an inside-out roll, meaning the rice is on the outside. What truly sets this roll apart is the crunchy topping of toasted Panko breadcrumbs.

Ingredients & Substitutes

• Sushi Rice: Use high-quality short-grain Japanese sushi rice for the best result. You can buy it online or in the Asian aisle of your supermarket.
• Sushi Vinegar: You can purchase ready-made sushi vinegar or make your own by combining rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
• Shrimp Tempura: Using premade shrimp tempura is a short-cut for an easier and faster recipe. You can also make your own at home, or substitute imitation crab if you prefer.
• Avocado: You’ll need a ripe avocado that is firm enough to be sliced with a sharp knife.
• Nori/Seaweed Sheet: Purchase Nori in the Asian aisle of your supermarket.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs add crunch to your sushi roll. Panko breadcrumbs are my favorite to use in this recipe, but you may use any breadcrumbs you have.
• Olive Oil: You’ll need to gently fry your breadcrumbs in oil to make them extra crispy. Substitute with canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil, or whichever you have in your kitchen.

How To Make Crunchy Roll

Step 1: Cook Sushi Rice

Add the rinsed sushi rice and water to the rice cooker, and cook according to instructions. Once cooked, transfer the rice to a large bowl and let it cool down slightly. When it’s still very warm, stir in the sushi vinegar and mix gently.

Step 2: Make The Crunchy Topping

• Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add panko bread crumbs and mix them together.
• Cook for about a few minutes or until the panko turns golden brown. Stirring constantly. Once cooked, let the toasted panko cool down.

Step 3: Make Shrimp Tempura California Rolls

• Cut the nori sheet in half using a pair of scissors, and place one piece on top of the bamboo mat, shiny side facing down.
• Take about 3/4 cup of cooked rice and spread it over the nori sheet evenly.

• Flip everything so that rice is facing down. Place shrimp tempura and avocado 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.
• Peel off the plastic wrap and set the rolls aside.

Step 4: Assemble

• Spoon the toasted breadcrumbs on top of the sushi roll.
• Then place a new piece of plastic wrap on top, and cover with the sushi mat. Squeeze gently to shape the bread crumbs around the roll.
• Remove the mat from the roll while keeping the plastic wrap. Then slice the roll into bite-size pieces. Remove the plastic wrap. Drizzle with unagi sauce or mayo and enjoy!

Tips For The Best Crunchy California Roll

• Dip your hands into Tezu water (water + vinegar) to prevent the rice from sticking to your fingers.
• To keep the rolls from falling apart, squeeze the rice and filling while rolling. Once you finish, gently squeeze the roll one more time.
• Before adding the panko breadcrumbs to your sushi, be sure that they’ve had some time to cool off.

Crunchy Sushi Roll Toppings

The star of the show is the crunchy topping on this sushi roll. You’ll be gently toasting Panko breadcrumbs until they’re perfectly crispy to add irresistible texture to your sushi. Remember to let the breadcrumbs cool before putting them on your roll, then cover with plastic wrap and sushi bamboo mat to gently shape the crunchy layer over the roll.

How To Store Crunchy Roll Sushi

The best way to store leftover crunchy roll sushi is to refrigerate it immediately. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Don’t leave it at room temperature for more than two hours, as sushi spoils quickly in warm temperatures. We recommend consuming the sushi roll within 24 hours of refrigerating it for the best taste and quality.

How Long Does Crunchy Roll Sushi Last?

If properly stored, the sushi roll can last for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. We don’t recommend storing sushi for more than a day, as it can lead to foodborne illnesses and spoilage.

Taste And Texture

As the name suggests, crunchy roll sushi has a crunchy outer layer, which is made with Panko breadcrumbs. It has a delightful contrast of textures as the inside is soft and creamy. 

Variations

• Spicy California Roll: For those who prefer some heat, make it a spicy California roll by adding some spicy mayo to your roll.
• Fried California Roll: With this variation, you’ll be gently frying your sushi roll for an extra crispy exterior. After you’ve prepared your roll (and before cutting it into pieces), you’ll need to dip it in a mixture of whisked egg, sriracha and soy sauce. Roll the wet roll in panko breadcrumbs. Fry the in a skillet with oil to get the outside nice and crispy without actually cooking the roll.
• Boston Roll: The Boston roll is a delicious variation of the California roll made with poached shrimp. Jumbo shrimp is gently poached in water seasoned with salt, parsley and lemon juice. The tender, flavorful shrimp are deliciously paired with creamy avocado and strips of crunchy cucumber.

FAQs

Is crunchy roll sushi cooked?

Yes, the crunchy roll is cooked. This roll contains shrimp tempura, which is made by coating shrimp in batter and deep frying until the outside is crispy. There are no raw fillings in this roll.

What’s the difference between California roll and crunchy roll?

Both are two popular sushi rolls that may seem similar, but they have some key differences. The California roll contains imitation crab, cucumber, and avocado, while the crunchy roll includes tempura shrimp and avocado. 

Both rolls are “inside-out” uramaki rolls, but the crunchy roll features a crispy toasted breadcrumb topping. 

How many calories are in crunchy roll sushi?

The calorie count varies depending on different factors like the size of the roll and specific ingredients used. In this recipe, each piece is about 70 calories.

Is crunchy roll sushi gluten-free?

Traditional crunchy roll sushi is not gluten-free. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and tempura batter.

More Japanese Sushi Roll Recipes

• Cooked Sushi Rolls
• Vegetarian Sushi Rolls
• Best Sushi Roll Recipes