Elegant Dragon Roll with Tempura Shrimp, Mango & Avocado

The Dragon Roll is a magnificent expression of culinary art, blending crispy tempura shrimp, luscious avocado, and sweet mango slices into a sushi roll that’s both visually stunning and flavor-packed. The uramaki-style roll, with its rice on the outside, is transformed into a dragon-like masterpiece thanks to its vibrant topping of thinly sliced avocado and mango “scales.”

Making it at home may seem intimidating, but with a bamboo mat and a bit of patience, you can achieve sushi-bar-quality results. The crunch of shrimp tempura paired with the creamy and juicy toppings creates a perfect harmony of texture and taste. A drizzle of sriracha mayo adds a spicy finish, making this dish an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re cooking for date night or impressing friends, the Dragon Roll is sure to enchant every bite.

Full Recipe:

For the Sushi Rice:

• 2/3 cup sushi rice

• 2/3 cup water, plus more for rinsing

• 1 (2-inch) piece kombu (optional)

• 1 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar

• 2 tsp sugar

• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

For the Shrimp Tempura:

• 1 qt vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)

• 1/3 cup water (plus more as needed)

• 1 large egg

• 4 jumbo shrimp, peeled and tails removed

For Assembly:

• 2 sheets nori

• 1 avocado (half sliced 1/4″ thick, half very thinly sliced)

• 1 Persian cucumber, seeds removed and julienned

• 1/2 mango, very thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tsp sriracha

• Black sesame seeds, soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for serving

Directions:

1. Make the Sushi Rice:
   Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Soak for 30 minutes, then drain. In a rice cooker or saucepan, combine rice, water, and kombu (if using). Cook until tender, then let steam for 10 minutes. Discard kombu.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently fold into the warm rice. Spread rice on a tray and let cool for 30 minutes.

3. Prepare the Tempura:
   Heat oil in a saucepan to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk flour, water, and egg into a thick batter. Coat shrimp in batter and fry 2–3 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.

4. Assemble the Rolls:
   Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat. With wet fingers, press 1 cup of rice onto the nori. Cover with plastic wrap and flip so the rice faces down.

5. Arrange 2 tempura shrimp along the near edge, followed by thick avocado slices and julienned cucumber. Roll tightly using the bamboo mat, then remove the mat and plastic. Repeat for the second roll.

6. Top with alternating slices of avocado and mango. Press gently with plastic wrap to adhere. Slice into 8 pieces per roll.

7. Mix mayo and sriracha and pipe over rolls. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 2 rolls (16 pieces)

Introduction to Dragon Roll Sushi

Dragon Roll sushi is a popular and visually stunning dish that has earned its place in the hearts of sushi lovers worldwide. This sushi roll is an artistic expression of flavor and presentation, often served at many sushi bars as one of their signature dishes. The Dragon Roll typically consists of shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, and a beautiful arrangement of thinly sliced mango and avocado on top, making it resemble the scales of a dragon. The dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.

What sets Dragon Rolls apart from traditional sushi rolls is their creative presentation and the balance of textures they offer. The crispy shrimp tempura contrasts with the creamy avocado and the refreshing crunch of cucumber, all wrapped in a delicate sheet of nori and seasoned rice. The vibrant mango slices add an exotic sweetness, while the drizzle of spicy mayo adds just the right amount of heat.

The History of Dragon Rolls

Like many Westernized versions of sushi, the Dragon Roll is a relatively recent creation. It is believed to have been invented in the United States, where sushi became popularized in the 1970s and 1980s. The Dragon Roll emerged as part of a movement to make sushi more appealing to a Western palate, incorporating familiar ingredients like avocado, which is not traditionally used in Japanese sushi.

The roll was likely inspired by the concept of using fresh, colorful ingredients to represent mythical creatures—hence the name “Dragon Roll.” Its dramatic appearance, with its vibrant avocado and mango “scales” placed on top, evokes the image of a dragon, a symbol of power, strength, and mysticism in many Asian cultures. Over the years, the Dragon Roll has evolved, with various restaurants adding their own twists to the recipe. It’s now a standard item on sushi menus, loved for both its taste and its show-stopping appearance.

How to Make Dragon Roll Sushi at Home

While making sushi at home may seem intimidating at first, the Dragon Roll is surprisingly easy to prepare once you have the right ingredients and tools. The key to creating a successful Dragon Roll is preparation and technique. A bamboo sushi mat is essential for rolling the sushi evenly and tightly, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and presentation.

The sushi rice must be properly cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, giving it the ideal sticky texture to hold the roll together. One of the most important steps in making Dragon Roll sushi is to ensure the shrimp tempura is crispy but not greasy, so frying it to the right temperature is key. The roll is assembled with the shrimp tempura, cucumber, and avocado, then carefully rolled up using the bamboo mat. The mango and avocado slices on top are what give the roll its signature look, so be sure to arrange them thoughtfully for the best visual effect.

Tips for Making Perfect Dragon Rolls

Making Dragon Rolls at home requires a little practice, but there are some tips that can help elevate your sushi-making skills and ensure your rolls turn out perfect every time.

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Sushi is all about freshness. Opt for the best quality shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and mango you can find. Fresh ingredients will make your Dragon Roll more flavorful and vibrant.

2. Rice Preparation is Key: Properly cooked sushi rice is the foundation of a good sushi roll. Make sure to rinse the rice several times to remove excess starch, and let it cool to room temperature before spreading it on the nori.

3. Don’t Overfill the Roll: It can be tempting to add too many fillings to your roll, but overstuffing can lead to a messy sushi roll. Stick to a balance of ingredients—shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and mango—to maintain the right proportions.

4. Perfect the Tempura: The tempura shrimp should be crispy, not soggy. Fry them in hot oil and don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in a less crispy texture.

5. Use a Sharp Knife: When slicing your Dragon Roll, a sharp knife is essential to getting clean, neat slices. A dull knife can crush the delicate roll and cause the ingredients to spill out.

6. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t skimp on the toppings! The drizzle of sriracha mayo, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of wasabi or pickled ginger can really enhance the flavor profile of the Dragon Roll.

Common Variations of Dragon Roll Sushi

While the classic Dragon Roll includes shrimp tempura, avocado, and mango, many sushi chefs and home cooks love to experiment with variations on the traditional recipe. Here are a few popular twists on the Dragon Roll that you can try:

1. Spicy Dragon Roll: For those who love a little heat, adding spicy tuna or spicy salmon to the roll is a great option. A spicy mayo drizzle, or even a jalapeño topping, will take the heat level up a notch.

2. Vegan Dragon Roll: You can easily make a plant-based version of the Dragon Roll by substituting the shrimp tempura with tempura vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato. For the filling, you can use ingredients like avocado, cucumber, and pickled radish.

3. Dragon Roll with Eel: Some versions of the Dragon Roll include eel, known as unagi in Japanese, which is a sweet, savory fish grilled with a delicious eel sauce. The rich flavor of the eel adds depth to the roll and pairs wonderfully with the avocado and mango.

4. Tempura Soft Shell Crab Roll: Swap out the shrimp for soft-shell crab, which has a delicate, crispy texture. The sweet and savory combination of soft shell crab with the creamy avocado and fresh mango will bring a unique twist to your Dragon Roll.

5. Fruit-Infused Dragon Roll: Mango is traditionally used for the topping, but you can get creative with other fruits like pineapple or papaya for an added tropical flair. The natural sweetness of the fruit will complement the savory shrimp tempura and the creamy avocado beautifully.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Making Dragon Rolls at Home

Making Dragon Rolls at home is a rewarding experience for any sushi lover. Not only does it allow you to enjoy this beautiful and delicious dish in the comfort of your own home, but it also gives you the freedom to experiment with different fillings and toppings. Whether you stick to the classic shrimp tempura or get creative with your own variations, Dragon Rolls are a fantastic way to impress guests or enjoy a fun meal with family.

The key to making a great Dragon Roll is patience and attention to detail. With the right ingredients, a little practice, and a lot of love, you can create sushi rolls that rival those of your favorite sushi restaurant. Plus, the satisfaction of creating your own sushi masterpiece is unmatched. So grab your bamboo mat, gather your ingredients, and start rolling—your Dragon Roll adventure awaits!