Spider roll

Spider Roll

A Spider Roll served on a plate

A Spider Roll is a type of sushi roll that is popular in Japanese cuisine. It is known for its distinctive use of soft-shell crab as the main ingredient, which is deep-fried to create a crispy texture. The roll is typically wrapped in nori, a type of edible seaweed, and sushi rice.

Ingredients

The primary ingredient in a Spider Roll is the soft-shell crab, which is a crab that has recently molted its old exoskeleton and is still soft. This allows the entire crab to be eaten, including the shell. The crab is usually battered and deep-fried to achieve a crunchy texture.

Other common ingredients in a Spider Roll include:

• Cucumber
• Avocado
• Lettuce
• Mayonnaise or spicy mayonnaise
• Tobiko (flying fish roe)

Preparation

The preparation of a Spider Roll involves several steps:

1. Frying the Crab: The soft-shell crab is cleaned and then coated in a light batter before being deep-fried until golden brown.

2. Rolling the Sushi: A sheet of nori is placed on a bamboo sushi mat, and a layer of sushi rice is spread over it. The fried crab, along with slices of cucumber, avocado, and lettuce, is placed on top of the rice.

3. Rolling and Cutting: The sushi is rolled tightly using the bamboo mat, and then sliced into bite-sized pieces.

4. Garnishing: The roll is often garnished with tobiko and a drizzle of spicy mayonnaise.

Variations

While the basic Spider Roll remains consistent, there are several variations that can be found, depending on the region and the chef's creativity. Some variations include the addition of cream cheese, jalapeño, or different types of sashimi.

Serving

Spider Rolls are typically served as part of a sushi platter, often accompanied by soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. They are enjoyed for their combination of textures and flavors, with the crispy crab contrasting with the soft rice and creamy avocado.

Related Pages

• Sushi
• Soft-shell crab
• Nori
• Tobiko