Deep Fried Sushi Roll Recipe: Crispy, Flavorful & Easy

Editor: Arshita Tiwari on Mar 18,2025

 

Sushi is a world-renowned Japanese delicacy known for its fresh flavors, delicate textures, and artistic presentation. While traditional sushi is often served raw, deep fried sushi rolls offer a deliciously crispy and flavorful twist on the classic. These golden-brown bites provide a perfect combination of crunchy exteriors and soft, flavorful interiors. In this article, we will explore the ultimate deep fried sushi roll recipe, covering everything from ingredients and preparation to expert tips and variations.

What is a Deep Fried Sushi Roll?

Deep-fried sushi rolls are coated in a light batter and fried until they are crispy. Unlike regular sushi, which is generally eaten raw, these sushi rolls are fully cooked. This means that they are a great option for those who may not be interested in eating raw fish. Added by frying, flavors burst forth in their addictive crunch, making them a favorite for sushi lovers who enjoy a little texture with their rolls.

Why You Should Try Deep Fried Rolls Sushi 

  • Crisp Texture: Golden-brown crunchy skin and soft, tasty inner filling.
  • Strong Flavors: Full and rich, with deep frying taking the taste to another level.
  • Personalizable: You can play around with the fillings and toppings to create unique versions of your own.
  • Great for Beginners: For the sushi novice, this recipe is a simple, scrumptious beginning.
  • Perfect for Parties: These fried sushi rolls make a great appetizer or a main dish for parties.

Ingredients for Deep Fried Sushi Rolls

Deep Fried Rolls Sushi requires the following ingredients: 

For the Sushi Roll: 

  • 2 cups sushi rice 
  • 2.5 cups water 
  • 1/4 cup of rice vinegar 
  • 2 tablespoons sugar 
  • 1 teaspoon salt 
  • 4 pages of nori (seaweed) 
  • 1/2 pound fresh fish [such as salmon, tuna, or shrimp] 
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cucumber, julienned 
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese (optional) 

For the Batter: 

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 
  • 1 cup cold water 
  • 1 egg 
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt 
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 

For Frying: 

  • 2 cup vegetable oil (for deep frying) 
  • For Serving: 
  • Soy sauce 
  • Wasabi 
  • Pickled ginger 
  • Spicy mayo or eel sauce

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Deep Fried Sushi Rolls

bunch of sushi rolls in making

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

  • Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • Cook rice following package directions or prepare it in a rice cooker.
  • In a small saucepan, heat rice vinegar, sugar, and salt over low flame until dissolved and cool.
  • Once the rice has cooked well, transfer it into a big bowl and gently fold it in with the vinegar mixture.
  • Let cool to room temperature before use.

Step 2: Assemble the Sushi Roll

  • Lay a bamboo sushi mat on a clean, flat surface and place a sheet of nori on top of it.
  • Wet your fingertips in water to prevent stickiness and pat down an even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch from the top edge.
  • Line the fish, avocado, cucumber, and cream cheese (if you're using it) across the center of the rice.
  • Grab the edges of the mat and very carefully roll it into a tight cylinder.
  • Repeat with all the remaining ingredients to make more rolls.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cold water, egg, salt, and baking powder until the batter is smooth.
  • The batter must be light and slightly runny. If it is too thick, add a few more water. 

Step 4: Deep-Fry the Sushi Rolls

  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer, to a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
  • Dip a sushi roll into the batter, fully coating it. 
  • Carefully drop it into the hot oil and fry until golden and crunchy (about 2-3 minutes per roll).
  • Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel to discard excess oil. 

Step 5: Slice and Serve 

  • Cut each roll into bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife. 
  • Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger, and spicy mayo or eel sauce. 
  • Enjoy these beautiful deep-fried sushi rolls while they are warm and crispy! 

Variations and Customizations

One of the greatest things about fried sushi rolls is versatility. Here are some variations that could be done:

  • Tempura Shrimp Roll: Add tempura shrimp for an extra crunchy bite on the inside. 
  • Spicy Tuna Roll: Add spicy tuna to the filling and drizzle on some sriracha. 
  • California Crunch Roll: Take the imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber, and deep-fry them into a crunchy version of the California roll. 
  • Vegetarian Roll: Tempura-fry sweet potato, zucchini, and bell pepper for a meatless version. 
  • Dragon Roll: Top the deep-fried sushi roll with eel and avocado, presenting it with a drizzle of eel sauce for that extra umami. 
  • Volcano Roll: Importance-spicy crab mix stuffing topped with bakes seafood cream topping; total glam.

Expert Tips for the Best Deep Fried Sushi Rolls

  • Cold Batter Works Best: Cold batter gives crispness to the coating.
  • Use a Sharp Knife to Slice: Dull knives will squish your sushi roll; sharp knives will make nice clean cuts.
  • Double Coating: Two dips into the batter before frying; it's that little extra something for crunchier.
  • Drain Excess Oil: You can make sure after frying that the rolls sit on a paper towel to absorb excess oil and keep them crispy.
  • Serve Immediately: Sushi fried deep is best, so eat while it's hot.
  • Experiment with Dips: Try different dipping sauces like ponzu, garlic soy sauce, or a spicy sriracha aioli to elevate the flavors.

The History of Fried Sushi Rolls

Real sushi goes back to the farthest reaches of Japan, while frying its sushi is a modern invention. Probably, the idea came about by combining Japanese and Western influences, subjecting classic sushi to tempura-style frying. Nowadays, fried sushi rolls are enjoyed by Americans in sushi restaurants for the crunchiness and bold flavors. The dish is continually evolving, with chefs experimenting on different fillings, coatings, and toppings.

Health Considerations

Although fried sushi rolls are a tasty treat, one should eat these in moderation. Frying adds extra calories and fats, so if we want to take a healthy route, then air fry them instead. Choosing fillings like light fish, fresh veggies, and brown rice would make a healthier version of this delicacy. 

Besides, making sushi at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion size, making sure that the sushi could be fresh and healthy. Using good-quality oil, avoiding excessive batter, and pair your fried rolls with a garden salad or miso soup for a guilt-free balance. Whether you're treating yourself to a crunchy delight or preparing a fun dish for guests, homemade fried sushi rolls are always a satisfying choice.

Best Pairings with Deep Fried Sushi Rolls

To really bring something special to deep-fried sushi rolls, it is worth considering complementary drinks and side dishes. Green tea or sake are perfect choices; while green tea helps sodden the richness of fried sushi, sake serves as a smooth, mildly sweet contrast. If you'd rather go non-alcoholic, how about some sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice, or a light iced tea, Japanese-style? Miso soup, edamame, a seaweed salad, or pickled vegetables are options for side dishes that cleanse palates and refresh the taste buds. These combinations allow you to have a well-rounded dining experience to balance the crunchiness and savory flavor of deep-fried sushi rolls.

Conclusion

Japan-style crispy sushi rolls Middle Fried up sushi which means to enjoy sushi with style and crunch. This recipe for fried sushi rolls is flexible enough for any beginning to learn from, or an expert to excel in customizing. Irresistible due to crispy batter on the surface and soft outside, with a mixture of sushi rice and filling, these rolls lend themselves perfectly to any occasion! Make this home, and have fun making your own fried sushi rolls!


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