Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Hasn’t the appearance of a caterpillar roll always fascinated you? It is not just for the eyes, it is a beautiful mix of flavors and textures that can add to your sushi experience. I still remember when I first tried a caterpillar roll sushi and I was impressed by how the creamy avocado, the savory eel and the slightly tangy rice all mixed together. It was a culinary adventure I couldn’t wait to replicate at home. So, if you’ve ever asked yourself what is in a caterpillar roll or if you are interested in making this incredible dish at home then you are in the right place! In this guide I will explain how to make the perfect caterpillar sushi, step by step. Now, are you ready to roll into deliciousness?
Table of contents
Ingredients to Make a Perfect Caterpillar Roll
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Sushi Rice | 2 cups (cooked) | Use short-grain Japanese sushi rice for best results. |
| Rice Vinegar | 1/4 cup | Essential for flavoring the sushi rice. |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons | Adds a subtle sweetness to the rice. |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Balances the flavors in the rice. |
| Nori Sheets | 3-4 sheets | Use full-size nori sheets, or cut them in half if preferred. |
| Cooked Eel (Unagi) | 6-8 ounces | Grilled eel with sauce, pre-cut into strips. |
| Avocado | 1-2 | Perfectly ripe avocados are crucial; sliced thinly. |
| Cucumber | 1/2 | Julienned to add a crisp texture. |
| Sesame Seeds | 2 tablespoons | For garnishing; optional but adds a nice nutty flavor. |
| Eel Sauce (Unagi Sauce) | As needed | For drizzling on top; also essential to serve as a dipping sauce. |
| Optional: Spicy Mayo | As needed | For those who love a little kick, mix a few drops of sriracha with mayonnaise |
| Optional: Masago | As needed | For garnish (small orange fish eggs), optional but adds some color and pop. |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Bamboo Sushi Rolling Mat (Makisu): This is essential for forming the roll.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the sushi roll.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface to prep your ingredients.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Rice Paddle or Spoon: This is used to gently mix and handle the sushi rice.
- Use plastic wrap: to keep rice from sticking to the rolling mat.
- Small Dish: For serving sauces
Quotes
“The beauty of a caterpillar roll lies not just in its presentation but in the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.” – Expert Sushi Chef.
Instructions: Crafting Your Caterpillar Roll Sushi
Time needed: 30 minutes
- Prepare the Sushi Rice
Combine the rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar and salt have dissolved. Cool it. This mixture should be gently folded into the freshly cooked sushi rice.
- Prepare Your Ingredients
Cut the avocado and cucumber into thin strips. Prepare your eel by slicing it into even pieces that fit on the nori sheet.
- Set Up the Rolling Station
Put plastic wrap over the bamboo mat so the rice doesn’t stick. Then, place a sheet of nori with the shiny side facing down on the mat.
- Add the Rice
Put a small, even amount of sushi rice on the nori. Leave about one inch of empty space at the top edge.
- Layer the Fillings
Place the cucumber and cooked eel in a horizontal line across the center of the rice.
- Begin Rolling
Using the mat, lift the edge closest to you and start rolling tightly and evenly, making sure the filling stays tucked inside. Roll the sushi into a tight cylindrical shape.
- Shape the Caterpillar
The key to a beautiful caterpillar roll is layering the avocado slices on top. Begin with some avocado slices across the top of the roll, then lay the additional slices to create a subtle curve that resembles a caterpillar’s body.
- Slice the Roll
With a very sharp, slightly wet knife, cut the roll into 6-8 equal pieces.
- Plate and Garnish
Arrange the slices on a plate. Drizzle eel sauce and add optional toppings such as sesame seeds, spicy mayo, or masago.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Caterpillar Roll Sushi
- Use Ripe Avocados: The avocado should be soft but not mushy. This ensures the slices will be smooth and easy to work with. I remember trying it with unripe avocado once, and it was such a struggle to get it to sit nicely on the roll – not to mention the flavor wasn’t as great.
- Keep Your Knife Wet: Wetting your knife before slicing helps prevent the rice from sticking and ensures clean cuts every time.
- Firm Rolling: Don’t be afraid to roll firmly but gently. This helps create a tight roll that won’t fall apart.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t worry if your first caterpillar sushi doesn’t look perfect. Like any new skill, practice will help improve your technique. I know my first attempt wasn’t pretty, but with each roll, I got better!
- Don’t overfill the roll: If you put too much in the roll, it will not hold its shape, and it can also be hard to roll and slice.
Caterpillar Roll Serving Suggestions
- Classic Presentation: Arrange the slices on a platter with a small dish of eel sauce for dipping.
- With Wasabi and Ginger: Serve with a scoop of wasabi and some pickled ginger to make the meal even better.
- Slightly Spicy: If you love a kick, drizzle some spicy mayo over the rolls. This will enhance the taste and introduce some spiciness.
- Garnished Beautifully: Sprinkle some sesame seeds or masago to elevate its visual presentation. I like to think a beautiful presentation makes any dish even more enjoyable.
- Accompanied by Miso Soup: Enjoy your caterpillar roll with a side of warm miso soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information
(Per roll – estimated, nutritional values can vary)
- Calories: 300-400
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams
- Protein: 10-15 grams
Variations and Alternatives (caterpillar roll)
- Vegetarian Caterpillar Roll: Substitute the eel with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Tuna Caterpillar Roll: Use spicy tuna instead of eel for a fiery twist.
- Mango Caterpillar Roll: Add a few slices of mango along with the avocado to the top to create a fruity and sweet variation.
- Tempura Caterpillar : Gently fry the rolled sushi in hot oil to make it crispy.
- Inside-Out Caterpillar Roll: Take the sushi and wrap it with the rice on the outside. Put sesame seeds on the rice. Then, add the sliced avocado on top.
Conclusion
This is a great way to enjoy sushi, whether you are new to it or already like it a lot. This recipe will help you learn how to make a delicious eel roll with avocado and cream. The rice is seasoned just right for good flavor. Making caterpillar sushi may seem a little hard at first, but with practice, can learn to roll it well. Don’t wait to try this recipe and treat yourself to this amazing sushi!
Key Takeaways:
- Use the right sushi rice.
- Fresh ingredients are key to success.
- Practice the rolling technique is essential.
- Be creative with your garnishes.
- Enjoy the process.
FAQ Section
For the best results, use short-grain Japanese sushi rice. It has the right texture and starch content for sushi.
If you don’t have eel sauce, you can mix soy sauce with a little of sugar or honey to make a substitute.
Keep your hands and knife slightly wet with water to prevent sticking.
It’s best to assemble the rolls shortly before serving for the best texture and freshness. If you need to prep in advance, I’d recommend not making the roll any more than 30 minutes prior to serving.
While many elements are essential for the roll, some parts can be skipped, depending on your taste. For example, some don’t like cucumber or Masago, so they can be easily omitted. However using the core ingredients is key to keeping the dish recognizable as a caterpillar roll.
Who Should Skip This Recipe!
Okay, let’s be honest—not every recipe is for everyone, and that’s totally okay! If you’re in one of these categories, this particular caterpillar roll recipe might not be the best fit for you right now:
- For gluten sensitive: choose the gluten free tamari instead of the regular soy sauce. Moreover, make sure that your eel sauce is gluten free because some brands may contain soy sauce or wheat thickeners.
- Low-Carb Dieters: This sushi roll is predominantly rice, making it a high-carb option. If you’re strictly following a low-carb diet, this recipe might not align with your goals. However, there are some great low-carb sushi alternatives if you’re curious.
- Low-Sodium Diets: Sushi often includes soy sauce, which is high in sodium. If you need to be very mindful of your salt intake, this recipe might not be suitable. Look for other low-sodium options and reduce the amount of soy sauce.
- Vegetarians: If you don’t consume seafood, the traditional caterpillar roll, with its eel content, isn’t going to be suitable for you. We’ve included some tips for substitutions, but just know that the overall flavor will be very different.
- Raw Fish Avoiders: This recipe does not include any raw fish, but some variations can. So if you’re avoiding raw fish, you might feel more comfortable making rolls that have only cooked ingredients.
Don’t worry if this recipe isn’t for you; there are plenty of other options out there!
What Do You Think?
I’m really curious to hear about your adventures in the kitchen! Did you try this caterpillar roll recipe? How did it turn out for you? Don’t hesitate to share your experience in the comments below – I’m excited to hear your take on it. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like some of my other sushi creations on the blog. Why not give them a try? Happy rolling!
My Personal Touch?
I’ve always been a bit intimidated by making sushi at home, but there’s something so rewarding about finally rolling out my first proper caterpillar roll. I remember the satisfaction of seeing the elegant shape take form, and that first bite of creamy avocado, savory eel, and perfectly seasoned rice was like a small celebration of my own skills! I’ve messed up so many times, but the fun part is to get back into the kitchen to try again! And I can tell you from my experience it gets easier with every single try. I hope you experience the same joy in creating this roll yourself!
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