This Homemade Shrimp Tempura Roll combines the crispy goodness of golden-fried shrimp with a creamy, dill-infused cream cheese filling, fresh avocado, and a drizzle of sweet eel sauce. Perfect for a sushi night or when you want to treat yourself to a satisfying, restaurant-style meal at home, this recipe brings together the best of savory, creamy, and crunchy textures. It’s an easy-to-make sushi roll that’s perfect for sushi lovers!

Homemade Shrimp Tempura Roll Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Shrimp Tempura Roll is a flavorful and fun sushi recipe that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned sushi enthusiasts. The crispy tempura shrimp provide an irresistible crunch, while the creamy dill cream cheese and fresh avocado balance out the richness. The sweet eel sauce drizzle on top adds a perfect finishing touch, making each bite even more enjoyable. Plus, this dish is customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spices to your liking. A perfect dish for your next sushi night or family dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp Tempura Roll:

2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar
4 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup tempura batter mix
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
4 sheets nori (seaweed)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup eel sauce
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional: sliced avocado, julienned cucumber, spicy mayo drizzle

Directions

Prepare the Sushi Rice:

Rinse the sushi rice until the water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions or using a rice cooker. While warm, season the rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Prepare the Shrimp Tempura:
2. Prepare the tempura batter using cold water. Dip the shrimp into the batter and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp for 2–3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Assemble the Sushi:
4. Lay a bamboo mat on a clean surface and cover it with plastic wrap. Place a sheet of nori, shiny side down.
5. Spread a thin, even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch strip uncovered at the top edge of the nori.
6. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with chopped dill. Spread a thin line of the cream cheese mixture along the center of the rice.
7. Place the tempura shrimp on top of the cream cheese mixture. If desired, add sliced avocado or julienned cucumber.

Roll and Fry (Optional):
8. Using the bamboo mat, carefully roll the sushi tightly. Seal the edge of the roll with a small amount of water.
9. For an extra crispy finish, lightly coat the entire roll with tempura batter and panko, then fry briefly until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Slice and Serve:
10. Slice the roll into 6–8 pieces using a sharp knife. Wet the knife between cuts for clean slices.
11. Drizzle eel sauce and mayonnaise over the roll and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (approximately 6–8 pieces per roll)

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free tempura mix and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Extra Veggies: Add julienned carrots, bell peppers, or cucumber inside the roll for more texture and flavor.
Spicy Version: Drizzle spicy mayo or add a few slices of jalapeños inside the roll for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Sushi is best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The texture of the tempura shrimp will not remain as crispy after storage.
Reheating: It is not recommended to reheat sushi rolls, especially ones with fried shrimp. However, if you need to, lightly heat in the oven for a few minutes to try to revive some crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before dipping in the tempura batter.

2. Can I substitute the tempura batter with something else?

You can use regular flour if you don’t have tempura batter, though the texture might not be as light and crispy.

3. Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw?

You can, but raw shrimp provide the best texture and flavor for tempura. If using cooked shrimp, they will need to be added at the end of the rolling process.

4. How do I prevent the sushi rice from being too sticky?

Make sure to rinse the sushi rice thoroughly before cooking, and use the correct proportion of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to season the rice properly.

5. Can I make this sushi roll ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble and serve sushi rolls immediately for the freshest taste and texture. However, you can prepare the shrimp and rice ahead of time and assemble the rolls when ready to serve.

6. What can I use instead of eel sauce?

You can use teriyaki sauce as a substitute for eel sauce, although it may alter the flavor slightly.

7. Can I make the sushi rolls without frying them?

Yes, you can skip the frying step and serve the rolls as a classic sushi roll without the crispy coating.

8. Can I use different cheeses in this roll?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with other soft cheeses, like goat cheese or mascarpone, but the flavor will be different.

9. Is it okay to use store-bought rice vinegar?

Yes, store-bought rice vinegar is fine for seasoning the sushi rice.

10. Can I freeze these sushi rolls?

While it’s not ideal, you can freeze the rolls for up to a month. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat by lightly frying or microwaving.

Conclusion

Homemade Shrimp Tempura Rolls are a delicious and fun way to enjoy sushi at home. With crispy shrimp, creamy filling, and a sweet eel sauce drizzle, these rolls are bursting with flavor. They are perfect for sushi nights, special occasions, or a satisfying meal anytime. Whether you’re a sushi novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will impress everyone at the table!