What Makes the Crunchy Philly Roll Special
The Crunchy Philly Roll is a delightful twist on the classic sushi roll that blends a variety of flavors and textures. Inside, you’ll find crispy shrimp tempura paired with creamy avocado, providing a smooth and rich contrast. On top, it’s beautifully topped with fresh salmon, silky cream cheese, and a sprinkle of green onion, making each bite a combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory sensations. It’s a refreshing take on the original Philly Roll, which is already well-known for its distinct mix of salmon, avocado, and cream cheese—a combination loved in sushi restaurants across the US.
As someone who enjoys experimenting with different types of sushi, I found this roll to be one of the best ways to introduce friends to Americanized or Westernized sushi. The Crunchy Philly Roll strikes the right balance of flavors, appealing to both sushi lovers and those new to it. The familiar ingredients, like smoked salmon and sesame seeds, combined with the slightly unexpected crunch of the tempura, make it a roll worth trying. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or at a restaurant, this roll adds a unique twist to your sushi experience.
Personal Experience
The first time I made a Crunchy Philly Roll at home, it was a fun and delicious experience. I was surprised at how simple it was to create such a beautifully layered sushi roll, right in my own kitchen. The crispiness of the shrimp tempura combined with the smoothness of avocado was a hit, but what really made it special was the salmon and cream cheese topping. It added a rich, creamy flavor that balanced the crunchy texture perfectly.
Necessary Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a Crunchy Philly Roll:
1 full sheet of nori (cut smaller if preferred)
About ¾ cup of seasoned sushi rice
For the Inside:
2 pieces of prepared shrimp tempura
3 slices of avocado (around ⅙ of an avocado)
For the Outside:
0.1 to 0.2 lbs of thinly sliced, sushi-grade salmon
About 2 tablespoons of whipped or regular cream cheese
1 tablespoon of thinly sliced green onions
How to Make Crunchy Philly Roll
To make a Crunchy Philly Roll, start by spreading a thin layer of seasoned sushi rice on a sheet of nori. Add shrimp tempura and avocado in a straight line, then carefully roll it up tightly. Place slices of salmon over the roll and press gently to shape it. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife. Top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream cheese and a slice of green onion. Enjoy the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
- Cover your nori sheet with a thin, even layer of rice, making sure it reaches all the way to the edges.
- Flip the nori over so the rice is face down on a bamboo rolling mat wrapped in plastic.
- Arrange the shrimp tempura and avocado in a straight line, about 1 inch from the edge along the longer side of the nori sheet.
- Begin to roll the sushi tightly, using the mat to help. Drape thin slices of salmon over the top, adjusting the angle so the salmon covers the entire roll.
- Place the plastic-wrapped rolling mat back over the roll and press gently to form a consistent shape.
- Transfer the roll to a cutting board. Use your sharpest knife, running it under water to prevent sticking. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces with a gentle sawing motion.
- Plate the sushi pieces on your serving dish. Add a small dot of whipped cream cheese on top of each piece and garnish with a slice of green onion.
- For an extra step, season the sushi rice with rice vinegar before starting. Fan and stir the rice until it cools to room temperature for the perfect texture.
- Enjoy your Crunchy Philly Roll with a beautiful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for any sushi lover!
Ingredients Preparation
When preparing for your Crunchy Philly Roll, it’s essential to carefully select the ingredients and follow the proper preparation methods. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out.
- Thinly sliced salmon is one of the star ingredients in the roll. It’s important to ensure that the salmon is safe to eat raw. If you’re looking for a substitute, yellowtail, tuna, or red snapper are great options. If you need help with slicing the fish, you can refer to the How to Slice Fish for Sushi guide to get the perfect thin slices. This is essential for topping rolls, and you can control how much salmon you want to use based on your preferences—check out the How to Top Sushi Rolls guide for more tips.
- For the crispy texture, you will need shrimp tempura. You can easily find premade frozen shrimp tempura at an Asian grocery store or Trader Joe’s. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to follow the instructions on the package for heating, whether it’s in an oven, air fryer, toaster oven, or deep fryer. After cooking, let the shrimp tempura cool down before placing it in the roll. If you prefer, you can cut the tails off the shrimp. You can also make shrimp tempura from scratch at home, though that will require more preparation.
- Avocado slices add a creamy and smooth element to your roll. Slice your avocado into ¼” thick pieces, and use about ⅙th of a medium avocado for each roll. To get the best flavor and texture, use a ripe avocado that is slightly soft when pressed but not mushy. A little tip: buy your avocados while they are still hard, and store them in the fridge to allow them to ripen slower in the fridge.
- Cream cheese is essential for that tangy yet creamy contrast. If you want a smoother texture, use whipped cream cheese, but normal cream cheese will also work well. The amount of cream cheese added depends on your personal preference—you can place a small or large dot on top of your roll. To shape the cream cheese into small portions, use clean hands that are slightly damp to ensure it doesn’t stick.
- Green onion, also known as scallions, spring onions, or green shallots, provides a fresh, sharp flavor. Thinly slice the green portion of the green onion and cut it at an angle to achieve the style you desire.
- Sushi rice is key to the structure of your roll. Use medium grain rice that has been seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for that signature distinctive taste and sticky texture. It’s important to use the proper kind of rice instead of common varieties like jasmine rice or basmati rice, as they don’t have the same texture needed for sushi. You can follow the Simple Sushi Rice recipe for best results and also find advice on locating proper ingredients.
- Nori is the seaweed wrapping that holds your sushi rolls together. After opening the package, store any leftover nori sheets in an airtight bag at room temp to maintain freshness. You can find nori in various packages, and the price may vary depending on the brand. Look for full sheets (about 8″x7″) and cut them smaller as needed. A Japanese grocery store will have a wide selection of nori, but you can also find it in the Asian foods section of large American grocery stores or even online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Philly Crunch Roll?
A Philly Crunch Roll is a variation of the classic Philadelphia Roll, typically featuring crispy ingredients like shrimp tempura or crunchy toppings on top of the roll. It’s often made with salmon, avocado, and cream cheese inside, giving it a rich and creamy flavor with a crispy exterior for extra texture.
Is a Philadelphia roll healthy?
The Philadelphia Roll can be considered a relatively healthy option, depending on the ingredients and how it’s prepared. It typically contains salmon (a good source of omega-3 fatty acids), avocado (rich in healthy fats), and sushi rice. However, the cream cheese adds some calories and fat. It’s best to consume in moderation, especially if you’re mindful of calorie intake.
What is Philadelphia in sushi?
Philadelphia in sushi refers to the use of cream cheese in the roll. This ingredient is a signature of the Philadelphia Roll, which features salmon, avocado, and cream cheese wrapped in nori and sushi rice. The cream cheese adds a creamy, tangy element to the roll.
Why is it called Philadelphia roll?
The Philadelphia Roll is likely named after Philadelphia cream cheese, which is a key ingredient in the roll. The roll itself combines the fresh flavors of salmon, avocado, and the rich creaminess of cream cheese, making it unique among other sushi rolls.
What does Philadelphia roll taste like?
The Philadelphia Roll has a combination of fresh, creamy, and slightly smoky flavors. The salmon adds a rich, fishy taste, while the avocado brings a buttery, smooth texture. The cream cheese gives a tangy and creamy flavor that balances well with the other ingredients, and the sushi rice offers a sticky, slightly sweet taste. If it has crispy toppings like tempura, you’ll also get a crunchy texture.
Is Philadelphia roll good for beginners?
Yes, the Philadelphia Roll is a great choice for beginners. The flavor profile is milder and less intimidating compared to other types of sushi, such as those with raw fish or strong spices. The combination of salmon, avocado, and cream cheese is both approachable and delicious, making it a popular option for those new to sushi.
How long does a Philadelphia roll last?
A Philadelphia roll is best eaten fresh, as sushi generally doesn’t keep well for long. If stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last for about 24 hours. After that, the texture of the rice and fish may begin to degrade, and the cream cheese may lose its creamy texture. It’s always best to enjoy it the same day it’s made.