Dynamite Roll Recipe
Introduction
The Dynamite Roll is a flavorful sushi roll bursting with creamy avocado, crunchy tempura shrimp, and a savory crab mayo mixture. This homemade sushi combines textures and bold sauces for an unforgettable bite that’s perfect for sushi lovers looking to try something new.

Ingredients
- 1 recipe sushi rice
- 8 oz imitation crab sticks
- 3 Tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
- 1 avocado (ripe)
- 1/2 English cucumber
- 8 sheets toasted nori seaweed (cut in half)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Black sesame seeds
- 16 tempura fried shrimp
- Unagi sauce
- Spicy mayo
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the sushi rice according to your preferred recipe, ideally using a rice cooker. Allow the rice to cool completely before using.
- Step 2: Finely chop the imitation crab sticks and mix with Japanese mayonnaise in a bowl. Set aside.
- Step 3: Wrap your bamboo sushi mat with plastic wrap to keep it clean and prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Place one sheet of toasted nori on the sushi mat and trim off about a quarter of it with scissors for better rice-to-filling balance.
- Step 5: Wet your hands and evenly spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori without pressing too hard. Keep your hands moist to prevent sticking.
- Step 6: Sprinkle toasted white and black sesame seeds over the rice, then flip the nori sheet over so the rice is facing down.
- Step 7: In the center of the nori, layer about 1 oz of the crab mixture, strips of cucumber, two slices of avocado, and two tempura shrimp (tails removed).
- Step 8: Using the sushi mat, carefully roll the nori from the front, compressing the fillings gently to keep the roll tight and secure.
- Step 9: Place the roll on a cutting board and slice into 8 equal pieces with a sharp, wet knife, rinsing the knife between cuts as needed.
- Step 10: Drizzle spicy mayo and unagi sauce over the roll pieces before serving. Enjoy with soy sauce and wasabi.
Tips & Variations
- Use ripe avocado for creaminess and fresh cucumber for crunch to balance textures.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of togarashi (Japanese chili powder) on top before serving.
- If you prefer, substitute imitation crab with cooked real crab meat.
- To make the roll vegetarian, replace shrimp with tempura vegetables like sweet potato or asparagus.
Storage
Store leftover sushi rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For best texture, consume as soon as possible since the rice may harden and the tempura shrimp lose crispness. Reheating is not recommended as it changes the texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the sushi rice without a rice cooker?
Yes, sushi rice can be made on the stovetop by carefully rinsing and cooking the rice with the correct water ratio, then seasoning once it’s cooked. A rice cooker simplifies the process but is not necessary.
What can I use instead of Japanese mayonnaise?
If you don’t have Japanese mayonnaise, you can use regular mayonnaise mixed with a small amount of rice vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tang. Kewpie brand is preferred for its creaminess and flavor.
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Dynamite Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 sushi rolls (cut into 8 pieces each, total 64 pieces) 1x
Description
This Dynamite Roll is a delightful sushi recipe featuring crispy tempura shrimp, creamy avocado, and flavorful imitation crab mixed with Japanese mayonnaise, all wrapped in toasted nori and sushi rice. Topped with spicy mayo and unagi sauce, this vibrant roll offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for sushi enthusiasts looking to try a homemade classic.
Ingredients
Sushi Rice
- 1 recipe sushi rice (prepared and cooled, preferably made in a rice cooker)
Seafood and Fillings
- 8 oz imitation crab sticks, finely chopped
- 16 tempura fried shrimp, tails removed
- 1 avocado, ripe, sliced
- 1/2 English cucumber, julienned
Condiments and Toppings
- 3 Tbsp Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie recommended)
- 8 sheets toasted nori seaweed (cut in half)
- Toasted white sesame seeds
- Black sesame seeds
- Spicy mayo (for topping)
- Unagi sauce (for topping)
- Soy sauce (for serving)
- Wasabi (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Sushi Rice: Make the sushi rice following your preferred recipe, ideally using a rice cooker for perfect texture. Allow the rice to cool completely before using. This recipe’s rice portion is enough for 8 rolls, but feel free to halve the quantities if desired.
- Mix Crab Filling: Finely chop the imitation crab sticks and transfer into a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of Japanese mayonnaise and mix thoroughly to combine. Set aside to develop flavor.
- Wrap Sushi Mat: Cover a bamboo sushi rolling mat with plastic wrap to facilitate easy cleanup after rolling.
- Prepare Nori Sheets: Place one sheet of toasted nori on the sushi mat and cut off one-quarter of it with scissors. Using a smaller portion helps maintain a good rice-to-filling ratio.
- Spread Rice on Nori: Wet your hands in water to prevent sticking, then take a handful of sushi rice and spread it evenly and thinly over the exposed half of the nori. Avoid pressing too hard to keep the rice fluffy. Re-wet hands as needed during spreading.
- Add Sesame Seeds and Flip: Sprinkle toasted white and black sesame seeds evenly over the rice layer. Then carefully flip the nori sheet over so the rice is facing down on the sushi mat.
- Add Fillings: In the middle of the seaweed, arrange approximately 1 ounce of crab mixture, a few cucumber strips, two slices of avocado, and two tempura fried shrimp (with tails removed).
- Roll the Sushi: Using the sushi mat, begin rolling the nori over the fillings while gently compressing them to keep the roll tight and neat. Continue rolling completely to form a well-shaped sushi roll.
- Slice the Roll: Transfer the roll to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife dipped in water, slice the roll into 8 equal pieces, wetting the knife before each cut to maintain clean slices.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each sushi piece with drizzles of spicy mayo and unagi sauce. Serve immediately alongside soy sauce and wasabi for dipping.
Notes
- Sprinkling the sesame seeds on the rice before flipping the nori creates a nice texture on the outside of the roll.
- Keep your hands wet when working with sushi rice to prevent sticking and ensure smooth spreading.
- Plastic wrap over the bamboo sushi mat helps with cleanup and prevents rice from sticking to the mat.
- You can adjust the amount of spicy mayo and unagi sauce according to your taste preferences.
- Use a very sharp knife and keep it wet to achieve clean sushi slices without crushing the roll.
- If you don’t have tempura fried shrimp, you can make your own by dipping shrimp in tempura batter and frying until crispy or use pre-made tempura shrimp from a store.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (rice cooking time)
- Category: Rolls
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: Dynamite Roll, sushi roll, tempura shrimp sushi, imitation crab sushi, Japanese sushi recipe, homemade sushi, spicy mayo sushi

