The first sushi restaurant in the United States, Kawaf*cku, opened in Los Angeles in the mid-1960s and quickly grew in popularity. It became a dish you could get most anywhere in the U.S., ushering in a whole new class of American-style sushi rolls. Among the first rolls to emerge from this new style was the California Roll. Since then, other popular variations have been created like the Alaskan roll, which features raw salmon, and the Dragon roll, which has a variety of ingredients like poached shrimp, mango, avocado, and cucumber.
The Dragon Roll is prepared artistically on the plate, resembling a dragon or caterpillar, and it’s often referred to as a Caterpillar roll. Tangy and sweet sushi rice is layered with a nori sheet then rolled with the avocado, shrimp, and cucumber matchsticks in the center. The roll is topped with thin sliced mango and avocado to create a colorful exterior and is served with Sriracha mayo. The combination of ingredients come together in a delicious sweet, creamy, and savory bite.
There are many ways to level-up this recipe. Add crispy texture by using tempura-fried shrimp or for a pop of flavor, try topping the roll with tobiko or salmon roe.
