Black Dragon Roll
The Black Dragon Roll is a fusion masterpiece, blending shrimp tempura, creamy avocado, and savory BBQ eel. This sushi roll is topped with eel sauce and offers the perfect mix of crunch, creaminess, and rich umami flavors. Each bite brings together the best of Japanese tradition and American boldness, making it a standout dish in sushi restaurants across the country.
What makes the Black Dragon Roll special is the harmony of its ingredients. The richness of BBQ eel pairs beautifully with the buttery avocado, while the crispy shrimp tempura adds texture.
Ingredients & Substitutions
When it comes to preparing sushi, the quality of your ingredients can make a world of difference. Fresh seafood like salmon, tuna, and shrimp are essential for creating mouthwatering black dragon roll sushi rolls.
Vegetables and avocados add a creamy texture while cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch. Don’t hesitate to experiment with pickled radishes or carrots for added flavor and color. If you can’t find sushi rice readily available, short-grain white rice works as a suitable replacement – just remember to season it with vinegar, sugar, and salt to achieve that signature sushi rice taste.
Having an understanding of ingredient substitutions not only widens your culinary possibilities but also allows you to adapt recipes based on personal preferences or availability.
BBQ Eel (Unagi)
- Unagi, or Japanese freshwater eel, is known for its rich, savory taste and tender texture.
- It is grilled and glazed with “tare” sauce, giving it a sweet, umami flavor and glossy finish.
- Popular dishes include “unadon” (eel rice bowl) and “unaju” (eel served in a box with rice).
- Frozen pre-grilled unagi is easily accessible and simple to prepare at home.
- Heating frozen unagi requires minimal cooking—just warm it in the oven, broiler, or pan.
- BBQ Eel Unagi’s versatility makes it perfect for rice bowls, sushi rolls, or modern fusion dishes.
- Its sweet, smoky profile adds depth to traditional and contemporary Japanese meals.
Shrimp Tempura
- Frozen shrimp tempura offers a quick, convenient option for a crispy treat.
- Available at Asian grocery stores or places like Trader Joe’s for easy access.
- Heat in the oven, air fryer, toaster oven, or deep fryer following package instructions.
- Let shrimp tempura cool slightly to keep the crispiness for rolls or other dishes.
- Remove tails before incorporating them for a cleaner eating experience.
- Pre-made shrimp tempura saves time without sacrificing taste or texture.
Avocado Roll Topping
- Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
- Add fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and gently mash until smooth but slightly chunky.
- For extra flavor, mix in diced red onion, chopped cilantro, or a dash of soy sauce.
- Keep the avocado creamy yet firm to hold its shape on top of the sushi roll.
- Experiment with seasonings like sesame seeds or sriracha for added flavor.
- The avocado topping adds creamy richness and visual appeal to your sushi.
- Elevate your rolls with this simple, fresh topping, and get creative with variations.
Avocado Slices
- Precision in slicing avocados enhances the visual appeal of dishes.
- Evenly thick slices ensure consistent texture and perfect creaminess in each bite.
- Choose avocados that are just ripe for optimal flavor and texture.
- Look for a balance between softness and firmness for successful slicing.
- Avocado slices are versatile and perfect for salads, sandwiches, and more.
- Appreciating the art of slicing can elevate your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.
Eel Sauce
- Eel sauce adds a burst of flavor to various dishes beyond eel.
- Its sweet and savory elements complement sushi, grilled meats, stir-fries, and rice bowls.
- Key ingredients include soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sugar, and sometimes dashi.
- Elevates the umami profile of any dish it enhances.
- The sweetness from mirin balances the saltiness of soy sauce for a harmonious blend.
- Great for brushing on grilled vegetables or as a dipping sauce for tempura.
- Adds complexity to meals, transforming them into extraordinary culinary experiences.
- A must-have for adding Japanese-inspired flair to your cooking.
Black Sesame Seeds
- Black sesame seeds are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- Promote heart health and aid digestion with their wellness benefits.
- Add a nutty and earthy flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.
- Sprinkle on salads, smoothie bowls, or baked goods for extra flavor and texture.
- Versatile and nutrient-dense, making them a great addition to any diet.
- Long shelf life makes them a practical pantry staple.
Sushi Rice
Sushi rice, often overlooked compared to its more glamorous sushi roll counterparts, plays a crucial role in the overall sushi experience. Its perfectly seasoned grains provide the foundation for the delicate flavors and textures that define sushi. The marriage of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt creates a harmonious blend that elevates each bite of sushi to new heights.
Using the proper medium-grain rice is essential for achieving that coveted sticky texture and authentic taste. Jasmine or basmati varieties simply won’t cut it when it comes to making sushi rice.
Nori
When choosing nori for sushi, you’ll notice that prices and package sizes can vary a lot. From my experience, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on expensive brands to get good quality. I’ve found that many affordable options work just as well.
For a wide selection, visiting a Japanese grocery store is your best bet. They usually carry various sizes and brands to fit different preferences. While some larger American grocery stores might have an Asian foods section with nori, you can also find it online if you have trouble locating it in-store. To keep leftover nori fresh, store it in an airtight bag at room temperature, making sure to remove any excess air.
Black Dragon Roll
The Black Dragon Roll is a sushi roll featuring eel, avocado, cucumber, and sometimes tempura shrimp, wrapped in rice and nori. The roll is topped with slices of eel, drizzled with sweet eel sauce, and often garnished with sesame seeds. It’s a flavorful combination of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures, perfect for sushi lovers!
Ingredients
Inside Roll
- 1 full-size sheet of nori (cut smaller if desired)
- 1 cup prepared, seasoned sushi rice
- 2 pieces shrimp tempura
- 3 slices avocado
Outside Roll
- 1 avocado, prepared as roll topping
- 0.1 lbs prepared BBQ eel (unagi)
- Eel sauce
- Black sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Sushi Rice: Rinse sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Season Rice: Transfer the rice to a bowl once cooked. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved; gently fold into the warm rice. Let it cool.
- Assemble Roll: Place a bamboo mat on a flat surface. Lay one sheet of nori on the mat, shiny side down. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about an inch at the top edge.
- Add Fillings: In the center of the rice, arrange avocado slices, eel or shrimp tempura, and cucumber evenly.
- Roll It Up: Starting from the bottom edge of the mat, carefully roll the nori away from you while applying gentle pressure to form a tight roll. Seal the edge with a little water.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces; clean the knife between cuts for neat slices. Sprinkle black sesame seeds on top if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve with soy sauce and optional wasabi/pickled ginger on the side!
Conclusion
The Black Dragon Roll is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that showcases the creativity inherent in sushi cuisine. With its combination of eel, avocado, and dynamic sauces, this roll not only pleases the palate but also offers an attractive presentation that enhances any dining experience. As more sushi restaurants embrace innovative recipes, the Black Dragon Roll stands out as a favorite among both seasoned sushi lovers and newcomers alike.
FAQ’s
Why is eel so expensive?
Overfishing and changing habitats have. caused a huge decline in eel populations. Since 1980, the global catch of eel has declined by more than 75%, which has a huge effect on price. After the cost of the eels themselves, feeding them is the most expensive part.
Are eel rolls healthy?
It contains unagi, or eel, which is high in protein, omega-3s, and vitamins A, B12, and D. But dragon rolls often come with a calorie-heavy sauce. Plus, unagi is endangered. Just avoid it.
What is eel roll made of?
Eel Dragon Roll Recipe is made with BBQ eel and crunchy cucumber, all wrapped in a nori seaweed sheet and sushi rice. I like to add a drizzle of unagi sauce on top for extra flavor. This type of eel sushi is a popular Japanese dish and one of my personal favorites.
What is eel sauce made of?
Eel sauce is a simple reduction of only four ingredients: sake, mirin, sugar, and soy sauce. Due to its sugar and salt content, the sauce keeps quite well, so don’t be afraid to make too much (you can even freeze it).
What Does Eel Sauce Taste Like?
Eel sauce tastes both savory and sweet and gets its distinctive flavor when used in grilled eel dishes. Eel sauce can vary in flavor depending on regionality and how the eel is prepared.
