Tiger Roll (Sushi): A Must-Try Delight!

Why Tiger Roll (Sushi) is a Unique and Flavorful Treat

If you love sushi, the Tiger Roll is a must-try! This specialty sushi roll is a delicious twist on the California Roll, which is known for its creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and crabstick filling. The real star of the dish is the sushi ebi, or butterflied cooked shrimp, that is topped on the roll, giving it a unique look and taste. The name of sushi rolls can vary from place to place, but the Tiger Roll is commonly recognized for its butterflied shrimp on top. Some versions use shrimp tempura for an added crunch, while others go for crab salad, whether regular, spicy or even unseasoned crab sticks, depending on your desired flavor.

For those interested in making sushi at home, this site has a Sushi Roll Index filled with amazing sushi roll recipes. If you are new, be sure to check out the Sushi Beginner’s Guide, which includes all the basics, answers to FAQ, and tips on how to source ingredients. Since this site focuses on Americanized and Westernized sushi, you can learn more about traditional styles by visiting the Types of Sushi Page. Whether you are just getting started or looking for similar rolls like the Shrimp Killer, this guide will help you perfect your sushi-making skills!

What’s Inside a Tiger Roll (Sushi)?

The tiger roll can vary across restaurants, but it typically features cooked, butterflied shrimp on top. This recipe is similar to many restaurant versions, with a California roll on the inside, filled with crab salad, avocado, and cucumber. The finishing touch is a drizzle of spicy mayo on top, giving it a rich and flavorful taste.

Calories and Health Aspects

A tiger roll contains about 550 calories per roll, but this may differ depending on the restaurant. While it does contain mayo and cream cheese, making it a high-calorie choice, it is not the worst option either. To make it healthier, you can use unseasoned crabstick instead of crab salad. A regular tiger roll is generally lighter than a crunchy version, which is made with deep-fried shrimp tempura.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Before making a tiger roll, be sure to check out the guides on buying fish for sushi and buying other ingredients for sushi to find everything you need. While I include online product links for reference, it is typically cheaper to purchase these items locally, so explore your local options before ordering online.

Sushi Ebi & Crab Salad

The key topping for a tiger roll is sushi ebi—also known as butterflied shrimp. The Japanese word “ebi” refers to shrimp in general, but ebi sushi specifically means cooked tiger shrimp. While they can be prepared at home, they are often purchased fully from a Japanese grocery store, in either the fresh fish area or the frozen seafood area. I do not have a recipe for preparing them yet, so I buy mine already prepared. Since the shrimp come with tails, and most people do not eat them, I typically remove the tails prior to using them in a roll.

For the filling, crab salad adds a creamy texture. My recipe contains imitation crabstick, Japanese mayo, lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce. If you want to learn more, click the link! It is important to note that imitation crab is more than just “fake crab”—it is a cooked product and does not include raw seafood. You can substitute unseasoned crabstick for a less indulgent option or try spicy crab salad for a little kick!

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Tiger Roll

A fresh avocado is essential to a great tiger roll. Be sure to slice it into thick pieces, about ¼ of a medium one. The key is to use a perfectly ripe fruit—slightly soft when pressed, but not mushy. I buy mine hard and transfer them to the fridge when they ripen to make them last slower.

Another must-have is cucumber, which adds a nice crunch to the roll. If you are new to this, check out my guide on slicing cucumbers for sushi. My method removes the center portion, leaving only the crunchy outside. The variety used does not make a huge difference, but I typically go for Hot House cucumbers. I do not recommend substituting or omitting them unless your roll already contains other crunchy ingredients.

Sushi Rice, Nori & Spicy Mayo

The foundation of any sushi roll is sushi rice. It is prepared using medium grain rice, seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, giving it that distinctive taste and sticky texture. If possible, I strongly recommend using the proper type of rice rather than whatever you have on hand—other varieties like jasmine or basmati will not turn out the same. Be sure to follow my recipe for Simple Sushi Rice before you start. You will also find more information on locating proper ingredients there.

For wrapping, nori is the seaweed wrapping that holds together sushi rolls. Once opened, store any leftover nori in an airtight bag at room temperature with the air pressed out to maintain freshness. Packages vary in quantity and price, but after trying a variety of brands at different price points, I have been happy with all of them. No need to splurge on the expensive ones!

A Japanese grocery store will have the widest selection, but you can also find it in the Asian foods section of a large American grocery store or online if needed. Nori comes in sizes, so be sure to pick up full sheets (approximately 8″x7″), which can be cut down smaller if desired. You can read more about this in my How to Make Sushi Rolls guide.

Finally, to bring everything together, spicy mayo is a must! It is made with Japanese mayo and sriracha sauce. You can either pick up a bottle at an Asian grocery store or online, or make a homemade mix by combining 1 tablespoon of Japanese mayo with 1 teaspoon of sriracha sauce—the simplest way to add that spicy kick!

🍣 Tiger Roll (Sushi) Recipe 🎌

This Tiger Roll is a specialty sushi roll that combines the classic California roll—with crab salad, cucumber, and avocado—and tops it with butterflied shrimp and a drizzle of spicy mayo. It’s a delicious blend of Americanized and Japanese sushi flavors, making it a favorite for both beginners and seasoned sushi lovers!

✨ Ingredients

🌿 Inside the Roll:

✅ 1 full-size sheet of nori (cut smaller if desired)
✅ ¾ cup seasoned sushi rice
✅ ½ batch crab salad
✅ 3 avocado slices 🥑
✅ 2 cucumber strips 🥒

🍤 Outside the Roll:

✅ 5 to 7 pieces sushi ebi (cooked butterflied shrimp)
✅ Spicy mayo (optional, for topping) 🌶️

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Shrimp:

🐟 Remove the sushi ebi (butterflied shrimp) from the packaging and rinse gently.
🍤 Pat dry, then slice off the tails if desired.

2️⃣ Prepare the Nori & Rice:

🍚 Cover a nori sheet with a thin, even layer of sushi rice, spreading it to the edges.
🔄 Flip the nori so the rice is face-down on a bamboo-rolling mat wrapped in plastic wrap.

3️⃣ Add the Fillings:

🥢 Arrange the crab salad, avocado, and cucumber in a straight line, about 1 inch from the edge of the nori sheet.

4️⃣ Roll the Sushi:

🔄 Carefully roll it up using the bamboo mat, pressing firmly but gently to form a tight roll.

5️⃣ Top with Shrimp:

🍤 Arrange the butterflied shrimp in a single row along the top of the roll.
🔲 Use the plastic-wrapped rolling mat to press and shape the roll evenly.

6️⃣ Slice the Roll:

🔪 Place the roll on a cutting board and use your sharpest knife to slice it into 8 even pieces.
💦 Run the knife under water every 2–3 cuts to prevent sticking.

7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

🍽️ Plate the sushi beautifully, drizzle with spicy mayo (if desired), and serve immediately.

💡 Chef’s Tips & Notes

🔹 “Sushi Ebi” refers to cooked butterflied shrimp, perfect for sushi. Find them fresh, frozen at a Japanese grocery store, or online.
🔹 New to making sushi. 🏯 Check out the Sushi Beginner’s Guide for step-by-step help!
🔹 Want more sushi ideas. 🍣 Explore the Sushi Roll Index for exciting recipes!

🥢 Nutrition Facts

📌 Serving Size: 1 Roll
📌 Calories: 550 kcal

🎉 Enjoy your homemade Tiger Roll Sushi—a delightful balance of creamy, crunchy, and umami flavors! 🍣✨