The Sushi Roku Special Roll features fresh tuna, avocado, and cucumber rolled in seasoned sushi rice and nori, topped with spicy mayo and crunchy tempura flakes, delivering a harmonious blend of creamy, spicy, and crispy flavors.
Equipments
- Bamboo sushi rolling mat (makisu)
- Sharp chef’s knife or sushi knife
- Cutting board
- Rice paddle (shamoji)
- Bowl of water (for wetting hands)
- Small spoon or squeeze bottle (for spicy mayo)
- Mixing bowl (for sushi rice seasoning)
- Plastic wrap (optional, for rolling)
- Measuring cup
- Tray or plate (for assembly)
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) fresh tuna, sashimi-grade
- 1 avocado
- 1 cucumber
- 2 cups seasoned sushi rice
- 4 sheets nori
- Spicy mayo
- Tempura flakes
Ensure the tuna you select is sashimi-grade to guarantee freshness and safety for raw consumption. Use ripe avocado to add a creamy texture that complements the crisp cucumber and seasoned sushi rice. Prepare spicy mayo with care, balancing heat and flavor to enhance the roll without overpowering it. Tempura flakes provide a crunchy contrast, so add them just before serving to maintain their texture. Your Sushi Roku Special Roll will deliver a perfect harmony of creamy, spicy, and crispy flavors, just like the original from Sushi Roku's menu.
Instructions
- Prepare seasoned sushi rice in a mixing bowl.
- Slice tuna into thin strips.
- Slice avocado.
- Julienne cucumber.
- Place bamboo sushi rolling mat on the cutting board and cover with plastic wrap (optional).
- Lay 1 sheet of nori, shiny side down, on the mat.
- Moisten hands in bowl of water.
- Evenly spread ½ cup of seasoned sushi rice onto the nori, leaving 1 inch uncovered at the top.
- Arrange tuna, avocado, and cucumber horizontally along the bottom third of the rice-covered nori.
- Gently lift the edge of the mat and roll the sushi tightly over the filling.
- Press and shape the roll as you go, peeling the mat away to keep it from rolling in.
- Remove the roll and use a sharp knife to slice into bite-size pieces, wetting the blade between cuts.
- Arrange pieces on tray or plate.
- Drizzle spicy mayo on top using a small spoon or squeeze bottle.
- Sprinkle tempura flakes over the roll.
- Repeat for remaining ingredients.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Sushi Roku Special Roll from the Sushi Roku copycat menu combines fresh tuna, avocado, cucumber, sushi rice, and nori with spicy mayo and tempura flakes for a vibrant taste experience. If fresh tuna is unavailable or you prefer a milder option, you can substitute it with cooked shrimp or cooked crab meat without compromising texture. When rolling, using plastic wrap on the bamboo mat can help prevent sticking and make the rolling process smoother. If spicy mayo is not at hand, mixing mayonnaise with a bit of sriracha or chili paste can serve as an excellent alternative. Keep your hands wet while handling sushi rice to prevent sticking, ensuring neat and manageable rolls.
Tips
Use sashimi-grade tuna to ensure freshness and safety when consuming raw fish in your Sushi Roku Special Roll. Keeping your hands moistened with water prevents sushi rice from sticking, making it easier to spread evenly on the nori. A sharp sushi knife is essential for cleanly slicing rolls into bite-size pieces without crushing the ingredients. Applying gentle, even pressure while rolling helps maintain the roll's shape and ensures the filling stays tightly packed.
Nutritions
The Sushi Roku Special Roll offers a balanced combination of lean protein from sashimi-grade tuna and heart-healthy fats found in avocado. The seasoned sushi rice provides carbohydrates for energy, while cucumber adds fiber and hydration with its high water content. Spicy mayo adds flavor but also contributes additional fats and calories, so moderating its use can help maintain a nutritious profile. Crunchy tempura flakes provide texture but may increase fat content, which you can adjust based on your dietary needs.
Storage
Store the Sushi Roku Special Roll in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the nori from becoming soggy. Keep the roll refrigerated at around 40degF (4degC) and consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and safety. Your spicy mayo and tempura flakes should be stored separately and added just before serving to maintain their texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute fresh salmon or yellowtail for the tuna to create a different flavor profile while maintaining sashimi-grade quality for best texture. Swap tempura flakes with toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried onions to add a unique crunch element. Instead of spicy mayo, try a wasabi aioli or eel sauce drizzle to enhance the roll's taste with complementary spicy or savory notes. For a lighter option, prepare the roll as an inside-out roll (uramaki) by placing the rice on the outside and the nori inside.
Allergies
Your Sushi Roku Special Roll contains ingredients known to trigger allergies, including seafood (fresh tuna) and eggs, which are common allergens found in spicy mayo. Avocado and cucumber can also cause reactions in sensitive individuals, although they are less common allergens. If you have known allergies to fish, eggs, or gluten (which may be present in tempura flakes), it's important to avoid this dish or consult with your provider before consumption.
Why this recipe?
Sushi Roku Special Roll is celebrated for its harmonious blend of fresh, high-quality ingredients like premium-grade tuna, avocado, and spicy mayo that create a unique flavor profile. This roll offers a perfect balance of textures, combining creamy, crisp, and tender elements that delight the palate. You'll appreciate the attention to detail in its preparation, making it a worthwhile challenge to recreate at home for authentic taste and presentation. Attempting a copycat version lets you enjoy a gourmet experience while customizing flavors to suit your preferences.