Best Classic Sushi Rolls 2022

When you think of typical Japanese food, sushi rolls come to mind. A sushi roll is sushi rice wrapped with nori, with fish, shrimp, or crab rolled together. There are different kinds of sushi rolls. However, the four main types are Nigiri (rolled using raw fish), Maki, Uramaki (rolled inside out), and Temaki.

Many love this bite-size appetizer and can’t get enough of it. Do you want to know the best sushi rolls? Please scroll down and check them out. You’ll want to order them before you get hunger pangs!

Top Favorite Sushi Rolls of 2022

Photo Credit: Vinicius Benedit

Philadelphia Roll

Ingredients:  Smoked salmon, avocado, cream cheese

Smoked salmon, avocado, and cream cheese are the ingredients in the Philadelphia roll. 

Known as the ‘Philly’ roll, cream cheese is very much evident in this sushi roll. It resembles the California roll but uses salmon instead of imitation crab meat. Cucumber is added sometimes. 

Cream cheese is high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Some opt to use low-fat cream cheese. Still, indulge in moderation.  

Alaska Roll

Ingredients:  fresh salmon, avocado, cucumber, and asparagus.

The Alaska roll, on the other hand, uses avocado, fresh salmon, cucumber, and asparagus. Asparagus is optional. However, the avocado and salmon are rolled ‘inside out. Afterward, it is rolled in panko bread for that ‘crunch . With ingredients accessible at most grocery stores, you can make this roll anytime!

King Crab Roll

Ingredients:  King Crab, mayonnaise

Attention crab sushi lovers- this one is made especially for you! With this sushi roll, get nothing less than the ‘royal’ treatment – sample King crab meat in every bite! King crab roll is a type of makizushi roll where it is rolled inside out. 

The sushi roll is perfect for those not fond of eating raw fish. The crab meat is cooked and safe to eat! Like salmon, crab is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a good source of protein.

Boston Roll

Ingredients:  shrimp, avocado, cucumber.

Who doesn’t love shrimp? Shrimp is often served as a cocktail appetizer and main course. Shrimp reigns supreme in this delicious Boston roll! The yummy sushi roll consists of poached shrimp, avocado, and cucumber. 

Boston Roll is a maki sushi rolled in nori sheet and sushi rice. The Boston sushi roll is like the California sushi but with a thinner rice layer. Once rolled, Tobiko or Roe is added to make it crunchier and attractive. Shrimp fans would love to have tons of shrimp in these much-adored sushi rolls!

Dragon Roll

Ingredients:  Eel, crab sticks or shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, and eel sauce.

Formidable as it sounds, the Dragon Roll has earned its spot in our top favorite sushi rolls. Dragon Roll is an explosive mix of freshwater eel (unagi), crab sticks, avocado, cucumber, and eel sauce. Additionally, the sushi roll is topped or coated with Masago (Smelt Roe).

The well-loved sushi roll is ‘designed’ to be a dragon. As such, the eel, cucumber, and thin slices of avocado should resemble the dragon’s scales. Dragon rolls are packed with protein,  vitamins, and calcium. Have platefuls with friends, and you won’t regret it. 

Rainbow Roll

Ingredients:  Imitation crab, avocado, cucumber, tuna, salmon, shrimp, and yellowtail

Color add ‘drama’ and makes food highly appealing to the eye. Rainbow Roll will never be short of color or taste. It is an edible rainbow on a plate. Undoubtedly, the Rainbow Roll is the most colorful of all sushi rolls! Imitation crab, cucumber, avocado, shrimp, salmon, or tuna are rolled with nori and sushi rice. Additionally, the roll is topped with raw fish to make it eye-catching. Not only is this roll easy on the eye, but it is delicious too!

Spicy Tuna Roll

Ingredients:  Tuna, spicy mayonnaise.

Do you love a bit of heat in your food? You’re on the right track with Spicy Tuna Roll. Fresh tuna and spicy mayonnaise are a match made in spice heaven. Some chefs prepare this spicy roll by adding shichimi togarashi. Shichimi togarasjo is a mix of red chili pepper, Japanese pepper,  orange peel, sesame seeds, ginger, and seaweed to season the tuna. 

For those not fond of raw tuna, you can substitute it with cooked or flaked tuna. So, enjoy as much as you like! Wolf down some miso soup and eat some Kane salad too!

California Roll

Ingredients:   Imitation crab, avocado, cucumber.

California Roll is one of the most famous sushi rolls in the country. Every bite contains crab meat (imitation), cucumber, and avocado. Imitation crab meat is made of white fish to resemble the crab legs.  

California roll is an ‘inside-out sushi roll. Crab meat, avocado, and cucumber are rolled together with a nori sheet but with sushi rice at the outer layer. Additionally, toasted sesame seeds or roe are sprinkled on the outside. 

Incidentally, the roll was named ‘California’ because ‘Crab’ and ‘Avocado’ is short for C.A.. C.A. is the acronym of California. California sushi rolls are an excellent source of fiber and protein. 

Spider Roll

Ingredients:  tempura soft-shell crab, avocado, cucumber, and spicy mayo

Likened to be a  spicy ‘cousin’ of the California Roll, the spider roll is considered a classic sushi roll. No doubt, spider sushi rolls are a crowd favorite.  

It has tempura crab meat, cucumber, and avocado. It also has spicy mayonnaise and bits of lettuce rolled together with sushi rice on a nori sheet.

What is in sushi rolls?

Sushi rolls have sushi rice,  sushi vinegar, and nori. Additionally, they have ‘fixings’ like crab meat and tuna. It can come in the form of shrimp too and imitation crab. 

On top of that, avocado, gobo (burdock root),  cucumber, and carrot are great vegetables. Other sushi ingredients you may find include cream cheese, caviar, egg roulade, scallions, sesame seeds, and mushrooms.

To go with the rolls,  there are condiments such as dipping sauces, wasabi, and soy sauce.

And to clean one’s palate between bites,  “sushi ginger” and green tea are great options. 

Are sushi rolls healthy? 

Many  Americans love eating sushi rolls. They are rich in several vitamins, minerals, and health-promoting compounds.

However, some sushi rolls contain refined carbs, salt, and unhealthy fats.  

They can make a great addition to a balanced diet.

Here are some helpful tips for enjoying the health benefits of sushi. 

• Check out sushi rolls made with brown rice over those made with white rice.
• Have more protein and fiber content in your meal. Accompany your sushi with edamame, wakame salad, miso soup, or sashimi.
• Eat everything in moderation. Rolls with cream cheese and other sauces are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. 
• If you like something crunchy, have vegetable sticks and salad greens. 
• Cut down on soy sauce. If you are salt-sensitive, avoid soy sauce or only lightly dip your sushi in it.

Conclusion

Each sushi roll that made it to our list is unique and delectable. Do you have a hard time choosing? We suggest you sample each variety. Bring out those chopsticks and share the best sushi rolls with your best buddies! Have a rollin’ good time!