How to Make the Thriller Roll from Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Sushi lovers are always on the lookout for delicious and unique rolls, and the Thriller Roll from Blue Sushi Sake Grill is one that stands out. This specialty roll is known for its bold flavors, crispy texture, and spicy kick, making it a favorite among sushi enthusiasts. It features a delightful combination of crispy tempura shrimp, creamy avocado, and a spicy crab mix topping, finished with flavorful sauces and crunchy tempura flakes.

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this sushi masterpiece at home, you’re in the right place! In this article, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making a homemade Thriller Roll that tastes just like the one from Blue Sushi Sake Grill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the preparation, let’s take a look at the ingredients required to make this sushi roll.

For the Sushi Roll:

• 1 cup sushi rice – Cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
• 1 sheet nori (seaweed) – Essential for rolling the sushi.
• 3 oz spicy crab mix – A blend of imitation crab and spicy mayo.
• 2-3 pieces shrimp tempura – Adds crunch and flavor.
• ½ avocado (sliced) – Provides creaminess.
• 1 oz cream cheese (optional) – Enhances the texture.
• 1-2 tbsp spicy mayo – Adds heat and creaminess.
• 1 tbsp eel sauce – Provides a sweet and savory balance.

For the Tempura Batter (For Shrimp Tempura):

• ½ cup all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the batter.
• ½ cup cornstarch – Makes the batter extra crispy.
• 1 egg – Helps bind the ingredients.
• ½ cup ice-cold water – Ensures a light and airy batter.

For Toppings & Garnish:

• 2 tbsp spicy crab mix – Used as an additional topping.
• Crispy tempura flakes – Adds crunch.
• 1 tbsp sriracha – Enhances the spiciness.
• Thinly sliced green onions – Adds freshness.
• Black sesame seeds – Provides a slight nutty flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Sushi rice is the foundation of a great roll, so getting it right is crucial.

How to Cook Sushi Rice:

1. Rinse the rice: Wash 1 cup of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from being too sticky.
2. Cook the rice: Use a rice cooker or stovetop method to cook the rice. Follow the instructions on the package for the best results.
3. Season the rice: Once cooked, mix the rice with 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt while it’s still warm. Let it cool to room temperature before using.

Step 2: Prepare the Tempura Shrimp

The crispy shrimp tempura is one of the main ingredients in the Thriller Roll.

How to Make Shrimp Tempura:

1. Prepare the batter: In a bowl, mix ½ cup flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 egg, and ½ cup ice-cold water. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
2. Coat the shrimp: Dip 2-3 large shrimp into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Fry until crispy: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Crab Mi

The spicy crab mix is what gives the Thriller Roll its signature flavor.

How to Make Spicy Crab Mix:

1. Shred imitation crab: Use a fork to separate 3 oz of imitation crab meat into thin strips.
2. Mix with sauce: Add 2 tbsp spicy mayo (a mix of mayonnaise and sriracha) and combine well.

For extra flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon juice or a dash of garlic powder.

Step 4: Assemble the Thriller Roll

Now comes the fun part—rolling the sushi!

How to Roll Sushi:

1. Place the nori on a bamboo mat: Lay a sheet of nori (seaweed) shiny side down on a bamboo sushi rolling mat.
2. Spread the rice: Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then spread an even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about ½ inch uncovered at the top.
3. Add the fillings:
   • Place shrimp tempura in the center.
   • Add avocado slices and cream cheese (optional).
4. Roll the sushi:
   • Use the bamboo mat to roll the sushi tightly, applying gentle pressure.
   • Seal the edge by dampening it with a bit of water.

Step 5: Add the Spicy Crab Topping

How to Top the Sushi Roll:

1. Spread spicy crab mix on top: Use a spoon to spread extra spicy crab mix evenly over the roll.
2. Torch or broil for a charred effect (optional): Lightly torch the topping or broil it for 30-45 seconds for a smoky flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Now it’s time to elevate the Thriller Roll with garnishes.

Final Touches:

• Drizzle spicy mayo and eel sauce over the roll.
• Sprinkle crispy tempura flakes for crunch.
• Add thinly sliced green onions and black sesame seeds for garnish.

How to Slice the Roll:

• Use a sharp, wet knife to slice the sushi into 6-8 equal pieces.
• Clean the knife between cuts for perfect slices.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Place the sliced Thriller Roll on a serving plate and pair it with:

• Soy sauce (for dipping)
• Pickled ginger (to cleanse the palate)
• Wasabi (for an extra kick)

Pro Tips for Making Sushi at Home

1. Use the right rice: Short-grain sushi rice works best for sushi rolls.
2. Keep your hands wet: Prevent rice from sticking by wetting your hands with a mix of water and rice vinegar.
3. Roll tightly but gently: Apply enough pressure to hold the roll together without squishing the fillings.
4. Experiment with toppings: Try adding tobiko (fish roe), jalapeño slices, or a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet touch.

Conclusion

Making the Thriller Roll from Blue Sushi Sake Grill at home is easier than you think! With a few key ingredients and the right techniques, you can recreate this restaurant-quality sushi roll in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a sushi night or simply craving a delicious homemade roll, this recipe will impress your taste buds.