Dragon Roll
A popular sushi roll, typically featuring shrimp tempura, cucumber, and avocado, often topped with eel sauce.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
The Dragon Roll, like many elaborate sushi rolls, is a product of the creative fusion sushi movement that emerged in the United States in the late 20th century. It adapts traditional Japanese sushi techniques and flavors to suit Western palates, often incorporating cooked ingredients and bolder flavors.
The Dragon Roll exemplifies the adaptation of sushi to Western tastes and its popularity reflects the global appeal of Japanese cuisine.
Fusion Cuisine
The Dragon Roll is a prime example of fusion cuisine, blending Japanese techniques with Western ingredients and flavor preferences.
Sushi Culture in the West
Its popularity highlights the evolution of sushi from a traditional Japanese dish to a widely enjoyed food item in Western cultures.
Visual Appeal
The Dragon Roll's presentation, resembling a dragon's scales with the avocado slices, is a significant factor in its appeal, emphasizing the importance of aesthetics in sushi.
The Dragon Roll boasts a complex flavor profile that balances sweet, savory, and umami notes with contrasting textures.
The sweet and savory unagi sauce (eel sauce) provides a rich, umami flavor, complemented by the creamy avocado. The crispy shrimp tempura adds a delightful crunch and savory seafood taste. Cucumber offers a refreshing, mild flavor and crispness, while the rice provides a subtle sweetness and acts as a base for all the other ingredients. The nori seaweed adds a subtle salty and oceanic taste.
Avocado Ripeness
Ensure the avocado is perfectly ripe for a smooth, creamy texture. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
Tempura Crispness
Maintain the tempura's crispness by assembling the roll just before serving. Avoid refrigerating the roll for extended periods.
Eel Sauce Application
Apply the eel sauce sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors. A light drizzle is sufficient.
Rice Temperature
Use sushi rice that is at room temperature or slightly warm. Cold rice can make the roll less appealing.
Explore additional Japanese dishes and restaurants
Explore JapaneseDiscover top dining spots and culinary experiences in Caledon.
Explore CaledonLearn more about the food culture, restaurant scene, and culinary heritage of Canada.
Explore Canada