Homemade Tempura Roll

Cookinero 25 Jan 2026

810

Batter for rolls (or tempura) did not appear in Japan, as many thought. On the contrary, Japanese masters spied on the technology from the Portuguese when they came to Nagasaki. The name "tempura" comes from the Latin tempora - "times". This is what Portuguese missionaries called the period of fasting. During these days, Catholics replaced meat with fish and vegetables, which were often fried in batter. It is quite easy to make tempura rolls at home if you follow the step-by-step recipe.

How to cook Homemade Tempura Roll

Step 1

Cook the sushi rice. Pour the rice into a saucepan and add 225 ml of water. Put on high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook the rice under the lid for another 15 minutes. When the liquid has evaporated, turn off the stove. Leave the cereal to steep for 10 minutes.

Step 2

While the rice is steeping, prepare the dressing. Mix rice vinegar, sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt in a saucepan. Heat well until the sugar and salt dissolve. Pour the dressing into the cooked rice and stir with a wooden spatula.

Step 3

Roll the tempura rolls. Place a sheet of nori with the shiny side down on a mat covered with cling film. Put rice on top, but leave 2/3 of the nori empty. Put cream cheese and crab sticks on the rice. Form a roll.

Step 4

Prepare the batter. Add the remaining water and 1 teaspoon of salt to the bowl, stir until the crystals are completely dissolved. Gradually add flour to the salted liquid and knead the dough. The batter should have the consistency of thick sour cream.

Step 5

Prepare tempura rolls. Dip the finished "sausage" in batter, then roll in breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or deep fryer until boiling. Fry the rolls in it for about 40 seconds. Cool before serving and cut into portions.