【Reading】すぱいだーろーる

【English Name】Spider Roll

The spider roll is a type of uramaki (inside-out roll) sushi starring deep-fried soft-shell crab (crab that has just molted and is soft). It is widely offered at sushi restaurants in North America and has become established as one of the rolls representative of American sushi.

The name derives from the fact that the shape of the crab legs protruding from both ends of the roll resembles a spider's legs. In addition to soft-shell crab, the ingredients include vegetables such as cucumber, avocado, lettuce, and kaiware daikon (radish sprouts), and spicy mayonnaise or eel sauce is often added. It is made in the uramaki style with vinegared rice on the outside, and it is common to sprinkle tobiko or sesame on the outside.

Because soft-shell crab can be eaten shell and all, one can enjoy the crispy texture of the batter and the sweet flavor of the crab. Frying in tempura batter is the mainstream, and it is characterized by the contrast with the freshness of the vegetables. It is sometimes offered at creative sushi restaurants and conveyor-belt sushi chains within Japan as well.