How to Make the Best Philadelphia Sushi Roll at Home

A Philadelphia sushi roll is a great appetizer or dinner roll. It can be crunchy or creamy and made exactly to your tastes.

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As with any recipe, you’ll want to make sure to get the best ingredients and have the correct equipment. We can find most of the ingredients at our regular grocery stores around here. We have found that the only place to get seaweed sheets is at HEB. Another great option for ingredients is to check for grocery delivery. That’s one of the only ways we can get our sushi rice sometimes. 

For step-by-step instructions for cooking the perfect sushi rice in the instant pot or rice cooker, view THIS POST. You’ll need sushi rice, rice vinegar, sugar, water, and salt. The rice cooks while you make a vinegar mixture to add to it at the end.

Philadelphia rolls can be made with either cucumbers or avocado. Personally, I prefer avocados because I am not a fan of cucumbers. But it depends on whether you want it to have a softer texture or a crunchy texture. Another option is to turn it into a salmon roll and substitute smoked salmon for imitation crab. 

My favorite part of this delicious sushi roll is being able to make a great appetizer with minimal ingredients. There are so many different ways to make sushi rolls, and it’s great to be able to customize them to your tastes. I have even used vegan cream cheese in sushi rolls when we are trying to make them dairy free. 

What is a Crab and Cream Cheese Sushi Roll?

A crab and cream cheese sushi roll is a popular variation of the Philadelphia roll that combines imitation crab or real crab meat with smooth cream cheese, sushi rice, and nori seaweed. The balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors makes it a beginner-friendly roll and a favorite for sushi lovers who enjoy a mild taste. Often compared to a California roll with added richness, this roll is perfect for introducing sushi to those who are new to it.

Ingredients You Need for a Crab and Cream Cheese Roll

To make this roll at home, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Sushi rice seasoned with rice vinegar provides the sticky base that holds the roll together. Nori sheets create a crisp outer layer. The filling comes from cream cheese cut into strips and crab, which can be either imitation crab sticks or fresh lump crab meat for a richer flavor. Many people also like to add cucumber or avocado for extra crunch and creaminess. Sesame seeds can be sprinkled on the outside for a finishing touch.

Tips for the Best Sushi Rice

The key to a successful crab and cream cheese sushi roll is perfectly prepared rice. Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. After cooking, mix it with a blend of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt while it is still warm. Allow the rice to cool slightly before using, as hot rice can make the nori soggy. Properly seasoned rice enhances the flavor and texture of the roll.

Variations You Can Try

This roll can be customized with different ingredients to suit your preferences. Swap imitation crab for real crab meat for a more authentic seafood flavor. Add smoked salmon alongside the crab and cream cheese for a twist on the Philadelphia roll. For extra texture, roll the outside in panko breadcrumbs and lightly fry it for a crunchy version often called a tempura sushi roll. A drizzle of spicy mayo or eel sauce on top can also elevate the flavor.

How to Serve Crab and Cream Cheese Sushi Rolls

Once sliced, arrange the rolls neatly on a serving platter. Serve with small dishes of soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi. Many people also enjoy adding a dipping sauce like spicy mayo for a creamy kick. For presentation, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions over the rolls. This makes the sushi not only taste delicious but also look beautiful on the plate.

Philadelphia Sushi Roll Step by Step

Ingredients

• 1 piece seaweed (or nori sheet)
• 1/2 cup sushi rice (prepared)
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• 2 oz smoked or raw salmon (or imitation crab meat)
• 1 oz cream cheese, sliced

Preparation

Lay a seaweed sheet on a sushi mat or bamboo sushi mat with the shiny side up. Use a rice paddle to spread the prepared sushi rice in an even layer on top of the nori sheet until close to the edges.

Lay the sliced avocado in a single layer in a straight line at one edge of the nori wraps. Add the salmon or crab on top of the avocado. Place slices of cream cheese on top of the raw fish.

Carefully use the bamboo mat to roll the sushi. Use a very sharp knife to slowly cut through the sheet of nori into slices the sushi into pieces about 1/2 inch thick. Serve immediately with a side of soy sauce, wasabi, or Japanese mayonnaise.

Philadelphia Sushi Roll Leftovers

Storage: If you have leftovers, wrap the sushi tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best taste and texture, enjoy within 24 hours. The rice may harden slightly in the fridge, but a short rest at room temperature can help bring back some of the softness. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the rice and cream cheese does not hold up well.

Recipe

Philadelphia Sushi Roll

A Philadelphia sushi roll is a great appetizer or dinner roll. It can be crunchy or creamy and made exactly to your tastes.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Course:

Appetizer

|

Main Dish

Cuisine:

American

Keyword:

avocado

|

crab

|

cream cheese

|

homemade sushi

|

imitation crab

|

philadelphia roll

|

rice

|

salmon

|

sushi

|

sushi roll

Dietary Needs:

Egg-Free

|

Nut-Free

Meat:

Seafood

Servings: 12 pieces

4.80 from 5 votes

Ingredients

• 1 piece seaweed (or nori sheet)
• 1/2 cup sushi rice (prepared)
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• 2 oz smoked or raw salmon (or imitation crab meat)
• 1 oz cream cheese (sliced)

Recommended Equipment

• Bamboo Mat

Instructions

• Lay a seaweed sheet on a sushi mat or bamboo sushi mat with the shiny side up
• Use a rice paddle to spread the prepared sushi rice in an even layer on top of the nori sheet until close to the edges
• Lay the sliced avocado in a single layer in a straight line at one edge of the nori wraps
• Add the salmon or crab on top of the avocado
• Place slices of cream cheese on top of the raw fish
• Carefully use the bamboo mat to roll the sushi
• Use a very sharp knife to slowly cut through the sheet of nori into slices the sushi into pieces about 1/2 inch thick
• Serve immediately with a side of soy sauce, wasabi, or Japanese mayonnaise

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Nutrition Facts

Philadelphia Sushi Roll

Amount Per Serving (1 piece)

Calories 69 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Fat 4g6%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 3mg1%

Sodium 47mg2%

Potassium 99mg3%

Carbohydrates 8g3%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 0.2g0%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 61IU1%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 6mg1%

Iron 0.3mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

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