The caterpillar roll is a popular and visually striking sushi creation, known for its distinctive appearance and appealing flavors. This non-traditional sushi roll has become a favorite in many sushi restaurants globally, celebrated for its unique combination of textures and tastes. Its charm lies not only in its delicious components but also in its artful presentation.
Key Characteristics and Core Ingredients
At its foundation, a caterpillar roll typically features unagi (freshwater eel) and cucumber, encased within sushi rice and a sheet of nori seaweed. The unagi, often grilled and brushed with a sweet eel sauce, contributes a rich, savory, and umami flavor profile to the roll. The crisp cucumber provides a refreshing textural contrast to the soft eel and rice.
The roll is an uramaki, meaning the rice is on the outside, a style commonly seen in many Westernized sushi rolls. Seasoned sushi rice, prepared with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, forms the outer layer, offering a slightly sweet and tangy base. The nori, a dried seaweed sheet, provides structural integrity and a subtle oceanic note, wrapping around the internal fillings.
Crafting the Caterpillar Appearance
The defining characteristic of the caterpillar roll is its topping of thinly sliced avocado, arranged to mimic a caterpillar’s segmented body. After the sushi roll is formed with the rice on the outside, ripe avocado halves are sliced lengthwise into very thin pieces, typically 1-2 millimeters thick. These delicate slices are then fanned out to cover the entire length of the roll, with each slice slightly overlapping the next.
This careful layering creates a visually appealing, striped pattern reminiscent of a caterpillar, which is the origin of the roll’s name. A bamboo sushi mat, often wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent sticking, is then used to gently press and mold the avocado onto the roll, ensuring it adheres well and maintains its shape. The plastic wrap also helps in cleanly slicing the roll into individual pieces without displacing the avocado. This arrangement gives the roll its iconic look and adds a creamy, buttery texture.
Common Variations and Enjoyment
While the traditional caterpillar roll typically features unagi and cucumber, variations often introduce different fillings. Some versions might include imitation crab or tempura shrimp, offering a different texture and flavor profile. For those preferring plant-based options, marinated tofu, grilled vegetables, or shiitake mushrooms can replace the eel.
The caterpillar roll is frequently served with a drizzle of sweet and savory eel sauce, also known as kabayaki sauce, which enhances the richness of the unagi and avocado. Additional garnishes like toasted sesame seeds can provide a nutty flavor and a slight crunch, while a zigzag of spicy mayonnaise might be added for a touch of heat. Occasionally, small chive stalks are placed at one end to resemble antennae, completing the caterpillar illusion.