This Godzilla Roll is a specialty sushi roll with shrimp tempura and spicy crab salad on the inside, topped with avocado and chili crisp. The name "Godzilla Roll" is not standardized, so while you may see it on the menu at lots of sushi restaurants, it's often a different roll at each one. This is my version of a Godzilla roll, and it may be different from what you've tried in the past. Check out my Sushi Roll Index to see all the sushi roll recipes on the site.
If you're new to making sushi, please see the Sushi Beginner's Guide before getting started! This includes guides to all the basics, FAQ, and how to source ingredients. This site focuses on Americanized/Westernized sushi, check out the Types of Sushi page to learn more!
FAQ
What's in a Godzilla roll?
The name "Godzilla Roll" is not standardized for sushi, so different restaurants prepare "Godzilla Rolls" different ways. Common features of Godzilla Rolls are avocado (for the green color), something fried (sometimes the whole roll), and generally a large size. This recipe has fried shrimp tempura, spicy crab salad, avocado, and chili crisp.
How many calories are in a Godzilla Roll?
Because Godzilla Rolls are not standardized, the calorie count will vary quite a bit depending on the restaurant. This recipe has about 685 calories per Godzilla Roll.
Ingredients & Substitutions - Godzilla Roll Sushi
Don't forget to check out the guides on Buying Fish For Sushi and Buying Other Ingredients for Sushi if you're not sure where to find what you need! I include online product links for reference, but it's typically much cheaper to purchase these items locally, so check out your local options!
Shrimp Tempura
- You can purchase premade frozen shrimp tempura from an Asian grocery store or Trader Joe's.
- If preparing from frozen, follow the package instructions to heat in an oven, air fryer, toaster oven, or deep fryer. (I typically prepare frozen shrimp tempura in an air fryer)
- Allow the shrimp tempura to cool down for a few minutes before placing in the roll.
- If desired, cut the tails off of the shrimp before placing in the roll.
- Shrimp tempura can be made from scratch at home, but I don't have a guide to that at this time.
Spicy Crab Salad
- You can find my recipe for spicy crab salad here! It contains imitation crab stick, Japanese mayo, Sriracha, lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce.
- Click the link above to learn more about imitation crab stick, but it's important to note that it's more than just "fake crab". Also note, imitation crab is a cooked product, so this does not contain raw seafood.
Avocado Roll Topping
- Click here for a guide to making an avocado topping for sushi rolls!
- This topping is made using ½ of a medium-sized avocado.
- Make sure you're using a ripe (but not over ripe) avocado. I recommend picking up a hard avocado a few days prior to making sushi. You can allow the avocado to ripen on your counter, then transfer it to the refrigerator when it is perfectly ripe (this significantly slows down the ripening process).
Chili Crisp
- This is a mixture of chili oil, crunchy garlic & peppers, and sometimes additional crunchy items such as sliced almonds. An incredible topping to have on hand for sushi!
- You can pick up a jar at an Asian grocery store or online (link).
Sushi rice
- Sushi rice is prepared, medium grain rice that is seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. The seasoning added to the rice is what give it the distinctive taste and sticky texture.
- If possible, I strongly recommend picking up the proper kind of rice rather than using whatever rice you have on hand. Other varieties of rice (jasmine, basmati, etc.) will not turn out the same.
- Follow my recipe for Simple Sushi Rice before you begin making your sushi. You can find more information there on locating the proper ingredients.
Nori
- Nori is the seaweed wrapping used to hold together sushi rolls. After opening, store leftover nori sheets in an airtight bag at room temp with all the air pressed out to maintain freshness.
- Packages of nori vary a lot in quantity and price. I've tried out a variety of brands at different price points and have been happy with all of them. I don't think you need to splurge on the more expensive brands.
- A Japanese grocery store will have the widest selection of nori. You may be able to find nori in the "Asian foods" section of a large American grocery store, but you can also find nori online if needed.
- Nori comes in a variety of sizes, so make sure you pick up full sheets (approximately 8"x7"). These sheets can be cut down smaller when making rolls (if desired). You can read more about this in the How to Make Sushi Rolls post.
Godzilla Roll (Sushi)
Ingredients
- 1 full size sheet of nori cut smaller if desired
- ~¾ cup prepared, seasoned sushi rice
Inside Roll
- 2 prepared shrimp tempura tails removed if desired
- ½ batch spicy crab salad
Outside Roll
- ½ avocado, prepared as roll topping click for guide
- chili crisp
Instructions
- Cover the sheet of nori in a thin even layer of rice, filling all the way out to the edges. (click for guide)
- Flip the sheet of nori over so the rice is face down on a bamboo rolling mat that is wrapped in plastic. (click for guide)
- Arrange the fillings (shrimp tempura and spicy crab salad) in even lines, 1 inch from the edge along the longer side of the nori sheet. (click for guide)
- Carefully and tightly roll up the roll. (click for guide)
- Thinly slice the avocado and spread it out so it spans the entire length of the roll. Place the avocado on top of the roll. (click for guide)
- Place the plastic-wrapped rolling mat over the top of the roll and press the roll into a consistent shape. (click for guide)
- Place the roll on a cutting board and grab your sharpest knife. Optionally, cover the roll with plastic cling wrap to help it stay together as you slice. Run the knife under water for a second, then shake off any excess. Cut the roll into 8 equal pieces using a gentile sawing motion with the knife, running the knife under the water between every 2-3 cuts to prevent sticking. (click for guide)
- Plate the roll on your serving dish. Top each piece with a little bit of chili crisp. (click for guide)
Notes
Nutrition
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