Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with these cream cheese and crab sushi rolls. Perfect for a light lunch or an elegant appetizer, these rolls combine the creamy richness of cream cheese with the delicate taste of crab meat. The addition of fresh cucumber and avocado adds a refreshing crunch and smooth texture, making each bite a harmonious blend of taste and texture.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to visit a supermarket for a few specific ingredients. Nori sheets, which are dried seaweed, are essential for rolling the sushi. Sushi rice is another key ingredient; it's short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked, perfect for holding the roll together. Lastly, make sure to get fresh avocado and cucumber for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese and Crab Sushi Rolls
Sushi rice: Short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked, ideal for sushi rolls.
Nori: Dried seaweed sheets used to wrap the sushi rolls.
Crab meat: Can be imitation or real, providing a delicate seafood flavor.
Cream cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the sushi rolls.
Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy, cut into strips for easy rolling.
Avocado: Smooth and creamy, sliced to complement the other ingredients.
Technique Tip for Making Sushi Rolls
When spreading the sushi rice over the nori, wet your fingers with a mixture of water and a little rice vinegar to prevent the rice from sticking to your hands. This will help you achieve an even layer without tearing the seaweed.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone: Mascarpone has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative to cream cheese in sushi rolls.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy and creamy element, though it may be slightly less firm than cream cheese.
crab meat - Substitute with shrimp: Cooked and chopped shrimp can mimic the texture and flavor of crab meat in sushi rolls.
crab meat - Substitute with smoked salmon: Smoked salmon offers a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the sushi roll.
sushi rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a healthier, protein-rich alternative to sushi rice, though it will have a different texture.
sushi rice - Substitute with cauliflower rice: Cauliflower rice is a low-carb option that can be used in place of sushi rice, though it will have a different flavor and texture.
nori - Substitute with soy paper: Soy paper is a milder-tasting alternative to nori and can be used to wrap sushi rolls.
nori - Substitute with rice paper: Rice paper can be used as a gluten-free alternative to nori, though it will have a different texture and appearance.
cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini strips can provide a similar crunch and mild flavor to cucumber in sushi rolls.
cucumber - Substitute with carrot: Thinly sliced carrot can add a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor as a substitute for cucumber.
avocado - Substitute with mango: Mango slices can add a sweet and creamy element similar to avocado, though with a different flavor profile.
avocado - Substitute with hummus: Hummus can provide a creamy texture and rich flavor as a substitute for avocado in sushi rolls.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How To Store or Freeze Your Sushi Rolls
- Allow the sushi rolls to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the nori soggy.
- Wrap each sushi roll tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent exposure to air.
- Place the wrapped sushi rolls in an airtight container. This extra layer of protection helps keep the sushi from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the sushi within 24 hours. For optimal taste and texture, it's best to enjoy sushi fresh.
- If you need to store the sushi for a longer period, consider freezing. Place the wrapped sushi rolls in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the bag with the date to keep track of storage time. Frozen sushi is best consumed within one month for the best quality.
- When ready to eat, thaw the sushi rolls in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Avoid using a microwave as it can alter the texture of the rice and nori.
- Once thawed, consume the sushi immediately. Do not refreeze as this can compromise both flavor and safety.
- For an extra touch, serve the sushi with fresh soy sauce, pickled ginger, and a dab of wasabi to enhance the flavors.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the sushi rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain the texture of the nori and sushi rice.
Steaming Method: Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a steamer basket over the pot and line it with parchment paper. Arrange the sushi rolls in the basket, making sure they don't touch the water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the crab meat and cream cheese moist and tender.
Microwave Method: Place the sushi rolls on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat, as the cream cheese can become too soft and the nori might get chewy.
Pan Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly spray or brush the skillet with olive oil. Place the sushi rolls in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, turning gently. This method can give a slightly crispy texture to the nori while keeping the inside warm.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the sushi rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly. This method can add a slight crisp to the nori while keeping the crab meat and cream cheese intact.
Essential Tools for Making Sushi Rolls
Sushi mat: A bamboo mat used to roll the sushi tightly and evenly.
Sharp knife: Essential for slicing the sushi rolls into bite-sized pieces without squishing them.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients and slicing the sushi rolls.
Rice paddle: Helps in spreading the sushi rice evenly over the nori sheets.
Mixing bowl: Used to hold and mix the cooked sushi rice with any seasonings.
Plastic wrap: Can be used to cover the sushi mat to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like sushi rice.
Small bowl of water: Useful for wetting your fingers to prevent the rice from sticking to your hands while spreading it on the nori.
How to Save Time on Making Sushi Rolls
Prepare ingredients in advance: Have all crab meat, cream cheese, cucumber, and avocado prepped and ready before you start assembling.
Use a rice cooker: Cook your sushi rice in a rice cooker to save time and ensure perfect consistency.
Keep tools handy: Have your sushi mat and a sharp knife within reach to streamline the rolling process.
Practice rolling: The more you practice, the faster and more efficient you'll become at rolling the sushi tightly.
Cut in one motion: Use a sharp knife and cut the sushi rolls in one clean motion to avoid squishing.

Cream Cheese and Crab Sushi Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Sushi rice cooked and cooled
- 4 sheets Nori seaweed sheets
- 8 oz Crab meat imitation or real
- 4 oz Cream cheese cut into strips
- 1 cucumber Cucumber cut into strips
- 1 avocado Avocado sliced
Instructions
- 1. Lay a sheet of nori on the sushi mat.
- 2. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- 3. Place strips of crab meat, cream cheese, cucumber, and avocado along the bottom edge of the nori.
- 4. Roll the sushi tightly using the mat, applying gentle pressure.
- 5. Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife.
- 6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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