Spicy Kani Roll | Spicy Crab Roll Recipe
This Spicy Kani Roll, also known as Spicy Crab Roll, combines perfectly seasoned sushi rice with a creamy, spicy crab mixture wrapped in nori seaweed. Featuring a delightful balance of heat from sriracha, creaminess from mayonnaise, and the umami flavors of seasoned rice vinegar, this sushi roll is an adventurous and satisfying homemade treat. Ideal for sushi lovers who want to try making their own rolls at home using fresh ingredients and the convenience of an Instant Pot to cook the rice perfectly every time.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6 pieces (1 sushi roll cut into 6 segments) 1x
- Category: Rolls
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Japanese
Sushi Rice
- 1 cup small or medium grain white rice
- 1 cup + 1 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
Roll Ingredients
- 1 sheet nori (seaweed paper)
- ⅓ cup imitation crab meat (surimi, krab, crab sticks, or kamaboko)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha
Optional Garnishes and Sauces
- Pickled ginger (optional)
- Wasabi (optional)
- Spicy sriracha mayo
- Bang bang sauce
- Eel sauce
- White or black sesame seeds
- Prepare Sushi Rice: Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Shake off any excess water.
- Cook Rice in Instant Pot: Add the rinsed rice, 1 tsp salt, and 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of water to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for best texture.
- Season the Rice: Transfer the cooked rice to a bowl and evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons of seasoned rice vinegar over it. Gently fold the rice using a cutting motion to evenly incorporate the vinegar without smashing the grains. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
- Make Spicy Kani Crab Mix: Shred the imitation crab meat finely. In a bowl, combine shredded crab with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of sriracha to form a creamy, spicy mixture. Adjust sriracha depending on heat preference.
- Prepare Rolling Mat: Cover a bamboo sushi rolling mat with plastic wrap to prevent sticking and easier cleanup.
- Assemble the Roll: Place one sheet of nori shiny side down on the mat. Dip your hands in water and gently spread approximately 1 cup of the prepared sushi rice evenly over the nori, covering the entire surface without gaps.
- Add Filling: Flip the nori over so the rice side is down. Arrange a strip of the spicy crab mixture about one inch from the bottom edge of the nori sheet. Avoid overfilling to ensure a neat roll.
- Roll the Sushi: Using the bamboo mat, lift the edge closest to you and fold it tightly over the filling. Continue rolling forward, tucking the filling and compressing the roll firmly but gently. Pull back the mat as you roll to tighten and shape the sushi into a compact cylinder with the nori on the outside and rice inside.
- Slice the Roll: Using a very sharp knife, slice the roll in half. Wipe the knife blade with a wet towel between cuts to prevent sticking. Then, cut each half into three equal segments, forming six pieces total.
- Serve: Arrange the spicy kani roll pieces on a serving plate. Garnish with optional pickled ginger, wasabi, drizzle with spicy sriracha mayo, bang bang sauce, eel sauce, and sprinkle with white or black sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Using an Instant Pot for the rice ensures perfectly cooked, sticky sushi rice every time without standing over the stove.
- Keep your hands damp when handling sushi rice to prevent sticking.
- Use a sharp, wet knife for clean slices and less mess.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the crab mix based on your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer, substitute imitation crab with fresh cooked crab meat for a more authentic flavor.
- For best results, serve the rolls immediately after slicing to maintain freshness and texture.
Keywords: spicy kani roll, spicy crab roll, sushi recipe, homemade sushi, sushi rolls, instant pot sushi rice, spicy surimi roll