Sushi rolls come in endless varieties, but there’s one creamy crab-stuffed version that often pops up on menus at Japanese restaurants and sushi bars. With its rich filling and unique flavor profile, this specialty roll has developed a following among sushi aficionados. But what exactly is this delectable concoction called? Let’s unravel the mysteries of the crab and cream cheese sushi roll.
Tracing the Origins
To begin getting to the bottom of this sushi roll’s name, it helps to understand where it came from. Unlike more traditional types of sushi, this specialty roll likely originated in North America before becoming popularized across sushi restaurants.
The California roll – a Western-inspired sushi roll with avocado, crab meat, and other non-traditional ingredients – paved the way for further sushi innovations incorporating new flavors From there, swapping out avocado for tangy cream cheese allowed the creamy, crab-filled roll we know today to come onto the scene
So while this roll takes inspiration from classic American-style sushi, it doesn’t have a standardized name just yet. Over the years it has picked up several common monikers. Let’s look at the front-running contenders.
The Many Aliases
Unlike sushi classics like tekka maki or California roll, this cream cheese and crab stuffed creation has been christened with a few different aliases. Here are some of the most common names it goes by on menus:
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Philadelphia roll: This name directly calls out a key ingredient – Philadelphia cream cheese. The smooth, tangy cream cheese offsets the sweet crab meat perfectly.
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BC roll: The abbreviation “BC” stands for British Columbia, which is where some believe this roll originated. Vancouver’s thriving sushi scene in the 1980s and 90s could have been the birthplace.
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Alaskan roll: Similar to BC roll, this name nods to the geographic region. Alaskan king crab is often used in these rolls.
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Tempura cream cheese roll: Some versions of the roll get coated in crispy tempura batter before being sliced up. This moniker specifies it’s the tempura version.
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Crab Rangoon roll: Resembling the flavor profile of a popular Chinese appetizer, this name highlights the cream cheese and crab combo.
Customization is Key
With so many names in the mix, part of the ambiguity stems from how customizable this sushi roll is. There are many variations in ingredients across different restaurants, so no single recipe is canonized. Some common tweaks include:
- Using real crab meat or imitation crab
- Adding cucumber, avocado, or salmon
- Topping with spicy mayo or eel sauce
- Swapping out white rice for brown rice
The flexibility allows sushi chefs to put their own spin on the classic cream cheese and crab filling. A customized name distinguishes each restaurant’s individual rendition.
Does a Universal Name Exist?
While universally accepted names like California roll or spider roll are unlikely to ever apply to this customizable sushi, some common terms are emerging. In online discussions among sushi fans, “Philadelphia roll” seems to be taking the lead as the most popular and recognizable moniker.
Some key reasons why Philadelphia roll is edging out other names:
- Philadelphia cream cheese is a specific product, locking in one key ingredient
- The name is descriptive without referencing geographic region
- It’s fun and easy to say
- Many sushi restaurants already use this name on their menus
So while you may see different names for this luscious, crab-stuffed specialty roll depending on the restaurant, Philadelphia roll seems to be claiming the title of most ubiquitous.
Give This Sushi Roll a Try
Now that you know the origins, ingredients, and common nicknames for this popular sushi roll, it’s time to give it a taste if you haven’t already. The combination of silky cream cheese, sweet crab, and vinegared rice is undeniably crave-worthy.
For the full experience, visit your local sushi restaurant and order a Philadelphia roll. Explore the different variations in crab, fillings, and toppings chefs in your area are crafting. Or give making your own version at home a try with a simple cream cheese and crab sushi roll recipe.
So embrace the chance to sample this delightfully distinct sushi roll under any of its equally delicious aliases. Just don’t be surprised if ordering a Philadelphia roll is your safest bet for getting your hands on this creamy, crabby classic.
How to make Volcano Roll
Prepare your ingredients. You will need:
- Bamboo mat covered in plastic wrap (saves time cleaning it)
- Sushi rice
- Nori
- Imitation Crabmeat
- Cream cheese
- Yum Yum sauce
- Wasabi
- Sliced Cucumber
- Sliced Avocado
- Lumpfish caviar/roe
- Toasted Sesame seeds
- In a bowl mix finely chopped imitation crabmeat with cream cheese, Yum Yum sauce (Japanese Mayo), and a bit of wasabi. There are no measurements here since it all based on taste. Just mix and taste until it’s perfect for you.
- Reserve half of the imitation crab meat for the Volcano part!
- Lay nori sheet, shiny side down. Dip your hands in water and spread sushi rice over the nori sheet.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and black sesame seeds.
- Flip nori to the other side.
- Add crabmeat mix and thinly sliced cucumber and avocado.
- Roll tightly.
- For the Volcano topping, slice imitation crabmeat into sticks, mix with cream cheese, Yum Yum sauce, and wasabi to taste.
- Add panko-style breadcrumbs and sesame seeds on top. Bake in the preheated at 350F oven for 15 minutes.
- Place the Volcano topping on top of your roll and serve!
I hope you will find this post useful! I tried to be as detailed with every recipe as possible which takes a lot of time and effort. If you use and like any of the recipes, please let me know!
I have made this Volcano Sushi Roll for our > Asian-Themed dinner
What Is A Crab And Cream Cheese Sushi Roll Called? – Japan Past and Present
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