What Is a Caterpillar Roll? Eel, Avocado and the Dragon Roll Difference
A caterpillar roll is an inside-out sushi roll (uramaki) filled with grilled freshwater eel (unagi) and cucumber, then draped in thin slices of avocado so the top looks like the segmented back of a caterpillar. Some menus call it a dragon roll, because the two look alike, but they are usually different rolls. Many people order it for the look alone, which is almost too pretty to eat!
Known for its unique insect like appearance, the common caterpillar roll contains rice, nori sheets (nori = seaweed), cucumber, eel (Unagi), and avocado. The interior of the roll includes eel and cucumber and the exterior is rice with the layers of avocado.
Some sushi restaurants also include watercress or another type of green matter as the “antennas” to add to the bug like appearance.
Caterpillar roll vs dragon roll
Both are inside-out rolls finished with a layer of avocado, which is why the names get mixed up. On most menus the difference is inside: a caterpillar roll is built around eel and cucumber, while a dragon roll usually has shrimp tempura in the middle and is often decorated to look like a dragon, sometimes with eel on top as well. Because restaurants use the names loosely, it is worth asking what is inside before you order. Eel makes this one of the richer rolls; our sushi calorie guide puts an eel roll at about 35 calories a piece.
The taste of the caterpillar roll is somewhat mild compared to many of the spicier rolls. The blend of avocado, cucumber, and eel is pleasing to the palate and is complemented nicely with soy sauce or pickled ginger slices. Add wasabi (Japanese horseradish)if you’re looking for a kick.
Like many of the sushi rolls consumed in North America, the caterpillar roll has its roots in the west. Many sushi chefs like to add their own unique spins to the original roll that make a playful difference to the typical caterpillar roll. It’s one of those sushi rolls that can be tweaked and still come out wonderful!
by celesteh
The average caterpillar roll is in the mid price range for “specialty” sushi rolls, ranging from $10-$15 depending on which part of the country you live in - the coastal regions tend to be pricier as opposed to the more inland areas. The caterpillar roll is definitely a roll that should be on every sushi connoisseur’s and amateur’s sushi bucket list. Not only is it a delicious treat, but very pleasing to the eyes as well!
Click here for an extensive list of Sushi from around the World.