Chicken Tempura Rolls Recipe

Are you craving a sushi roll with a flip over the traditional ones? Then you must try the Chicken Tempura Roll—a crispy, golden-brown creation with the blend of tempura crunch and the savoriness of tender chicken.

Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or a tempura lover, this recipe promises a unique and satisfying appetite. Dive into our tips and tricks for making the perfect Chicken Tempura Rolls.

Ingredients

• 4 cups sushi rice
• 1 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound frozen breaded chicken tenders
• 4/3 cup orange juice concentrate
• 4 tablespoons sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger root
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Bamboo sushi mat
• 2 cups sliced almonds, toasted
• 6 green onions (green portion)
• 2 small sweet red peppers, julienned
• 2 large navel orange, peeled, thin strips

How to Make Chicken Tempura Roll?

Preparing the Sushi Rice

• Rinse the rice in cold water several times.
• Soak in 2 cups of water in a large saucepan for 30 minutes.
• Bring the rice to a boil, reduce heat, and cook covered on low flame for 15-20 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the heat.
• Mix vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Stir the rice with 1/3 cup of this mixture, then cool it well. Keep covered with a damp cloth.

Preparing the Chicken and Sauce

• Cook the chicken tenders according to package instructions. Once cooled, cut into thin strips.
• Combine orange juice concentrate, soy sauce, ginger, pepper flakes, and sesame oil in a large bowl. Set aside 1/2 cup of the mixture for serving. Toss the chicken strips in the remaining mixture.

Assembling the Rolls

• Cover a bamboo sushi mat with plastic wrap.
• Spread 1/4 cup of chopped almonds on the plastic wrap in a 9×6-inch rectangle. Press a thin layer of rice over the almonds, using moist hands.
• Arrange the chicken, green onion, red pepper, and orange strips near the bottom of the rectangle.
• Roll the sushi away from you, using the mat to shape it into a compact log.
• Cut the roll into 1.5-inch pieces.

Also, Try these Delightful Recipes

• Philly cheesesteak egg rolls
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• Chicken egg rolls
• Crab rangoon egg rolls
• Shrimp egg rolls

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tempura Rolls Recipe

1. Batter Consistency: For crispy tempura, use a cold batter. Avoid overmixing the batter to get thin textured rolls.
2. Temperature Control: Fry the chicken at 350°F (175°C) to obtain a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken inside.
3. Preparation of Sushi Rice: Season the sushi rice with vinegar, sugar, and salt. Make sure the rice is cool before spreading it on the nori.
4. Rolling Technique: Use a bamboo mat for rolling. Ensure to press the roll firmly but evenly to keep the ingredients intact and avoid squeezing them out.

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair with Pickled Ginger and Wasabi: Enhance your chicken tempura roll’s taste with pickled ginger and wasabi.
2. Add Fresh Vegetables: Serve the rolls with fresh vegetables like cucumber and avocado slices for added crunch and flavor.
3. Try Different Dipping Sauces: Experiment with various sauces like eel sauce or spicy mayo.
4. Serve with a Light Salad: A side salad, such as a seaweed salad, works well.

Storage

1. Short-Term Storage: For best results, consume chicken tempura rolls within 24 hours of making them.
2. Keep Components Separate: Store rolls and dipping sauces separately to prevent the nori from becoming soggy.
3. Reheat Carefully: To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess.
4. Proper Refrigeration: If refrigerating, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then store them.

Nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for chicken tempura rolls?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken if you’re short on time. However, for the best results, fry the pre-cooked chicken in tempura batter to achieve a crispy texture. Just make sure it’s heated through properly before rolling it with sushi rice and nori.

2. How can I make chicken tempura rolls gluten-free?

To make gluten-free chicken tempura rolls, use gluten-free tempura batter mix and soy sauce. Ensure that the nori and any additional ingredients are also gluten-free. Check labels carefully to avoid hidden sources of gluten.

3. What are some vegetarian alternatives to the chicken in tempura rolls?

If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with vegetables such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms. Tempura-batter these vegetables and follow the same rolling and serving process for a delicious plant-based alternative.

4. Can I prepare chicken tempura rolls in advance and freeze them?

Yes, you can prepare these chicken rolls in advance and freeze them. Freeze the rolls before slicing them to avoid them becoming mushy. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.

5. How can I adjust the spice level in chicken tempura rolls?

To adjust the spice level, you can add spicy ingredients directly into the tempura batter or the filling. For a milder flavor, use a small amount of chili powder or Sriracha. If you prefer a spicier roll, mix in a larger quantity or use spicy mayo as a dipping sauce.

With a few simple ingredients and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to make crispy chicken tempura rolls at home. This unique recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and rich flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.

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