Caterpillar rolls are as artistic as they are delicious. When arranged properly, the exterior appearance of these unagi rolls looks like their namesake. Even if you do not have the greatest eye for design, you can still create a tasty treat with caterpillar rolls.
Instructions
1. Prepare two 1-oz. pieces of unagi. If you purchase a frozen package of unagi, follow the instructions provided on the package, but if you decide to purchase unagi from a Japanese market, place it under your broiler for approximately 2 minutes. Set the unagi aside after it has been cooked.
2. Place the plastic wrap on top of your bamboo sushi mat. Put the sheet of nori, shiny side down, on top of the plastic wrap and cover it with the thin layer of sushi rice. Flip over the combination of the nori and rice so that the shiny side of the nori is now facing up.
3. Slice the heated unagi into thin strips and place them in the center of the nori to make a row that runs across the width of the nori.
4. Wash the cucumber and cut it into thin, long strips. Place these cucumber strips alongside the row of unagi that is already on the rice. This will make up the filling.
5. Grip both sides of the bamboo mat and bring them together to form the exterior of your caterpillar roll. Bring the sides together and firmly squeeze the roll so that rice from both sides sticks together.
6. Cut your avocado into thin slices. Starting at the end of the roll, place slices of avocado on top of the roll. Make your way to the other end of the roll, overlapping the slices of avocado like shingles on a roof.
7. Place another piece of plastic wrap on top of the caterpillar roll and wrap it around the sides. After using the bamboo mat to shape the roll, remove the bamboo mat.
8. Slice the caterpillar roll into six to eight pieces using a sharp knife. Remove the plastic wrap from the caterpillar roll prior to serving it.
Tags: caterpillar roll, plastic wrap, into thin, both sides, shiny side
