Hot Philadelphia Tekamaki Roll
Main Dishes

Hot Philadelphia Tekamaki Roll

ML
By Marie Lefebvre · Updated October 3, 2026

A crispy deep-fried sushi roll packed with fresh salmon and velvety cream cheese — the ultimate Japanese-fusion comfort food. Easy to make at home, this golden roll delivers serious street-food vibes with every bite. Perfect for sushi nights or when you want to seriously impress your guests!

Prep⏱️ 10 min
Servings👥 10 servings
Difficulty📊 Medium
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🛒 Ingredients

10 servings

10
  • 1 nori seaweed sheet
  • 3 tbsp cooked sushi rice
  • 1 tbsp cream cheese
  • 1 oz (30 g) skinless salmon fillet
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup ice-cold water
  • 1 cup vinegared water (water + 1 tsp rice vinegar)
  • Oil for deep frying

Directions

  1. 1

    Prepare a bowl of vinegared water and keep your hands moist in it throughout the entire process — this prevents the rice from sticking to your fingers.

  2. 2

    Quickly dip the nori sheet into the vinegared water to soften it slightly, then place it flat on a bamboo mat or a clean, dry plastic bag.

  3. 3

    Spread the sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving about 1 inch (3 cm) free on each side.

  4. 4

    Slice the salmon into 1.5 cm (½ inch) strips and lay them in a horizontal line over the rice. Add a line of cream cheese right alongside.

  5. 5

    Roll tightly using the mat, pressing gently to keep the roll compact. Seal the edge by dabbing the end of the nori with a little vinegared water.

  6. 6

    Make the tempura batter: whisk together flour, breadcrumbs, and ice-cold water until smooth and slightly thick.

  7. 7

    Coat the roll evenly in the batter, covering the entire surface.

  8. 8

    Heat the oil and fry the roll until golden and crispy all over. Drain on paper towels, slice into rounds, and serve immediately.

💡 Chef's Tip

Serve right after frying to keep that perfect crunch. Pairs beautifully with soy sauce, wasabi, or a spicy sriracha mayo on the side.