The idea for a California Roll Rice Paper Sushi Crunch Wrap came when I saw the viral sushi crunch wrap all over my feeds. I knew I had to make my own spin so one day I tested wrapping it in rice paper and frying the outside. This turned out perfect because the exterior got nice and crispy while the inside stayed fresh.

A sushi burrito cut in half, filled with California Roll-inspired ingredients like rice, avocado, and a crunchy shredded filling, is wrapped in nori and displayed on a plate with cucumber slices. A plant and sauce cup are in the background.

Table of Contents

What is a California Roll Rice Paper Sushi Crunch Wrap?

A rice paper sushi crunch wrap takes all the flavors of a classic California roll and folds them into one large bundle wrapped in rice paper and nori. Then you pan fry the whole thing until the outside turns crispy and golden while the inside stays creamy and cool. Think of it as sushi meeting a crunch wrap, with the best textures of both.

Why You'll Love This Rice Paper Sushi Crunch Wrap

No sushi skills needed: You fold everything into one big bundle, so there is no need to make individual, perfectly shaped sushi rolls.
Crispy meets creamy: The fried rice paper shell is so crispy and complements the creamy crab and avocado filling for the best texture combo.
Easy to customize: Swap the fillings around to match whatever you are craving or already have in the fridge.

Equipment You'll Need

Rice cooker or pot
Large mixing bowl
Cutting board
Pastry brush
Tongs
Large frying pan

Ingredients for California Roll Rice Paper Sushi Crunch Wrap

For the Sushi Rice

Sushi rice: Short grain Japanese rice that turns sticky and holds the wrap together.
Rice vinegar
Sugar
Salt

Fillings

Imitation crab: Slightly sweet, mild crab sticks that give that signature California roll flavor. You can use real crab meat if you don't want to use imitation crab.
Green onions
Cream cheese
Mayo
Sriracha
Salt
Persian cucumber: Adds a ton of crunch to the filling.
Avocado
Furikake: A savory Japanese seasoning blend of sesame seeds, seaweed, and salt.
Fried shallots or tempura bits: Crunchy toppings that add extra texture inside the wrap.

Spicy Mayo Sauce

Mayo
Rice vinegar
Sugar
Sriracha

Wrapping

Rice paper: Thin rice paper rounds that crisp up beautifully when pan fried.
Nori seaweed: Dried seaweed sheets that add classic sushi flavor and help hold everything in.
Sesame seeds
Neutral oil

Customizations

Spicy salmon swap: Trade the imitation crab for cooked salmon tossed in spicy mayo for a spicy salmon version. Or you can even use canned tuna instead.
Add some roe: Sprinkle in masago or tobiko for little pops of briny, salty flavor.
Make it gluten free: Use gluten free crab sticks and skip the tempura bits to keep everything gluten free.

How to Make a California Roll Rice Paper Sushi Crunch Wrap

Season the Sushi Rice

Rinse the sushi rice until the water runs clear, then cook it in a pot or rice cooker according to the package instructions. Once cooked, mix in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, then let the rice cool to room temperature.

Make the Crab Filling

Shred the imitation crab by pulling each stick apart like string cheese, then roughly chop it with a knife.

In a large bowl, combine the crab, green onions, cream cheese, mayo, sriracha, and salt, then mix well until everything comes together.

Stir Together the Spicy Mayo

Make the spicy mayo by stirring together the mayo, rice vinegar, sugar, and sriracha until smooth, then set it aside.

Assemble the Wrap

Brush a cutting board with a thin layer of neutral oil. Rehydrate the rice paper sheets in lukewarm water, arrange them into one large square, and lay it down. Using a few grains of sticky rice to glue the edges, connect the nori sheets into a large square and place it on top of the rice paper.

In the center, add a big scoop of rice, then sprinkle on furikake and fried shallots or tempura bits. Layer on the crab mixture, cucumber, and avocado, then top with another big scoop of rice.

Fold the nori and rice paper over the filling together until sealed, creating a large circular bundle, then sprinkle the outside with sesame seeds.

Fry Until Crispy

Heat a large pan over medium and add a thin layer of neutral oil. Fry on all sides and corners until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes total.

Serve right away while it's still crispy with the spicy mayo on the side.

On a plate, a sushi sandwich wrapped in nori and filled with shredded crab, avocado, and cucumber, reminiscent of a California Roll, is cut in half. Sliced cucumber, dipping sauce, and plant decor appear in the background.

Storage

This rice paper sushi crunch wrap is best enjoyed fresh while the shell is still crispy.

If you want to make this ahead of time, prep the rice and filling but wrap and fry right before eating.

Tips to Make the Perfect California Roll Rice Paper Sushi Crunch Wrap

Cool your rice first: Warm rice can tear the rice paper, so let it come down to room temperature before you build.
Do not soak the rice paper too long: A quick dip is all it needs since it keeps softening after it gets wet. If you soak it, the rice paper will be too wet and will not crisp up in the pan.
Keep the oil thin: A light layer fries up crispier than a heavy pool, which can turn the wrap greasy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make a rice paper sushi crunch wrap ahead of time?

You can prep the components like the rice, crab filling, and spicy mayo a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge. Hold off on assembling and frying until you are ready to eat, otherwise it won't be crispy.

What can I use instead of imitation crab?

Diced cooked shrimp, cooked salmon, real crab meat, or even canned tuna all work great here. Use whatever sushi style protein you love most.

Why is my rice paper not getting crispy?

Usually it's because you soaked the rice paper. You just need a quick dip and it will soften and become dry and sticky after a minute or so. Also, make sure to use a good amount of oil in the pan.

Do I need both rice paper and nori for this rice paper sushi crunch wrap?

The nori adds that classic sushi flavor while the rice paper is what crisps up in the pan, so together they give you the best of both.

What is a California Roll Rice Paper Sushi Crunch Wrap?

Why You'll Love This Rice Paper Sushi Crunch Wrap

Equipment You'll Need