Philadelphia roll facts for kids
A Philadelphia roll is a popular type of sushi that's often called an "inside-out" roll. This means the rice is on the outside, and the seaweed (called nori) is on the inside. It usually has smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber.
Sometimes, instead of salmon, people use imitation crab. You might also find Philadelphia rolls with other tasty ingredients like avocado, scallions (green onions), or sesame seeds. This roll was created to be popular in America, which is why it has a different look and name compared to traditional Japanese sushi.
What is a Philadelphia Roll?
The Philadelphia roll is a kind of makizushi, which means "rolled sushi." It's also known as a kawarizushi, which is a type of sushi that's a bit different from the usual. The main idea behind this roll was to make sushi more appealing to people in Western countries, especially in the United States.
Key Ingredients
The classic Philadelphia roll uses three main ingredients:
- Smoked salmon: This is salmon that has been cured and smoked, giving it a unique flavor.
- Cream cheese: This soft, mild cheese adds a creamy texture to the roll.
- Cucumber: This vegetable gives the roll a fresh, crunchy bite.
Sometimes, chefs might use other ingredients to make different versions of the Philadelphia roll. These can include:
- Imitation crab: A popular substitute for real crab, often used in many sushi rolls.
- Avocado: Adds a smooth, buttery texture.
- Scallions: Also known as green onions, they add a mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Often sprinkled on the outside of the rice for extra flavor and crunch.
Why "Inside-Out" Sushi?
The Philadelphia roll is a great example of "inside-out" sushi, also known as uramaki. In traditional Japanese sushi, the seaweed (nori) is usually on the outside, holding everything together. But for uramaki, the rice is on the outside, and the nori is wrapped around the fillings inside the rice.
This style became popular in the Western world because some people found the texture or look of the nori on the outside unusual. By putting the rice on the outside, the rolls looked more familiar and appealing to new sushi eaters. The Philadelphia roll is a perfect example of how sushi has changed and adapted in different parts of the world.
