What Sushi is Cooked? A Chef’s Guide from CM Ghost Kitchen Pasadena

Konnichiwa! At CM Ghost Kitchen — one of the few authentic, Japanese family-owned sushi takeout spots in Pasadena, CA — we’re passionate about honoring tradition with a flavorful twist. In this post, we’ll explore the world of cooked sushi — from savory rolls and seared nigiri to comforting rice bowls — and spotlight some of our favorite menu items that bring the heat in all the right ways.

One question I hear almost every week: "Is sushi always raw?"

The short answer: Not even close. Yes, raw fish is a hallmark of sushi. But some of the most flavorful, crowd-pleasing sushi dishes are actually cooked — grilled, boiled, smoked, or even deep-fried. And trust me, your taste buds won’t be mad about it.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through what cooked sushi really means — and highlight some of our most mouthwatering examples from the CM Ghost Kitchen menu. Whether you’re easing into sushi or just love umami-packed bites with a little char, this one’s for you.

Cooked Sushi Rolls

California Roll – [Boiled]

Imitation crab, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber rolled in rice with sesame seeds — the all-American classic that started it all. It’s cool, refreshing, and just the right amount of retro. Basically, it's the sushi version of your first love — familiar, satisfying, and always hits the spot.

Eel Avocado Roll – [Grilled]

Grilled freshwater eel (unagi) caramelized with sweet-savory tare sauce, paired with buttery Haas avocado and sesame seeds. It’s rich, smoky, melt-in-your-mouth heaven — like if BBQ took a vacation to Japan.

Salmon Skin Roll – [Grilled]

Don’t sleep on the crispy salmon skin! Char-grilled to crunchy perfection and rolled up with Gobo ( Japanese burdock root ) and daikon sprouts. It’s like bacon… but from the sea. And yes, it's as addictive as it sounds.

Softshell Crab Roll – [Deep Fried]

A golden-fried soft-shell crab wrapped in sushi rice with imitation crab, avocado and gobo. Every bite gives you crunch, cream, and that deep-fried magic. Warning: highly snackable.

Shrimp Tempura Roll – [Deep Fried]

Crispy tempura shrimp meets sweet crab and sticky rice. It’s the sushi version of a victory lap — crunchy on the outside, warm and comforting on the inside.

Philadelphia Roll – [Smoked]

Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and rice — an East-meets-West icon. Like a bagel brunch rolled into sushi form. It’s comforting, familiar, and quietly sophisticated… like a dad who knows his wine pairings.

Cooked Sushi Nigiri

Unagi (Freshwater Eel) – [Grilled]

Grilled to glossy perfection, this eel is a Japanese classic. Topped with tare sauce and just a whisper of smoke — a flavor so good, it deserves its own fan club.

Anago (Saltwater Eel) – [Grilled]

Softer and lighter than unagi, but just as flavorful. Grilled until tender and delicate. If unagi is the bold rockstar, anago is the jazz saxophonist who makes you melt.

Shrimp (Ebi) – [Boiled]

Sweet, plump, and always reliable. Boiled shrimp on vinegared rice — clean, classic, and surprisingly elegant. A crowd favorite for a reason.

Boiled Octopus (Tako) – [Boiled]

Firm yet tender slices of boiled octopus, seasoned with care. Think of it as sushi with a firm handshake — a little chewy, a lot tasty.

Snow Crab Meat – [Boiled]

Boiled to preserve that naturally sweet ocean flavor, these flaky bites bring luxury to your chopsticks. Like eating royalty… if royalty were crustaceans.

Snow Crab Leg – [Boiled]

Even more indulgent. Pure snow crab leg meat laid over rice,wrapped with a thin seaweed belt. Trust me, your inner fancy-person will thank you.

Tamago (Sweet Egg Omelette) – [Pan Cooked]

Light, fluffy, and sweet-savory, this Japanese omelette is cooked in layers — like a soufflé in a kimono. It’s dessert and breakfast rolled into one bite.

Smoked Salmon – [Smoked]

A smooth, smoky salmon slice that glides over sushi rice. It’s elegant and cool — like a tuxedo made of fish.

Cooked Sushi Bowls

Unagi Eel Bowl – [Grilled]

Seven generous slices of grilled eel over sushi rice, garnished with sesame seeds. It’s smoky, sweet, and seriously satisfying. Great for lunch, dinner, or when you're pretending to eat healthy but really just want flavor fireworks.

Final Thoughts from the Chef’s Counter

Cooked sushi isn’t just for beginners — it’s a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine. From the slow char of grilled eel to the crisp crunch of tempura, these dishes combine technique, tradition, and that little something special you can taste in every bite.

So the next time someone says, “I don’t eat raw fish,” just smile and say: “You don’t have to — but you’ll still want sushi.”

Hungry yet?

Come by CM Ghost Kitchen here in Pasadena or order online — we’re serving up old-school Japanese technique with a little West Coast soul.