Despite the creepy name, there are definitely no spiders in a spider roll! The “spider” in a spider roll is actually soft shell crab.
Soft shell crabs are whole crabs that have recently molted, shedding their hard outer shell. This temporary soft state gives them their name, and their long, spindly legs can resemble a spider’s when fried or tempura-battered, which is how they’re often prepared for the roll. This crispy soft shell crab is the key ingredient and the source of the spider roll’s name.