Sushi is easier than you think
Many people think sushi is hard to make at home, but with a little practice and the right ingredients it is entirely doable. You don't need to be a master to make good maki rolls on your kitchen counter — just a little patience and a willingness to try.
What you need
- Sushi rice
- Rice vinegar, sugar and salt
- Nori sheets
- A bamboo rolling mat
- Fillings like cucumber, avocado, surimi or good-quality salmon
The most important part: the rice
Good sushi starts with good rice. Rinse the sushi rice until the water runs clear, and cook it according to the instructions. While it is still warm, gently fold in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar and salt. The rice should be sticky but not mushy, and at room temperature when you roll.
How to roll maki
- Place a nori sheet shiny side down on the bamboo mat.
- Wet your hands and spread a thin layer of rice over the sheet, leaving one edge free.
- Place the filling in a strip across the rice.
- Roll tightly away from you using the bamboo mat, and seal with the free edge.
- Cut into pieces with a sharp, damp knife.
Tips for beginners
Keep your hands damp so the rice doesn't stick. Don't use too much filling — it is the most common mistake and makes the rolls hard to close. Use a really sharp knife and wipe it between each cut for clean slices. And remember that your first rolls don't have to be perfect — they taste just as good.
Serving
Serve the sushi with soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger. The ginger cleanses the palate between bites, while the wasabi adds a pleasant kick. Feel free to start with simple vegetable rolls before moving on to fish.
Safe fish
If you use raw fish, choose fish labeled for raw consumption and keep it cold at every step. If you want to play it safe, cucumber, avocado, surimi and cooked shrimp are good and tasty alternatives.
Get started with FUDI
At FUDI you'll find sushi rice, rice vinegar, nori sheets, wasabi and pickled ginger — everything you need to make sushi at home. It is a fun activity for the whole family and an impressive dish to serve guests.
