Sushi is easier than you think
Many people believe that sushi is difficult to make at home, but with a little practice and the right ingredients, it's entirely possible. You don't need to be a master to make good maki rolls on your kitchen counter, just a little patience and a desire to try.
What you need
- Sushi rice
- Rice vinegar, sugar, and salt
- Nori sheets
- A bamboo rolling mat
- Fillings such as 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's 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 a border free.
- Place the filling in a strip across the sheet.
- Roll tightly away from you with the help of the bamboo mat, and seal with the free edge.
- Cut into pieces with a sharp, damp knife.
Tips for beginners
Keep your hands wet so the rice doesn't stick. Don't use too much filling; that's the most common mistake and makes the rolls difficult to close. Use a really sharp knife and wipe it between each cut for clean slices. And remember, the first rolls don't have to be perfect; they'll taste just as good.
Serving
Serve the sushi with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. The ginger cleanses the palate between bites, while wasabi provides 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 throughout. If you want to play it safe, cucumber, avocado, surimi, and cooked shrimp are good and flavorful 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's a fun activity for the whole family and an impressive dish to serve guests.
