Rolling Sushi

Learn to Roll Your Own Sushi

Although it looks stunning and seems difficult to do, it is actually quite easy to roll your own sushi. The key to being able to do so is to have the right ingredients and materials. You will be able to find the needed ingredients at your local Asian market. However, your local, well-stocked regular grocery store will likely have them as well.

How to Roll Your Own Sushi

Before you learn how to roll your own sushi, first cook some Japanese rice in a rice cooker, if possible. Japanese rice is white rice that is much stickier than regular white rice. The rice cooker makes cooking the rice quick and easy. You can purchase a rice cooker at many stores or buy a rice cooker online.

Sushi Vinegar

Sushi vinegar is added to the cooked rice. You can make sushi vinegar by stirring together one teaspoon of salt with three tablespoons of sugar. Mix in a third of a cup of rice vinegar and heat over low heat in a small pan. When the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.  After the rice has cooked, place it in a large bowl or on a large plate and gently stir the rice vinegar evenly through the rice. Let the rice cool enough in order for it to be comfortably handled.

A sushi rolling mat can help make the actual rolling of the sushi a much easier task. In order for your sushi rolling to be authentic, use nor, which is Japanese seaweed, as the outer layer of your sushi roll. Add a thin layer of sushi rice to the nori and spread it evenly.

Sushi Filling

If you are using a filling, place a thin layer of it down the middle of the rice in a lengthwise fashion. The filling is where you are able to really personalize your sushi in order to meet the desires of the palate and for great presentation. You can use thinly sliced vegetables, fruit, fish, or smoked salmon as a filling. Other suitable fillings might be Japanese pickles, avocados, or crab meat.

Alternatives

An alternative way of making your own sushi, is to place the rice on the outside of the nori. While it sounds complicated, it is really not. Before placing the nori on the rice mat, first lay down a sheet of plastic wrap. Place the rice on the nori as outlined above but then turn the sheet of nori over so that the rice is on the plastic wrap. If you are using other fillings, you can place them on the side of the nori that is now facing up and is not covered in rice.

Roll & Slice

Using the mat to aid you, roll your own sushi up. You will end up with a large roll of sushi. With a sharp knife, cut the sushi roll into one inch pieces. Place wasabi or soy sauce on the table for dipping and enjoy with some fresh ginger as well.