How to make Sushi the Easy Way?
I always had this misconception that Sushi is made of raw fish. I thought the exotic dish is too complicated to make. That misconception remained for long till I saw for myself how sushi is prepared step by step and that too from a Japanese chef. When the chef at ITC Gardenia was giving a lesson on how to make Sushi the easy way I happily followed it up. He explained to our team that had assembled to learn how to make sushi the easy way. Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting primarily of vinegared rice combined with various ingredients like seafood, vegetables, and occasionally tropical fruits. It’s often associated with raw fish, but it can also include cooked ingredients or even be entirely vegetarian. The word “sushi” actually refers to the vinegared rice used in the dish, not necessarily the fish or other toppings.
How to make Easy Sushi
The Rice – Sushi rice, also known as shari or sumeshi, is a crucial component. Short-grain Japanese rice is commonly used. The chef told us that rice vinegar, sugar and salt goes into the sushi rice mix. Once cooked, it is seasoned with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. The rice is then cooled to room temperature before using it in sushi. But how much of what exactly went to the mix is not known to me. I think it is the chef’s secret.
One very important step to be followed is that the rice is rinsed several times to remove excess starch, then cooked.
How to make sushi step by step
Ingredients – Nigiri-zushican feature a variety of ingredients, including raw or cooked seafood such as tuna, salmon, shrimp, and squid, as well as vegetables like cucumber, avocado, and pickled radish. The choice of ingredients depends on the type of sushi being made.
How sushi is made
The rice mix was shaped into balls of 20 grams each. I tried my hand here, giving just enough pressure to hold the grains together yet not too tight.
Another important tip to be kept in mind during preparation is that each time a new ball is made we have to wet our palms in cold water so that they don’t stick to palm.
Make your own sushi
How to make Sushi the Easy Way
Next they were rolled in seaweed sheets. It is like making cigars you know, rolling tobacco leaf shred into a paper or leaf roll. Only this was a bigger, big enough for a normal mouthful. A little bit of top space was left empty to do fillings.
Fillings for Nigiri-zushi
Ingredients are often sliced into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Fish and seafood may also be marinated or seasoned before use. During the demonstration the chef used a mix of kiwi, avocado and spicy mayonnaise to fill. The final decoration was done with miniature cucumber slices to give it a battleship appearance and finally decorated with edible flowers and leaves.
Demonstration by Japanese Chef
Spicy Kiwi and avocado Gunkan. Gunkan is a traditional sushi shape which resembles a Japanese battleship.
Assembly
There are several types of sushi, each with its own assembly method:
- Nigiri: A small mound of sushi rice is shaped by hand and topped with a slice of fish or seafood.
- Maki: A sheet of nori (seaweed) is laid on a bamboo sushi mat, topped with a layer of sushi rice, and then filled with ingredients. The mat is used to roll the sushi into a cylindrical shape, which is then sliced into bite-sized pieces.
- Temaki: Similar to maki, but the sushi is hand-rolled into a cone shape.
- Sashimi: Thin slices of raw fish or seafood served without rice.
I needed no prior experience to make this specialty dish, and that was amazing! But yes, it requires lot of patience, attention to details and undying love for Sushi.
Garnish and Serve
Nigiri-zushi is often garnished with condiments like wasabi (Japanese horseradish), pickled ginger (gari), and soy sauce (shoyu). It is then served fresh and presented beautifully on a plate. This dish is typically enjoyed with chopsticks, although it’s also acceptable to eat with your hands. Each type of Nigiri-zushi has its own unique flavor and texture profile, and part of the enjoyment comes from experiencing the different combinations of ingredients.
Is Sushi Good for health
As a mother I was initially concerned whether Nigiri-zushi is good for health. Turns out that the dish can be a nutritious choice depending on how it’s prepared and what ingredients are used. It has many good health values:
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Like I mentioned above ingredients are rich in essential nutrients. Fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function. Additionally, ingredients like seaweed (nori) provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. (Remember, fish and seafood are excellent sources of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health.)
Low in Saturated Fat: Nigiri-zushi tends to be relatively low in saturated fat, especially compared to other types of fast food or restaurant meals. However, this can vary depending on the types of fish and ingredients used, as well as any added sauces or condiments.
Portion Control: Because it is typically served in small portions, it is easy to prevent overeating and can help with portion control.
Rice and Sugars: Sushi rice is often seasoned with sugar and rice vinegar, which adds flavor but also adds some extra carbohydrates and sugars to the dish. However, these are generally in moderation and can be balanced with other nutrient-rich ingredients.
FAQ on Sushi Making
What is another name for Sushi?
Another name for sushi is “nigiri-zushi.” Nigiri-zushi consists of hand-pressed portions of sushi rice topped with slices of raw or cooked fish, seafood, or other ingredients.
What do I need to make sushi?
Sushi rice, nori (seaweed sheets), sushi-grade fish or seafood, vegetables (like cucumber and avocado), rice vinegar, sugar, salt, soy sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger, bamboo sushi mat.
How to assemble Nigiri-zushi?
Lay nori on a bamboo mat, spread sushi rice over nori, add fillings, roll tightly using the mat, slice into pieces, serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger.
Is it easy to make sushi?
With practice, Nigiri-zushi making can become easier. Start with simple rolls like cucumber or avocado, then progress to more complex rolls with seafood.
Can you make sushi at home?
Yes, it can be made at home with the right ingredients and tools. There are many tutorials available online to guide you through the process.
Fun post, Indrani.I love sushi.. and it's cool to see the process. They turned out so well.
Looks good!
This sushi is one I might try!
Lovely! It would be a lot of fun to see how these are made. Delicious and a very pretty presentation.
Never had heard of Sushi so far! Thank you for this post that helped me to gain some knowledge about sushi 🙂
TC! Keep smiling 🙂
But, beautiful photos.
Nice one Indrani, but, it uses too much of sugar and salt, not for me.
Wow Sushi! I haven't tasted it yet. I have to, soon, very soon
I think I 'll prefer these vegetarian sushi to sushi with fish. They look wonderful!
Wil, ABCW Team.
Artistic and the pictures show it must be tasty too, i love veg sushi more so for my love for Wasabi. 🙂 Awesome.
loved the pics, I have never tried Sushi I think I have to give it a shot.
I have to admit, I have never tried sushi.. This looks delicious.. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week!
I have never been able to develop a fancy for Sushi… but the pictures look good 🙂
It looks beautiful and it must have been delicious!
Looks delicious ! I prefer to buy them ready, I am far too lazy for doing it myself !
Had tasted earlier with fish & shrimp fillings!
Now got to see the preparation!
Thanks Indrani 🙂
they can certainly make sushi look like works of art. How great to go to a class! My friend and I tried making it once – what a laugh! I know you need the special sushi rice – I think it is more sticky.
Have fun making sushi and thank you for stopping by my blog this week.
Delicious sushi. When is the invite? Happy sussing.
They look beautiful 🙂
Yummy ……
Beautifully prepared and photographed.
Looks delicious and fun to make as well!! You get more talented by the day, Indrani!! Have a great week!!
Looks fun to make! Works of art, too!