Sushi

 

Several of my kiddos (and myself) love sushi but it can be expensive for a family of 7. We decided to try our hand at making it ourselves and it's gone really well!  These are far from the beautiful rolls you'll get in a restaurant by someone trained to make it but we're getting better all the time. One thing that has helped with the process is this sushi making kit from Amazon: Sushi Making Kit. At the time of posting this it's on sale for $18 and it was well worth the price! If you don't want the whole kit, at the very least you'll need a bamboo roller mat, a good bamboo spoon to work with the rice, and a good sharp nice to slice it without smashing the roll. 

Sushi 

Fillings:

1 recipe of sushi rice (recipe below is enough rice for 5-6 rolls)

1 pkg. nori wraps

2 avocado (sliced)

1 cucumber (seeded and julienned)

cream cheese

meat of your choice (we used smoked salmon, shrimp tempura and imitation crab)

Toppings: 

Sesame seeds (black and white)

Ponzu sauce 

Spicy Mayo 

Crunchy fried onion or panko crumbs 

Rice Recipe:

3 cups sushi rice (we used Jasmine which is a longer grain)

4.5 cups water

1/2 cup seasoned rice vinegar

2-3 T. sugar

Instructions:

Begin by making the sushi by combining rice, water and rice vinegar in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes).  Once cooked, mix in sugar well and spread the rice out flat on a baking sheet and allow to cool. 

While rice cools prepare your vegetables and meats as indicated above. If you are using the sushi press place rice in the press and fill with the fillings of your choice. I've included a few good pairings below. Press the rice together around the filling and place in the nori and roll. Using a small cup of water, dip you fingers in the water and spread it across the top of the nori to seal the edge. If you are not using the sushi press, follow instructions as written with whichever type of mat you are using. 

Top with whichever toppings you like and enjoy!

* Ideas for filling combos

Philly roll: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado

Cali roll: imitation crab, avocado, cucumber

Shrimp tembura roll: cooked shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber

Spicy Cruch roll: meat of your choice, avocado, cucumber, panzo sauce, spicy mayo and crunchy onion