Ingredients:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 1/2 lb fresh tuna or salmon, cut into strips
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and cut into long matchsticks
- Soy sauce, for serving
- Wasabi, for serving
- Pickled ginger, for serving
Appliances and Special Utensils:
- Rice cooker or medium saucepan
- Bamboo sushi mat
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan (for sushi vinegar)
Recipe:
- Prepare the Sushi Rice:
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the rice in a rice cooker or in a medium saucepan with 2 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Spread the rice on a plate to cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the Sushi Rolls:
- Place a bamboo sushi mat on your work surface and lay a sheet of nori on top, shiny side down.
- Wet your hands with water (to prevent sticking) and spread about 1/2 cup of rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- Arrange strips of fish, cucumber, and avocado in a line along the bottom edge of the rice.
- Begin rolling the nori tightly from the bottom using the mat to keep the roll in place. Apply some pressure to make a tight roll. Once rolled, use the mat to shape the roll further if necessary.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into six equal pieces. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to ensure clean slices.
- Serve:
- Arrange the sushi on a platter. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Mastering the art of sushi rolling might take a bit of practice, but the process is highly enjoyable and the results are delicious. Experiment with different fillings to find your favorite combinations.