Sushi comes in many different shapes, colours and decadent patterns. Even though there is so much variety in types and flavours, there are a few simple essential underlying ingredients used in most sushi recipes. Making sushi is a fun project with a delicious ending.
A crucial ingredient in making outstanding sushi is the rice. Sushi rice is the foundation of the roll. Properly prepared sushi rice contains sushi vinegar and Sake. The vinegar helps the rice to lay flat and form a great base layer for a smooth roll.
The next key ingredient is seaweed paper or also called “nori.” The dried seaweed paper not only adds flavour to the sushi but also is an important stabilizing factor. Seaweed paper helps the roll stay together and bonds to the rice as you roll and press during the final steps.
Wasabi is another sushi staple. This strong-flavoured root can light up your nasal passages if you bite too much at one time. Some sushi recipes call for a little smear of wasabi on the seaweed paper, or you can add the wasabi to the soy sauce. You can then dip your finished sushi roll slices into the wasabi and soy sauce mixture for a blend of great flavours.
Sushi grade fish is another vital element of the best sushi. Finding a local market that brings in fresh fish makes excellent sushi. Here are a few things to look for:
- 1. Make sure the fillets are bright in colour.
- 2. Make sure the fish smells like the ocean and not “fishy.”
- 3. Make sure the fish is not so colourful that the colour is fake looking.
- 4. Buy thick pieces of fish.
- 5. Tuna that has a lot of white lines is stringy, so avoid it for sushi making.
- 6. Make sure fillets are kept in a thermostat-controlled cooler or on fresh ice.
These are a few tips to choose the right fish for your delicious sushi. Not all sushi indeed has raw fish, but if you would like to use fish you know how to buy the best ingredients.
On to the veggies. The veggies give the colour and make the sushi rolls beautiful presentation. Some popular vegetables to use in the sushi rolls are:
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Shitake Mushroom
- Asparagus
- Red onion
- Roasted Eggplant
- Roasted sweet potato
- Lettuce
- Spinach
There are more veggies that you can use, but these are the more popular vegetables that are found in sushi recipes. Another component that is good to add are sesame seeds for a little crunch and texture.
Now that we have the best ingredients, it is time to make the sushi. There are actually two ways that you can roll your sushi the traditional way by hand, or you can use a sushi machine. Once the sushi is rolled, then it is time to plate it.
Making a creative and brilliantly coloured presentation makes the sushi taste even better. On the platter, you can layer unique flavours from the different sauces to add to the tasty sushi roll. Some of the sauces to layer are:
- Unagi Sauce
- Soy Sauce
- Siracha
- Japenese Mayo
These are just a few of the sauces that will make your sushi recipe divine. The sauces of the plate can also add colour and contrast to preparing for a beautiful presentation.
These are the vital components to prepare the best sushi. Now you are ready to make just about any sushi recipe. Making sushi is not hard; it is fun. Invite your family and friends to come over and eat the best sushi ever!
