For those who haven’t tried their hand at sushi-making, it might initially appear to involve a complex assortment of tools and ingredients. However, once you obtain two fundamental items: the appropriate rice and the suitable seaweed (or nori), you’ll realize that creating homemade sushi isn’t difficult. Once you master the technique, it’s quite possible you’ll never be inclined to request takeout again!
What is sushi?
Sushi is a Japanese cuisine consisting of vinegared rice, usually with a filling, draped over a piece of seaweed (usually dried) with the term “sushi” meaning “good taste”. It is sometimes also known as Maki or Narezushi (Nare means vinegared rice, while “sushi” is the combination of “good taste” and “rice”). In fact, sushi is not limited to vinegared rice. Sashimi, a dish consisting of sliced raw seafood, and other ingredients is also called yoshoku (Western cooking).
What is Best Rice for Making Sushi?
There are many different types of rice that can be used to make sushi. Sushi rice, a short-grained Japanese rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar, salt and occasionally MSG is most commonly used to make sushi. It has a sticky texture when cooked, which leaves it well suited for molding into shapes along with some help from a bamboo mat called a makisu (rolling mat). Specialized sushi rice is available in the Asian food section of many supermarkets. And, you can purchase it already made. It is important to note that even though it is called sushi rice, it’s most commonly used in making miso soup.
Rice for Sushi
The rice for sushi should be short-grained Japanese rice that is well adapted to the acidity of rice vinegar used as part of the recipe (substitute wine vinegar if you’re not making sushi). Because of the sticky texture and lacking pliability, regular long-grain white rice will not work. It should also be free of stray grains and need only a light washing when you prepare it.
If you’re going to make sushi, use a rice cooker. Japanese rice is short-grained so it cooks much easier than long-grain white rice. It also doesn’t have the tendency to turn into a brick when cooked in a regular pot as long-grain white rice can do.
You’ll find that different recipes will call for different amounts of vinegar, sugar, and salt (or MSG) depending on the ingredients used. Because of the different amounts of vinegar and sugar in each, you’ll find that the rice will finish cooking at different times. Once the rice is tender to your preferred “bite”, you’ll know it’s time to remove it from the heat.
how to prepare sushi rice?
the basic sushi rice recipe is simple. Wash your rice in a few changes of cold water until the water runs clear. Then, place your rice in a pot and add 1–2 parts water for every 1 part rice. Bring to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat to keep it at a simmer.
Set the lid on your pot at an angle and leave it slightly askew so moisture can escape (you’ll close it quickly when you add the rice). Simmer the rice for about 15–18 minutes, or until all of the water has been absorbed and you can see a little white dot in the center of each kernel.
once your rice is cooked, remove it from heat and mix in a small amount of vinegar to keep it from overcooking. Then, spread it out on a tray or large plate to cool down quickly.
If you have the time and patience, you can spread the rice out on a clean, dry tea towel and let it cool for several hours. But for really busy times, as long as your rice is cool to the touch when you take it from the heat, you can use it immediately!
Can you use regular rice for sushi?
Although the texture of sushi rice makes it the perfect ingredient for sushi, you don’t have to use sushi rice to make your rolls. You can use just about any type of long-grain rice as long as it’s not sticky.
If you want to use a less expensive rice for your sushi, try using medium-grain brown rice or long-grain white rice. However, be aware that most long-grain rices will produce grains that are too large for sushi. This is because they require more time to cook and absorb water than short-grain rices.
Tips on cooking sushi rice?
If you’re going to use your rice for sushi, be sure to put it in cold water before cooking it. As the rice cooks in the pot, the temperature will rise and it will take longer for the water to be absorbed and the grains to be soft. In this case, less is more when it comes to cooking time.
To ensure that your sushi rice is perfectly made, use a wooden paddle or spoon to stir it in the pot. This will prevent you from burning your hands while stirring. And because the tastes of the rice and water naturally mix during cooking, this is also a great way to season your rice!
Follow the recipe directions for cooking sushi rice. The amount of cooked rice will depend on how much you need for your meal. If you cook too much, store it in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for 3–4 days if kept cool and dry. Reheat using any method preferred (microwave, stove or rice cooker).
if you’re only making a small amount of rice for sushi, use a rice cooker and/or leave the lid open until the rice is done to allow excess moisture to escape. When using either of these methods, don’t stir the rice as it will cause it to become mushy.
Conclusion:
We hope that this article was able to shed some light on sushi and the preparation of this popular dish! We know that you might ask some more questions about sushi, please feel free to leave a comment and we will try our best to answer it for you. In case you want to learn more about Japanese food, check out our Japanese Recipes section. If you’ve tried making it already, share your recipe with us in the comment below.