Home Sushi Making

This playbook provides a detailed guide on how to create sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies at home. It includes sequential steps for preparing ingredients, assembling sushi, and serving.

Step 1: Preparation

Gather all necessary ingredients and equipment including sushi rice, nori sheets, fresh fish, vegetables, a sharp knife, a bamboo rolling mat, and condiments such as soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Step 2: Rice Cooking

Wash the sushi rice until the water runs clear. Cook rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, season with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Spread on a tray to cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Fish Slicing

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice fresh fish against the grain into thin pieces for sashimi or sushi toppings. Ensure slices are even and consistent for the best texture and presentation.

Step 4: Vegetable Prep

Julienne vegetables such as cucumber and avocado. Keep the sizes consistent for easier rolling and better structural integrity of sushi rolls.

Step 5: Roll Assembly

Place a sheet of nori on the bamboo mat. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice on the nori, leaving a small margin at the top. Lay fish and vegetables in a line on the rice. Roll tightly using the bamboo mat, sealing the end with a bit of water.

Step 6: Slicing Rolls

Using a sharp, wet knife, slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces. Clean the knife after each cut to ensure clean slices and prevent rice from sticking.

Step 7: Sashimi Plating

Arrange sashimi slices neatly on a platter. Decorate with garnishes like shredded daikon radish or shiso leaves for an appealing presentation.

Step 8: Sauce Prep

Prepare small dishes of soy sauce for dipping. If desired, mix wasabi into the soy sauce for additional heat. Place pickled ginger on the plate as a palate cleanser.

Step 9: Serving

Serve the prepared sushi and sashimi on plates with the appropriate condiments. Enjoy with chopsticks or hands, as preferred.

General Notes

Freshness

Ensure that all ingredients, especially the fish, are fresh and of high quality for the best taste and safety when eating raw.

Rice Texture

It is crucial that the sushi rice has the right texture—not too dry and not too sticky. Practice makes perfect.

Knife Care

Keep your knife sharp and clean. A dull or dirty knife can ruin the delicate fish and make it difficult to create beautiful sushi.