Ingredients
Making sushi with seaweed on the outside is a delicious way to make your sushi. The main components that you will need are a packet of sushi rice, seaweed sheets, and fillings of your choice. You can either buy packets of seaweed that are pre-made or buy them at your local Asian supermarket. Make sure to buy sushi-grade seaweed as it is of higher quality.
Rice Preparation
Once you have the ingredients you will need to prepare the sushi rice. Start by rinsing the sushi rice in cold water until the starch has been rinsed away. After that, put the sushi rice in a pot filled with water and bring it to a boil. Once it is boiling reduce the heat to low and simmer covered for about 15 minutes. When you’re done cooking it, let the rice cool before making the sushi rolls.
Rolling the Sushi
Now you are ready to roll the sushi. Place a sheet of seaweed on a sushi mat and spread the cooled sushi rice onto the seaweed. Make sure it is evenly spread without any gaps between each layer. Then you will need to arrange any fillings you have chosen into a line along the centre of the sheet. Using the mat as assistance, roll the sushi tightly and press down as your roll it. Make sure it is tightly sealed before cutting the sushi. Cut the roll into 8-10 even slices with a sharp knife to serve.
Presentation
Making sushi looks very festive if you present it correctly. You can garnish your sushi with colourful ingredients such as pickled ginger, wasabi, and horseradish to really make them stand out. Serve the sushi with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi to make the sushi complete. If you are wanting to really impress, you can make an individual sushi plate and present the sushi tastefully.
Variations
If you want to switch it up and make different types of sushi there are a range of variations you can try. You can make inside-out California rolls, inari sushi, or even sushi desserts by using fruits and sweet sauces. There are plenty of flavour options you can experiment with if you are feeling creative. Adding a touch of mayonnaise, sesame seeds, or tempura batter can bring different flavours to the sushi.
Storage
If there is leftover sushi that has not been eaten, make sure you store it correctly. You should wrap the sushi tightly in cling film and pop them in an airtight container. Store the sushi in the fridge but make sure to eat it in the next 2-3 days for optimal freshness. If you do not want to eat the sushi within 2-3 days sushi can be frozen as well in airtight containers.
Health Benefits
Making sushi with seaweed is a great way to get a nutritious meal. Seaweed contains beneficial minerals such as iodine, iron, and calcium, which can be good for your health. The sushi rice used in making sushi can provide an excellent source of energy and protein for those who are trying to build muscle. Overall the combination of seaweed and sushi rice can bring balance and help those looking to stay healthy.
Safety Precautions
When making sushi it is essential to take safety precautions so that it is safe to eat. Always ensure that sushi-grade seaweed is being used as it will minimise the risk of any bacteria or illness that may arise from eating sushi. All fillings used should also be kept raw or freshly cooked and vegetables should be thoroughly washed to get rid of any dirt from the surface. Once the sushi has been made and served, it should be eaten straight away as it will not age well.
Cooking Process
To begin making the sushi you will need to prepare the rice. Start by putting the sushi rice into a pot of cold water and bring it to the boil until the starch has been rinsed away. After that, reduce the heat and simmer the rice covered for about 15 minutes and let the cooked rice cool before rolling. Then you need to prepare the seaweed sheet. If you are using a pre-made packet, just open the packet and get a sheet of seaweed out. Place the seaweed on the sushi mat and spread the cooled sushi rice onto the surface without leaving any gaps. After that, arrange your choice of fillings in a line on the seaweed sheet and make sure to press everything down. Start rolling the sushi towards you and make sure it is tightly sealed. Finally, you need to cut the sushi into 8-10 even slices and garnish the tops if desired.
Difficulty Level
Making sushi is often portrayed as a complex process, but with the right ingredients and follow-through steps, anyone can easily master the art. It is not difficult to make as there are only a few steps and can be completed within a few minutes, depending on the amount of sushi you are making. The main difficulty that may arise is the rolling technique, but this can be mastered with practice.
Waste Management
When making sushi, it is important to pay attention to the amount of waste you are producing. The packaging for sushi may be difficult to recycle, so try to use items that are recyclable or avoid large amounts of packaging if possible. If you are using sushi mat, consider using ones that are made of silicone rather than bamboo as it is more sustainable. Make sure to use the rice correctly and save any leftover sushi rice for later uses.
Substitutes
For those who may have allergies or preferences there are plenty of substitutes to choose from when making sushi. Seaweed can be replaced with Nori or imitation crabmeat for those who may not be fond of sea vegetables. You can also choose different types of fillings such as avocado, cucumber, or sweet potato for those who may prefer vegetables. For added protein, you can add tofu or tempeh as a substitute for the seafood.