Sushi is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and iconic dishes in Japanese cuisine. Its perfect combination of vinegared rice, fresh seafood, and crisp vegetables wrapped in seaweed is a culinary delight enjoyed worldwide. While many may think that crafting sushi at home requires specialized tools like a bamboo mat, you’ll be surprised to learn that you can make delicious sushi without one. Here’s a simple guide on how to make sushi without a mat.
Ingredients:
- Sushi rice
- Nori (seaweed sheets)
- Assorted fillings (such as cucumber, avocado, cooked shrimp, smoked salmon, etc.)
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Soy sauce
- Wasabi (optional)
- Pickled ginger (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the sushi rice:
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions or in a rice cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
- Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare the fillings:
- Slice your choice of fillings into thin strips. Common options include cucumber, avocado, cooked shrimp, and smoked salmon. Be creative and use whatever ingredients you prefer.
3. Assemble the sushi:
- Place a sheet of nori on a clean, flat surface, like a cutting board.
- With wet hands, spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving about half an inch of the nori uncovered at the top edge.
- Arrange your desired fillings in a line across the bottom third of the rice-covered nori sheet.
4. Roll the sushi:
- Starting from the bottom edge, tightly roll the nori and rice over the fillings, using your fingers to keep the fillings in place.
- Continue rolling until you reach the top edge of the nori.
- Moisten the top edge of the nori with a bit of water to seal the roll.
5. Slice and serve:
- Using a sharp knife dipped in water, slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange the sushi pieces on a plate and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.
Voila! You’ve just made delicious sushi without a mat. While a bamboo mat may provide a more uniform shape, this method proves that with a little creativity and patience, anyone can enjoy homemade sushi anytime, anywhere. So gather your ingredients and get rolling!
This post was written by a professional at Suhi Inc. Sushi Inc. is a vibrant restaurant that offers what is considered the best sushi St Pete. Opening its doors in 2013 and becoming a local staple by offering live music, traditional hand-rolled sushi and a friendly atmosphere, our guests always have a top notch experience. Customers love our award-winning, fresh and creative Sushi rolls, Nigiri, and Sashimi. With a larger selection of tempura, non-Sushi, and teriyaki options, we can accommodate every taste.