Sushi at Home

Sushi at Home

I recently bought an affordable sushi-making kit as part of my New Year’s resolution to experiment more in the kitchen for my family. My plan involves diving deep into tutorials on making the perfect sushi rice because, let’s face it, bad rice leads to bad sushi.

The biggest challenge? Filling the rolls to satisfy my family’s varying preferences. My wife is easy to please—she loves green peppers, red peppers, cucumber, and cream cheese. Quick and simple!

However, the kids are tougher. They’re not fans of raw fish (🙄), only want fried shrimp, and they don’t like unagi, lobster, crab, or avocado.

So, what’s a sushi enthusiast to do? I’m open to all kinds of non-traditional fillings! I could totally go for prime rib with tempura veggies, cream cheese, and eel sauce.

I’m eager to hear your best and most unconventional combinations, along with any tips for getting that sushi rice just right. Bring on the suggestions, everyone!


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One response to “Sushi at Home”

  1. It sounds like you’re embarking on a fun culinary adventure! Sushi at home can be a great way to experiment with flavors and cater to your family’s preferences. Here are some filling ideas and tips for perfect sushi rice:

    Best Filling Combinations:

    1. Tempura Veggie Rolls: Use a mix of tempura-fried vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms, paired with cream cheese for creaminess.

    2. Fried Shrimp Rolls: Since the kids like fried shrimp, consider making shrimp tempura. Pair it with cucumber and a drizzle of eel sauce or spicy mayo.

    3. Chicken Teriyaki Rolls: Cook some teriyaki chicken and roll it with cucumber and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a tasty combo.

    4. Philly Rolls: If your family likes cream cheese, try a spin on the classic with smoked salmon (or skip it if that’s not an option) plus red pepper and cucumber instead of other fish.

    5. Beef & Veggie Rolls: Use thinly sliced grilled steak (like your idea of prime rib) with roasted red peppers and cooked tempura carrots.

    6. PB&J Rolls: For something totally different, you can even make a fun dessert roll with peanut butter and jelly, adding sliced bananas or strawberries.

    Worthy Combinations:
    Cheesy Veggie Rolls: Fill with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, cheese, and tempura zucchini for a savory treat.
    Breakfast Rolls: Scramble some eggs, add cooked sausage or bacon, and wrap it all up with some spinach.

    Tricks for Perfect Sushi Rice:
    1. Wash the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This helps prevent it from being too sticky.

    1. Proper Rice to Water Ratio: A common ratio is 1 cup of sushi rice to 1.25 cups of water. Adjust slightly based on your rice brand.

    2. Cooking: After bringing the water to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes. Let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes after cooking for the best texture.

    3. Seasoning: Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt (about 3 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt for 2 cups of cooked rice) in a small bowl. Gently fold this seasoning into the rice after it’s cooked and cooled slightly.

    4. Cooling: Spread the rice out on a large plate or wooden sushi OKI, and fan it while gently folding it to cool it down and give it a nice sheen.

    Experiment and have fun with it! Your family is going to love the personalized touches you bring to your sushi creations. Enjoy the process! 🍣

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