Homemade Sushi Recipes

Sushi, a traditional Japanese dish, has gained immense popularity worldwide for its unique flavors and artistic presentation. While dining at sushi restaurants is delightful, creating sushi at home can be a rewarding and creative experience. All you need is a few simple ingredients and the basic techniques to make your own sushi rolls. 

Well, if it's so simple, why do people still fear making sushi at home? The fear, albeit a rational response to a new experience, arises from various concerns ranging from perceived difficulty in sourcing fresh ingredients, food poisoning, and the complexity of the preparation process. In this article, we will address these concerns while providing practical solutions and delightful sushi recipes that are simple to work with, even for first-timers. 

Why You Should Try Homemade Sushi

Cost-effectiveness

Making sushi at home can be much more cost-effective than dining out at a sushi restaurant. Restaurant prices often include the cost of preparation, labor, and overhead expenses. Making sushi at home saves you money by purchasing the ingredients and preparing multiple servings at a fraction of the cost.

Customization

Homemade sushi allows you to have complete control over the ingredients and flavors. You can customize your sushi rolls to suit your preferences, dietary restrictions, or allergies. Whether you want to experiment with unique flavor combinations, incorporate more vegetables, or create vegetarian or vegan options, homemade sushi can tailor the rolls to your liking.

Quality and freshness

When you make sushi at home, you can select the freshest ingredients available. You can ensure the quality of the seafood or alternative fillings, source high-quality nori sheets, and prepare the sushi rice to your desired consistency. This control over the ingredients guarantees a fresh and flavorful sushi experience.

Creative expression

Making sushi at home allows you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen. You can experiment with various fillings, sauces, and toppings and even explore different sushi styles, such as rolls, nigiri, or sashimi. The process of rolling sushi becomes an artistic expression, and you have the opportunity to impress your family and friends with beautifully crafted rolls.

Entertainment

Sushi-making can be a fun and interactive activity to enjoy with family and friends. Involve your loved ones in the process, from rolling the sushi to enjoying the final product together. It becomes a social experience that promotes bonding and creates lasting memories.

Skill development

Making sushi at home allows you to learn about the traditional techniques and culture behind this beloved Japanese dish. You can develop your knife skills, master the art of rolling sushi, and gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. It's a chance to expand your culinary repertoire and enhance your cooking skills.

Common Concerns Over Homemade Sushi and How to Overcome Sushi-Making Fear

Sushi-making can be an intimidating endeavor for many individuals, but understanding and addressing the common concerns can help overcome the fear associated with it, from raw fish anxiety to the fear of rolling techniques and ingredient availability. Let’s explore some practical solutions to help aspiring sushi enthusiasts overcome their apprehensions and confidently embark on their homemade sushi-making journey.

Raw Fish Anxiety

Fear of handling and preparing raw fish is a common concern for those new to sushi-making. However, it's essential to know that not all sushi requires raw fish. Begin by exploring cooked seafood options like shrimp, crab, or smoked salmon. Additionally, vegetarian sushi with ingredients like cucumber, avocado, and pickled radish can be just as delicious.

Sushi Rice Perfection

Many people worry about achieving the right texture and flavor of sushi rice. The key lies in proper rinsing, cooking techniques, and the right ratio of rice vinegar and sugar. Practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged by initial attempts. Numerous resources and tutorials are available online to guide you through the process.

Sushi Rolling Techniques

The art of rolling sushi can seem challenging, leading to fears of misshapen or loosely rolled sushi. Remember that rolling sushi takes practice and patience. Start with simple rolls like the hosomaki (thin roll) before moving on to more complex rolls. Invest in a bamboo rolling mat and follow step-by-step instructions or video tutorials to master the technique.

Ingredient quality and availability

Concerns about ingredient availability and quality can discourage individuals from attempting homemade sushi. While sourcing the freshest fish is ideal, there are alternative options available. Explore local fish markets, reputable online seafood vendors, or ask your local grocery store about their seafood selections. If fresh fish is not easily accessible, focus on vegetarian sushi or try different fillings like cooked shrimp, grilled tofu, or tempura vegetables.

Food safety

Worries about food safety, particularly regarding raw fish, can hinder individuals from making sushi at home. It is essential to ensure you source sushi-grade fish from reputable suppliers. Follow proper food handling guidelines, keep your utensils and workspace clean, and be mindful of hygiene. Educating yourself on safe food practices will alleviate concerns and ensure a safe sushi-making experience.

Things You Need To Do When Preparing To Make Homemade Sushi

Get the right tools.

The art of sushi requires various tools crafted for this specific purpose. You will need a good quality stainless steel knife for cutting the sushi rolls, filleting fish, and cutting vegetables. A wooden cutting board with non-slip rubber feet will make the whole process much easier and avoid making a mess when preparing fish.

In order to roll the perfect sushi, you will need to invest in a quality bamboo mat which makes it easy to roll the nori, rice, and ingredients together into a tight roll. The sushi rolling mats in our Ultimate Sushi-Making Kit are designed to create uniform sushi rolls in a simple 8-step process.

As you experiment with various sushi types, you will need additional equipment, such as an onigiri press perfect for triangle rolls, a nigiri press to make small uniform rice molds, and a maki maker for crafting square maki rolls. Having a high-quality bamboo serving board will also come in handy when you want to display and present various sushi rolls. Our sushi kit also has a complete serving kit comprising chopsticks, a rice paddle, an avocado spreader, and a condiment tray. 

Gather the necessary ingredients.

This step involves collecting all the essential components for making sushi, including sushi rice, fresh seafood or alternative fillings, nori sheets, vegetables, and condiments. These ingredients form the foundation of your sushi rolls.

A major point of contention is whether to use fresh or frozen fish. The simple answer is that the FDA recommends that fish meant to be consumed raw must be frozen at -31°F for at least 15 hours to destroy any parasites and harmful microbial residue.  This includes all “sushi grade” fish, such as tuna and farmed salmon. While freezing the fresh fish will considerably impact its texture, you should opt for flash freezing which allows the fish to retain texture, quality, and taste after it's been defrosted and thawed. 

How to Prepare Sushi Rice at Home

Preparing sushi rice involves a specific cooking and seasoning process to achieve the desired sticky and flavorful rice. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare sushi rice:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups short-grain sushi rice
• Water
• Sushi vinegar (a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt )

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice

Use short-grain sushi rice. This type of rice has a higher starch content, which gives it a sticky texture that is perfect for sushi. Place the sushi rice in a fine-mesh sieve or strainer and rinse it under cold water. Gently stir the rice with your hand while rinsing to remove excess starch. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.

1. Cook the rice

Transfer the rinsed rice to a rice cooker or a pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add water according to the ratio specified on the rice packaging. Typically, the ratio is 1:1 (equal parts rice and water) for sushi rice.

Cook the rice according to the instructions on the packaging or using the appropriate setting on your rice cooker. If using a pot, bring the rice and water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and tender. Don't overcook the rice. Overcooked rice will be mushy and not sticky enough for sushi.

1. Let the rice rest.

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and become more evenly cooked.

1. Prepare the sushi vinegar.

While the rice rests, prepare the sushi vinegar by combining rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Alternatively, you can microwave the mixture in a microwave-safe bowl, occasionally stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve. The optimal ratio is two tablespoons of rice vinegar, two tablespoons of white sugar, and 1.5 tablespoons of salt. 

1. Season the rice

Transfer the cooked rice to a large, non-metallic bowl. Gradually pour the sushi vinegar over the rice using a wooden spatula or paddle to mix the rice gently. Be careful not to smash or overly stir the rice, as you want to maintain the individual grains.

Continue folding and mixing the rice until the vinegar is evenly distributed and the rice has cooled down to room temperature. Cooling the rice helps it become sticky and is suitable for sushi rolling.

Your sushi rice is now ready to be used in various sushi preparations. Remember to cover the rice with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out if you don't plan to use it immediately.

Popular Homemade Sushi Recipes

Classic California Rolls

Inspired by: Tasty

Serving size: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice (freshly prepared)
• 4 sheets of nori (seaweed sheets)
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1/2 cucumber, seeds removed and cut into matchsticks
• 8 ounces imitation crab sticks or real crab meat
• Soy sauce for dipping
• Pickled ginger for serving
• Wasabi, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the fillings:

• Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and thinly slice the flesh.
• Slice the cucumber into thin matchstick-sized pieces.
• If using imitation crab sticks, shred them into small pieces. If using real crab meat, ensure it is cooked and ready to use.

1. Prepare the rolling station:

• Place a bamboo sushi rolling mat (makisu) on a clean surface.
• Lay a sheet of nori on the mat.

1. Assemble the California rolls:

• Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking.
• Take a handful of sushi rice and spread it evenly over the nori, leaving about 1 inch of uncovered nori at the top.
• Arrange the avocado slices, cucumber sticks, and crab meat in a line across the bottom edge of the rice.

1. Roll the sushi:

• Start rolling the sushi tightly using the bamboo mat, applying gentle pressure.
• Continue rolling until the entire nori sheet is wrapped around the fillings.
• Moisten the top edge of the nori sheet with water to seal the roll.

1. Slice and serve

• Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.
• Repeat the process with the remaining nori sheets and fillings.
• Serve the California rolls with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side.

Feel free to get creative and add variations, such as adding sesame seeds to the rice or incorporating other fillings according to your taste preferences.

Salmon Sushi Rolls

Inspired by: Taste

Serving size: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 4 sheets of nori (seaweed sheets)
• 8 ounces fresh salmon fillet
• 1/2 cucumber, seeds removed
• Soy sauce for dipping
• 1 small carrot, grated
• Pickled ginger for serving
• Wasabi, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the fillings:

• Cut the fresh salmon into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick.
• Slice the cucumber into thin matchstick-sized pieces.

1. Prepare the rolling station:

• Place a bamboo sushi rolling mat (makisu) on a clean surface.
• Lay a sheet of nori on the mat.

1. Assemble the salmon rolls:

• Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking.
• Take a handful of sushi rice and spread it evenly over the nori, leaving about 1 inch of uncovered nori at the top.
• Arrange the salmon slices and cucumber sticks in a line across the bottom edge of the rice.

1. Roll the sushi:

• Start rolling the sushi tightly using the bamboo mat, applying gentle pressure.
• Continue rolling until the entire nori sheet is wrapped around the fillings.
• Moisten the top edge of the nori sheet with water to seal the roll.

1. Slice and serve:

• Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.
• Repeat the process with the remaining nori sheets and fillings.
• Serve the salmon rolls with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side.

You can also add variations to the rolls by incorporating other ingredients such as avocado, cream cheese, or thinly sliced vegetables to suit your taste preferences.

Tempura Shrimp Sushi Rolls

Inspired by: Dinner at the zoo

Serving size: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 8 sheets of nori (seaweed sheets)
• 8 Tempura shrimp (cooked and crispy)
• 1/2 cucumber, seeds removed
• Soy sauce for dipping
• Pickled ginger for serving
• Wasabi, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the fillings:

• Cut the tempura shrimp into halves or thirds, depending on their size.
• Slice the cucumber into thin matchstick-sized pieces.

1. Prepare the rolling station:

• Place a bamboo sushi rolling mat (makisu) on a clean surface.
• Lay a sheet of nori on the mat.

1. Assemble the tempura shrimp rolls:

• Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking.
• Take a handful of sushi rice and spread it evenly over the nori, leaving about 1 inch of uncovered nori at the top.
• Arrange the tempura shrimp pieces and cucumber sticks in a line across the bottom edge of the rice.

1. Roll the sushi:

• Start rolling the sushi tightly using the bamboo mat, applying gentle pressure.
• Continue rolling until the entire nori sheet is wrapped around the fillings.
• Moisten the top edge of the nori sheet with water to seal the roll.

1. Slice and serve:

• Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.
• Repeat the process with the remaining nori sheets and fillings.
• Serve the tempura shrimp rolls with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side.

Combining crispy tempura shrimp and sushi rice creates a delightful texture and flavor. Feel free to add other ingredients or variations to the rolls, such as avocado, spicy mayo, or sesame seeds.

Rainbow Sushi Rolls Recipe

Inspired by: Masala herb

Serving size: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 4 sheets of nori (seaweed sheets)
• Assorted fillings: avocado, cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, cooked shrimp, cooked crab, and mango.
• Sashimi-grade fish slices: tuna, salmon, or yellowtail
• Soy sauce for dipping
• Pickled ginger for serving
• Wasabi, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the fillings:

• Cut the assorted fillings into thin, long strips.
• Slice the sashimi-grade fish into thin strips.

1. Prepare the rolling station:

• Place a bamboo sushi rolling mat (makisu) on a clean surface.
• Lay a sheet of nori on the mat.

1. Assemble the Rainbow Sushi Rolls:

• Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking.
• Take a handful of sushi rice and spread it evenly over the nori, leaving about 1 inch of uncovered nori at the top.
• Arrange the assorted fillings in a line across the bottom edge of the rice.

1. Roll the sushi:

• Start rolling the sushi tightly using the bamboo mat, applying gentle pressure.
• Continue rolling until the entire nori sheet is wrapped around the fillings.
• Moisten the top edge of the nori sheet with water to seal the roll.

1. Slice and decorate:

• Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.
• Arrange the sushi pieces on a serving platter.
• Place the sliced sashimi-grade fish on top of each sushi piece, creating a rainbow effect.

1. Serve:

• Serve the rainbow sushi rolls with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side.

Enjoy your vibrant and visually appealing homemade Rainbow Sushi Rolls. You can get creative with the fillings, such as roasted sweet potatoes and sashimi-grade fish selection, to customize the rolls to your liking.

Temaki Sushi (Hand Rolls) Recipe

Inspired by: Wander cooks

Serving size: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 4 sheets of nori (seaweed sheets), cut in half
• Assorted fillings: cooked shrimp, crab, avocado, cucumber, pickled radish, etc.
• Soy sauce for dipping
• Pickled ginger for serving
• Wasabi, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the fillings:

• Slice the fillings into thin, long strips.
• Arrange them on a platter for easy access.

1. Set up the temaki sushi assembly station:

• Place the half sheets of nori on a clean surface.
• Place a small bowl of water nearby to moisten your hands and seal the hand rolls.
• Have the sushi rice and assorted fillings within reach.

1. Assemble the temaki sushi (hand rolls):

• Take a piece of nori and hold it in your hand, shiny side down, with one corner pointing toward you.
• Moisten your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking.
• Place a small amount of sushi rice on the lower corner of the nori sheet.
• Add a selection of fillings on top of the rice.

1. Roll the hand roll:

• Starting from the lower corner, fold the nori sheet over the fillings.
• Continue rolling, forming a cone shape, while gently pressing to seal the roll.
• Use water to moisten the end of the nori sheet to secure the roll.
• Continue assembling and rolling more temaki sushi using the remaining nori sheets, rice, and fillings.

1. Serve:

• Arrange the temaki sushi rolls on a serving platter.
• Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side.

Conclusion

Gone are the days when sushi was reserved for the few who could afford fine dining. You can experiment with dozens of sushi combinations with a high-quality sushi kit and various ingredients. The key is trying different fillings and combinations to suit your taste preferences while improving your sushi rolling techniques.

By Susan Grey
Written August 2023