How to roll perfect sushi without a mat. Every single time.


I like freshly made sushi but I had very little luck with making sushi at home until I discovered a short cut that I am going to share with you.

Back in the days, when I was pregnant with my first son I sadly found out that sushi was considered a high-risk food due to the potential presence of Listeria and I cried (let’s blame pregnancy hormones). This was when I first attempted to make sushi myself, and I failed on multiple occasions. I gave up any further attempts and opted for a freshly made vegetarian sushi from the local Japanese restaurant. 

How to roll perfect sushi without a mat - Healthy Snacks NZ

In 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, I was halfway through my second pregnancy with my second boy. Both my toddler and I were craving sushi, so I decided to give it another go. I got my sushi mat back, rolled up my sleeves, and failed again. My little critic (aka Gordon Ramsey) wasn’t impressed with my deconstructed sushi either.

Mr. Google saved the day! To my pleasant surprise, there were multiply ways of rolling sushi without the mat. 

It was a game-changer to discover that there are vast amounts of specially designed molds for making sushi!
There are molds for making any type of sushi: thin and thick rolled sushi (makizushi), large and small rice triangles (onigiri), the most traditional sushi (nigiri), shaped rice balls and even a cute panda face rice ball.
The mold for making rolled sushi contains three pieces. The thin rolled sushi is a little harder to make but they are the perfect size for a little toddler’s hands. The thick sushi is extremely easy to make, and you can fit lots of nutritious fillings in it for a nutritionally balanced lunch or dinner.
  
How to roll perfect sushi without a mat - Healthy Snacks NZ
Making sushi at home is super easy when you have these little helpers. Sushi used to be a special treat for me until I finally learned how to make it at home. Now they are a staple in our household and a lunchbox essential for my toddler.

 

I admire (and I am jealous of) people who can roll perfect sushi with their hands and a bamboo mat. You guys are amazing!

Please, excuse my method as I do understand that it’s not an authentic way of making sushi. I wish one happy day the bamboo mat and I will become friends. Until then, here is my list of ingredients that I find easy and practical to whip up in-between baby naps and toddler playground outings.

How to roll perfect sushi without a mat - Healthy Snacks NZ
How to roll perfect sushi without a mat - Healthy Snacks NZ
How to roll perfect sushi without a mat - Healthy Snacks NZ

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