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 (letโs 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.ย
In 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, I was halfway through my second pregnancyย 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) wasnโt 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.ย
It was a game-changer to discover that there are vast amounts of specially designed molds for making sushi!
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 toddlerโs 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.
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Making sushi at home is super easy when you have these little helpers. Sushi used to be aย 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.
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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 itโs 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.
Making
sushi at home is super easy with sushi moulds. 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.
Cook
sushi rice as per instructions on the packaging. Remember to rinse your rice
first.
Combine
sushi vinegar, sugar and salt in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat (or
microwave), stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are
dissolved.
Once the
rice is cooked, pour the vinegar mixture over it and mix well with a rice
spatula. Let the
rice to cool to room temperature before using it to make sushi.
Water-soak
the sushi mould to prevent the rice from sticking to it. Put rice in the bottom
container and make a dent in the centre for the topping. Place the sushi fillings
in the center.
Fill in
the top container and make a dent in the middle. Place the top container on the
bottom one and press it hard, ensuring there are no gaps on the sides.
Remove
the top piece and place the sushi roll on the edge of the nori sheet. Release
the sushi roll from of the mould by pressing with your thumbs, onto the push
plates.
Wrap the
nori sheet around the sushi roll by rolling the rice.
Cut
excess nori with the sharp knife.
Recipe Video
Recipe Note
Use
store bought sushi seasoning instead of vinegar and sugar mixture. Experiment
with different toppings and flavours until you find your favourites.
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