Sushi rolls, also known as “makizushi,” are a versatile dish that shines at events and parties like Setsubun. With a few key points in mind, you can easily learn how to roll them beautifully! In this article, we’ll introduce the basic rolling techniques for sushi rolls and a variety of creative recipes to enjoy different ingredients, from classic seafood options to Kimbap-style rolls. So, be sure to take notes and give them a try.
Surprisingly Easy! Rolling Techniques for Sushi Rolls
To make sushi rolls, it’s essential to understand the basic rolling techniques. While it may seem challenging at first, with a little practice, you’ll find that it’s surprisingly easy! We’ll explain how to roll thick and thin rolls, so be sure to check it out.
Rolling Techniques for Sushi Rolls – Thick Rolls
First, let’s take a look at how to roll thick sushi rolls. The key to rolling them neatly is to lightly press the ingredients at the beginning of the roll. Adjusting the amount of sushi rice you place on the nori is also crucial because using too much rice can make rolling difficult. Once you master this rolling technique, you’ll be able to enjoy various creative sushi rolls, so make sure to practice it!
Rolling Techniques for Sushi Rolls – Thin Rolls
For making rolls like Tekkamaki, Kappamaki, or Natto-maki, it’s recommended to roll them thin. When placing sushi rice on the nori, make sure to raise the front and back edges slightly. This will help center the ingredients when rolling and result in a visually appealing roll. Just like with thick rolls, leaving a small gap at the end of the nori sheet will make rolling easier. Give it a try!
From Classics to Creative Varieties! Sushi Roll Recipe Ideas
Now that you’ve learned the rolling techniques, let’s move on to some creative sushi roll recipes. Sushi rolls not only taste great but also look fantastic, making them perfect for events and parties. Discover your favorite recipes among the following options.
Homemade Ehomaki (Lucky Direction Sushi Roll)
Now that you’ve mastered the art of rolling sushi, let’s check out a recipe for Ehomaki, a sushi roll traditionally eaten on Setsubun. Ehomaki is typically made with seven different ingredients symbolizing the Seven Deities of Good Fortune. Using a variety of colorful ingredients will result in a beautifully presented roll. Feel free to experiment with your preferred ingredients for a unique twist.
Negitoro Maki (Tuna and Green Onion Sushi Roll)
Negitoro Maki is one of the most popular sushi rolls and a must-add to your repertoire. Once you’ve prepared the sushi rice, it’s as simple as placing the ingredients and rolling. It’s not only a quick and easy main course for dinner but also a perfect appetizer for your favorite drinks. Sushi vinegar is readily available and easy to make with vinegar, salt, and sugar, making it a convenient addition to your kitchen.
Salmon and Avocado Sushi Roll
Ideal for parties! Here’s a recipe for Salmon and Avocado Sushi Rolls. The combination of avocado and salmon, enhanced with cream cheese, creates a rich and flavorful dish. Including an omelet in the roll adds color and texture, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. Don’t forget to serve it with soy sauce and wasabi for an extra kick that elevates the flavors.
Quick and Easy Lettuce Rolls with Imitation Crab and Tamagoyaki
Let’s give a twist to the Miyazaki regional specialty, “Lettuce Maki,” by using imitation crab! The freshness of lettuce, the flavor of imitation crab, and the sweetness of tamagoyaki (sweet omelet) pair wonderfully with vinegared rice and creamy mayonnaise. The colorful combination of red from imitation crab and yellow from tamagoyaki, against the green backdrop of lettuce, creates a visually appealing roll. You can also add shrimp for an extra dimension of taste. Feel free to experiment!
Ebi Mayo Corn Salad Rolls
Continuing with salad rolls, this recipe features the delightful combination of shrimp, corn, and crunchy cucumber. Each ingredient offers a unique texture, while mayonnaise ties everything together smoothly. You can even use lettuce instead of green leaf lettuce if it’s more readily available. Try making this roll with easily accessible ingredients.
Shrimp and Cheese Shabu-Shabu Lettuce Rolls
Among the various lettuce roll options, adding cheese to your roll is a simple yet effective twist that yields a different flavor profile. Combining crisp lettuce and cheese results in a sushi roll that’s refreshing yet full-bodied. In addition to shrimp, you can use tuna, chicken, or other ingredients you have on hand for a delicious roll. Give it a try and expand your sushi repertoire!
Karaage Sushi Rolls with Tartar Mayo
Why not transform store-bought karaage (Japanese fried chicken) into sushi rolls? Karaage coated in tartar mayo pairs perfectly with vinegared rice and provides a refreshing contrast. With various karaage flavors available, such as soy sauce, salt, or sweet and spicy, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite!
Unakyu Thick Rolls Using Store-Bought Eel Kabayaki
Let’s create exquisite sushi rolls using store-bought eel kabayaki! The sweet and savory eel kabayaki pairs wonderfully with vinegared rice. Adding crispy cucumber and fluffy tamagoyaki enhances the visual appeal of the roll. This dish is perfect for celebrations and special events, so give it a try!
Salad Thick Rolls with Canned Crab Meat for Ehomaki
For this year’s Ehomaki, why not make a homemade salad roll that everyone loves? You can make it even without a bamboo sushi rolling mat; plastic wrap will do. The familiar salad roll can be easily prepared by mixing canned crab meat with mayonnaise and other ingredients and then rolling them up.
Easy Kimbap-Style Thick Rolls with Yakiniku Sauce
How about trying thick rolls inspired by Korean seaweed rolls, Kimbap? By adding gochujang (Korean red chili paste) to store-bought yakiniku sauce, you can season beef with a rich aroma and a hint of spiciness. The crisp texture of julienned carrots and cucumbers complements the flavors, making it an irresistible dish. These rolls are also suitable for Ehomaki, so give them a try!
Bibimbap-Style Nori Rolls
If you’re looking for something a little different, why not try making Bibimbap-style sushi rolls? By combining beef and various vegetables, including namul (Korean seasoned vegetables) and kimchi, you can create a sushi roll with the flavors of Bibimbap. Instead of sushi rice, try using rice mixed with sesame oil for a taste reminiscent of Bibimbap. You can season the beef easily using yakiniku sauce. Give it a try and enjoy a unique flavor experience!
Inside-Out Kappamaki
Even a simple Kappamaki can be transformed into a visually stunning dish by rolling it inside-out. In this recipe, we’ve added white sesame seeds on the surface, enhancing both the aroma and texture. With a little creativity, you can make changes like altering the ingredients or using larger sheets of nori to create thick rolls. When you want to try something different with your sushi rolls, give inside-out Kappamaki a try!
Salmon and Shrimp Roll Sushi
Perfect for parties and entertaining, here’s a recipe for Salmon and Shrimp Roll Sushi. Surprisingly, this recipe doesn’t use nori at all! It features vinegared rice shaped into a cylindrical form, placed on top of salmon and shrimp, and then rolled. The result is a luxurious dish! The combination of finely chopped dried shiitake mushrooms and burdock mixed into the sweet and savory vinegared rice pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of salmon and shrimp. It’s a delightful dish both in taste and presentation.
Elegant California Rolls
Introducing California Rolls with avocado on the outside. These ingredient-packed California rolls are easy to roll with the help of plastic wrap, creating an elegant inside-out roll. They are perfect for entertaining or special occasions. Please try making them with your favorite ingredients.
A Little Extra Effort for a Beautiful Presentation! How to Slice Sushi Rolls Neatly
When slicing sushi rolls, it’s important to first shape them and then cut them while wiping the knife with a damp cloth. This small step will result in cleaner, more attractive slices. We also have video demonstrations on Cookpad, so be sure to check them out for a visual guide.
Slicing Nori Rolls
Get Creative with Your Favorite Ingredients and Enjoy Sushi Rolls Sushi rolls, which may initially seem intimidating, become enjoyable once you master the rolling techniques. You can change things up by altering the rolling method, using ingredients other than nori (seaweed), such as thin omelets, lettuce, or prosciutto. Don’t hesitate to experiment and have fun making sushi rolls at home.
