To make Japanese sushi, follow these steps:
Prepare Sushi Rice: Rinse short-grain sushi rice until the water runs clear. Cook the rice with water according to package instructions. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Fold this mixture into the cooked rice while it's still warm. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
Prepare Ingredients: Prepare your choice of sushi ingredients, such as raw fish (sashimi-grade), cooked seafood, vegetables like cucumber and avocado, and nori (seaweed).
Prepare Sushi Rice: Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat. Wet your hands and spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small border at the top edge.
Add Fillings: Place your choice of fillings (fish, vegetables, etc.) horizontally across the rice, about one-third of the way up from the bottom.
Roll Sushi: Lift the edge of the bamboo mat closest to you, and roll it over the fillings, using the mat to shape the sushi into a tight cylinder.
Slice Sushi: Use a sharp knife to slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces. Wet the knife between cuts to prevent sticking.
Serve Sushi: Serve the sushi with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.
Optional: Make Inside-Out Rolls: For inside-out rolls, start with the nori on the inside, rice on the outside. Sprinkle sesame seeds or roe over the rice before rolling.
Experiment: Get creative with your sushi fillings and presentations to create your own unique sushi rolls.
