The buttery feel of avocado across the palate inspired sushi chefs in the ’70s, when an ingredient with a similar texture was nearly impossible to obtain in California. California Rolls get their name from the avocados they contain—the fruits grow abundantly there….
The tofu should be pressed so the batter will adhere to it. Place the block between two clean dishtowels or paper towels. Set a bowl holding a few canned items on top. Drain for 10 minutes. Rice Prep Time: Up to 1½ hoursSushi Prep Time: 30 minutesMakes 4 rolls (20…
Typically, spider sushi rolls feature a fried soft-shell crab inside a thick roll. The playful name describes how the legs of the crab extend beyond the sides of the roll. Here, fried shimeji and enoki mushrooms provide a similar, vegetarian-friendly effect. Rice Prep…
My use of pickled okra has become somewhat of a “signature” throughout my sushi career. It is a nod to my Southern roots, and I almost always feature it in some form. Here, I like it paired with fresh corn kernels. If the corn is very sweet and fresh, you can forego…
Tossing a bit of grated beet with the sushi rice gives it a pleasant pink hue and prevents your rolls from looking as if they are bleeding. Regardless of the type of beet you use, be sure to mix some of it with your sushi rice before making the rolls for the best…
Many sushi bars like to add spicy mayonnaise to their fillings, but I prefer to add it to the tops of rolls, where it stays tidy. Adding it to the mix makes things messy, as the mayonnaise often oozes out the sides during the rolling process. Rice Prep Time: Up to 1½…
A dull or lightweight knife can sometimes snag on the almonds, pulling rather than cutting them. This can rip the nori and make the slices uneven. To prevent this, make sure your knife is very sharp and exert a little extra force when cutting pieces. Rice Prep Time:…
I prefer to use the stems of the broccoli to the florets. These bites are ready in just minutes and can be refrigerated for up to a week. Rice Prep Time: 1½ hoursSushi Prep Time: 25 minutesMakes 8 pieces 8 inari pouches (seasoned tofu pouches)2 cups (350 g) prepared…
I prefer bundled spinach to bagged spinach for this preparation. Keep the spinach leaves turned in the same direction when cooking for the prettiest nigiri. Rice Prep Time: Up to 1½ hoursSushi Prep Time: 15 minutesMakes 12 pieces 8 oz (250 g) fresh spinach leaves,…
Shiitake are just one type of mushroom that works well for these morsels. Try a bundle of delicate enoki mushrooms for a subtler flavor, or robust shimeji mushrooms for a stronger flavor. Rice Prep Time: Up to 1½ hoursSushi Prep Time: 15 minutesMakes 8 pieces 8 small…
If you don’t have the time to make Miso-Pickled Eggplant, you can still enjoy this sushi. Roasted or grilled eggplant with neutral seasonings makes a good substitute. Rice Prep Time: Up to 1½ hoursSushi Prep Time: 15 minutesMakes 8 inari-sushi pouches 1 teaspoon…
If you don’t have a mandoline, use a vegetable peeler to slice the ginger root as thinly as possible. Prep Time: 25 minutesMakes about 4 servings One 2-in (5-cm) length fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced4 tablespoons salt1 cup (250 ml) Sushi Rice Dressing…