This was the 2nd time I’ve attempted to make sushi. It went better than the last time and was more aesthetically pleasing. It requires some serious prep time (especially for the “sticky” rice), a trip to a couple different markets and a few willing sous chefs.
This particular Saturday some good friends came to help me out in the kitchen and to celebrate my 40th and their son’s 8th birthday!
It wasn’t fancy! And since we live in North Central Iowa we were limited with our “fresh fish” options.
The evening before “Kyle” (faithful blog follower) massaged the rice! Did you even know that you had to do that? Well, you do. Here are the steps;
1. Cover the rice with water, mix it around and squeeze the rice using your hand (the massage), then drain the water out when it gets cloudy and start again. You need to do this until the water remains slightly clear while washing. It will probably be around 3 times.
2. Put 2 cups of rice into a small/medium pot and fill it with water until it reaches a little over the level of the rice. We used a rice cooker.
3. When the rice is done, mix together 2 cups white vinegar and 1 cup of sugar – depending on how sweet you want it. Fold it into the rice. Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use.
If you’re already rolling your eyes and thinking “forget about it”- DON’T!!! It’s so worth it…
Kyle made a ton of it (8 cups), so we made fried rice also (kids had to eat too).
Ok, back to the sushi roll-a-thon. This is where the “helpers” make it fast and fun!
Yes, that’s me (upper left) reading the instructions. Apparently Fort Dodge, Iowa doesn’t believe in carrying Roe. Roe is the fully ripe internal egg masses in the ovaries, or the released external egg masses of flying fish (yummo), it has a red-orange color, a mild smoky or salty taste, and a crunchy texture.
So we opted to make inside out and just regular California rolls! The inside out was a little tricky.
Bamboo sushi roller – check! Oh and you can get it for a song, like a buck and a quarter on amazon.
Plastic wrap (oh I hate you), after you fight with it – cover the bamboo with the third piece that rips off correctly and doesn’t immediately stick to your skin and clothing .
Place a sheet of “SUKINA” or roasted seaweed onto the plastic wrap and spread 1 cup of your “relaxed” rice evenly over the layer. (Member it got that massage the night before)
Then with help, lift the plastic wrap and seaweed/rice off of the mat and return the bamboo, centered over the exposed rice and flip it over. Good luck with that! 
Place other ingredients in a line in the center part and roll slowly. Use some pressure to make sure it stays tight.
We used, avocado, cucumber, crab, cream cheese & black sesame seeds for this guy. Sliced about a 1″ thickness with a moistened knife.
What’s that little appetizer far right you ask? It was Jim’s concoction. Left over Easter ham, pineapple & wasabi, garnished with some toasted sesame seeds. Surprisingly, a delightful flavor explosion in one bite.
Now to party! The food was great, the company was better and the cake was a treat from Jamie! Thanks for making my birthday awesome friends…
