Interesting Find: Homemade Sushi
Author: 
February 11, 2009 
This post has been especially written for the Japan Blog Matsuri, hosted by Deas over at Rocking in Hakata (Thanks!). The theme for February’s issue is: Foreign Foods. UPDATE: The February Issue is now available.
After years of a personal debate on the thought of tasting just one roll, I have been introduced to the world of Sushi. Actually, I was re-introduced to Sushi thanks to my World of Warcraft buddies; Stating the fact that I would never eat Sushi in my entire life came the suggestion of trying it just once after their visit to a local Sushi bar.
I decided to try some out that was readily available at my local Publix supermarket near the deli area. It was a combination of Carrots and Cucumbers. The tradition Sushi was also available, but being a first time Sushi eater, I got the “easiest” choice.
Eating them for the first time was a new eating experience; I got over the raw seaweed part, but it can be hard to chew it properly. Until now, I have yet to try actual Sushi with raw fish, which is a bit more expensive at Publix, but I’m still a wimp when it comes to raw food that happens to a common delicacy…
For a few months, I started the practice of making my own Sushi, using a Bamboo Sushi Mat, Seaweed Wraps, also called Sushi Nori (すしのり), and regular rice that I cooked a little longer than I usually do; some say you need special “Sushi Rice”, but cooking it longer giving it a sticky texture worked for me.
For stuffing, I used random lunch meat, such as Bologna. I had some cans of crab meat around, but it turned out to be shredded Crab Meat… so the Bologna had to do. Once finished, it was delicious! It’s definitely a start in the direction of eating tradition Sushi.
I recently made more Sushi using Imitation Crab Meat–which needs to be cooked to a point to achieve a certain taste. Otherwise, it will be “tasteless”. A personal note: lightly fry the Crab Meat next time. ^^;
As mentioned, the rice is cooked to the point where the boil water is just about evaporated for a sticky texture, but not too dry. It is then removed from the heat for 45 minutes or until the rice is warm (not too hot to touch). Once the Nori is ready, the rice is spread out to the edges of the wrap. Finally, the filling, the Crab Meat, is placed in the middle.
Once everything is in place, the mat is folded at both ends and is gripped firmly to keep the ingredients in place. Lastly, the Sushi is cut into two rolls, then into four smaller rolls by cutting both rolls together. The end result is amazing. Although, I do hope that someday I’ll be able to try authentic Sushi. ^_^
Tagged: 
(Fandom)
Hey there Sanjo-chan! I feel like this is a really candid, honest approach to trying sushi for the first time. I was super skittish about it myself before I moved to Japan. (My mom had a seafood allergy, so we never had any at home…combine that with the raw factor and it was an anxiety-laden experience!) I’d like to say kudos to you for trying something new, and I want to encourage you to try unagi. Unagi is eel – which sounds freaky, I know, but trust me – it is the most delicious entry-level sushi. It’s not raw, for starters. And the taste is wonderful. Plus, wasabi and soy sauce are completely unnecessary. The truth is, I really dislike sushi rice – it’s the vinegar. So I started out with unagi-donburi first, and then switched up to the unagi sushi roll. Anyhoo, I vastly prefer sashimi now. I get all the goodness of the fish without the vinegar! Mmmm…sashimi.
Thanks for the entry!
That really looks good thx for the post.
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@Deas: Thank you so much for your input! I would like continue making my own Sushi too, but fortunately for me, not living in Japan (yet), there are a lot of Japanese Sushi restaurants where I live, so it will be a piece of cake to try some made right in front of you. I am anxious to try out the Unagi. ^^
I really need to toughen up and try sushi, if you can do it I can do it!
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Sushi… is overrated. Before I first came to Japan over 5 years ago I tried some standard sushi from an expensive supermarket in London – figured that was all they would have to eat in Japan so I should at least be prepared! As it turns out though, they have tasty food in Japan too – what a surprise that was!
I wonder what the statistics are on sushi consumption in Japan. I’d say it’s losing out to McDonalds with the younger generations.
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I don’t remember when was the first time I tried sushi, but you can always start with the ones that don’t have raw fish, like cucumber or egg etc. Your sushi looks delicious, I too like to cook stuff now and then, but definitely try the sushi restaurants near you, will help you learn how it should taste and get used to the flavor ^^
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