Sushi Rice

Preparing the Rice and Nori

• 1

  PLACE the rice in a colander and rinse thoroughly under the tap until the water runs clear, then drain well. PLACE the rice and the cold water in a medium saucepan and bring to the boil. COVER the saucepan, turn the heat down to very low, and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. TURN off the heat and allow to stand 10 minutes more, still covered, then spoon the rice into a large bowl. MIX together the vinegar, sugar and salt in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves, then drizzle over the rice. MIX together gently to coat the rice with the sushi vinegar, then set aside to cool to room temperature.

• 2

  TOAST each nori sheet very lightly by passing back and forth quickly over a stove-top hot plate (don’t place it too close to the heat or else the delicate nori will burn).

Sushi Roll Variations

• 1

  Smoked salmon and asparagus sushi rolls. Cut 6 oz (180g) of smoked salmon into thin strips. Lightly steam 12 trimmed asparagus spears, then refresh them in cold water. Smear a small amount of wasabi in a horizontal line across the middle of each rice-topped nori sheet and arrange equal amounts of salmon and asparagus on top. Roll the sushi up and cut into 1 1/2-inch rounds to serve.

• 2

  Tuna and cucumber sushi rolls. Cut a 10 oz (300g) piece of very fresh raw tuna into thin strips. Peel and remove the seeds from half a small-sized cucumber and cut the flesh into thin strips. Smear a small amount of wasabi in a horizontal line across the middle of each rice-topped nori sheet and arrange equal amounts of tuna and cucumber on top. Roll the sushi up and cut into 1 1/2-inch rounds to serve.

• 3

  Shrimp and vegetable sushi rolls. Cut 12 large peeled, cooked shrimp (prawns) in half lengthways. Peel and remove the seeds from half a small-sized cucumber and cut the flesh into thin strips. Trim and cut 2 scallions (spring onions) into thin diagonal slices and thinly slice the flesh of 1/2 an avocado. Smear a small amount of wasabi in a horizontal line across the middle of each rice-topped nori sheet and arrange equal amounts of each filling on top. Roll the sushi up and cut into 1 1/2-inch rounds to serve.

• 4

  Tofu, sesame and mixed vegetable sushi rolls. Lightly toast 3 teaspoons of sesame seeds in a frying pan. Cut 6 1/2 oz (200g) of firm tofu into thin strips. Peel and grate a small carrot. Remove the stems from 6 fresh shitake mushrooms (or use soaked, dried mushrooms or regular mushrooms) and thinly slice the flesh. Wash and drain 1/2 cup snow pea sprouts. Smear a small amount of wasabi in a horizontal line across the middle of each rice-topped nori sheet and arrange equal quantities of each filling on top. Roll the sushi up and cut into 1 1/2-inch rounds to serve.

• 5

  California sushi rolls. Cut 10 oz (300g) of crab (or surimi) into thin strips and mix with 2 tablespoons of Japanese or regular mayonnaise. Peel an avocado and cut the flesh into strips. Peel and remove the seeds from half a small-sized cucumber and cut the flesh into thin strips. Smear a small amount of wasabi in a horizontal line across the middle of each rice-topped nori sheet and arrange equal amounts of crab, cucumber and avocado on top. Roll the sushi up and cut into 1 1/2-inch rounds to serve. As a variation, replace the crab with cooked shrimp.

• 6

  Egg and vegetable sushi rolls. Cook an ordinary omelet using 2 eggs seasoned with salt and pepper, then slice it into thin strips. Cut 12 snow peas into thin strips and grate a small carrot. Smear a small amount of wasabi in a horizontal line across the middle of each rice-topped nori sheet and arrange equal amounts of each filling on top. Roll the sushi up and cut into 1 1/2-inch rounds to serve.