How to Make Sushi – Quick, Practical and Easy!

History of sushi

Sushi is not originally from Japan, but from Southeast Asia, where people used to preserve fish by fermenting it with rice. This method, called narezushi, reached China and then Japan around the 8th century. However, the rice was discarded and only the fish was eaten.

In the 17th century, a Japanese chef named Yohei Hanaya invented a new way of making sushi, called nigiri-zushi, which means “hand-pressed sushi”. He used fresh fish, slightly cooked or marinated, and placed it on top of vinegared rice. This was a fast and convenient way of serving sushi, and it became very popular in Tokyo, then called Edo.

In the 19th century, sushi spread throughout Japan, thanks to the development of refrigeration and transportation technologies. Different regions created their own variations of sushi, using local ingredients and flavors. For example, in Osaka, people made oshi-zushi, which means “pressed sushi”, by molding rice and fish in a wooden box.

In the 20th century, sushi became a global phenomenon, especially after World War II, when many Japanese immigrants introduced sushi to other countries, such as the United States, Brazil, and Australia. Sushi also adapted to different cultures and tastes, creating new styles, such as the California roll, which uses avocado and crab meat.

Types of sushi

There are many types of sushi, but they can be classified into four main categories, according to the way they are prepared:

• Nigiri-zushi: This is the most common and traditional type of sushi, which consists of a slice of fish or seafood on top of a small ball of rice. Some examples are maguro (tuna), ebi (shrimp), and tamago (egg).
• Maki-zushi: This is the type of sushi that is rolled with nori (seaweed) and cut into pieces. There are different sizes and shapes of maki-zushi, such as hosomaki (thin roll), futomaki (thick roll), and uramaki (inside-out roll). Some examples are kappa-maki (cucumber roll), tekka-maki (tuna roll), and California roll.
• Temaki-zushi: This is the type of sushi that is shaped like a cone, with rice and fillings wrapped in nori. It is also called hand roll, because it is eaten with the hands. Some examples are spicy tuna temaki, salmon skin temaki, and unagi (eel) temaki.
• Chirashi-zushi: This is the type of sushi that is served in a bowl, with rice and various toppings, such as fish, vegetables, eggs, and roe. It is also called scattered sushi, because the ingredients are mixed together. Some examples are bara-chirashi (mixed toppings), kaisen-don (seafood bowl), and tekka-don (tuna bowl).

Ingredients of sushi

The main ingredients of sushi are rice, fish, and nori, but there are many other ingredients that can be used to enhance the flavor and appearance of sushi, such as:

• Rice vinegar: This is used to season the rice, giving it a sour and sweet taste. It also helps to prevent the rice from spoiling and sticking together.
• Wasabi: This is a green paste made from a type of horseradish, which has a strong and spicy flavor. It is usually served with sushi, to add some heat and kill any bacteria in the raw fish.
• Soy sauce: This is a dark and salty sauce made from fermented soybeans, which is used to dip the sushi, adding some umami and saltiness. It is usually mixed with wasabi, to create a balanced flavor.
• Gari: This is a type of pickled ginger, which has a pink or yellow color and a sweet and tangy taste. It is served with sushi, to cleanse the palate and aid digestion.
• Sesame seeds: These are small seeds that have a nutty and crunchy texture. They are often sprinkled on top of sushi, to add some color and flavor.
• Tobiko: This is a type of fish roe, which are tiny eggs that have a bright orange color and a poppy and salty taste. They are often used as a garnish or a filling for sushi, to add some texture and flavor.

Benefits of sushi

Sushi is not only delicious, but also nutritious, as it has many health benefits, such as:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: These are essential fats that are found in fish, especially in oily fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. They help to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and inflammation, as well as improve brain function and mood.
• Protein: This is a macronutrient that is found in fish, seafood, and eggs, which helps to build and repair muscles, bones, and tissues, as well as support the immune system and hormone production.
• Iodine: This is a mineral that is found in seaweed, such as nori, which helps to regulate the thyroid gland, which controls the metabolism and growth of the body.
• Vitamin A: This is a vitamin that is found in fish, eggs, and vegetables, such as carrots and cucumbers, which helps to maintain healthy vision, skin, and immune system.
• Fiber: This is a type of carbohydrate that is found in rice and vegetables, which helps to promote digestion, lower cholesterol, and prevent constipation.

Recipe of sushi

If you want to make sushi at home, you will need some basic tools and ingredients, such as:

• A bamboo mat: This is used to roll the sushi, giving it a nice shape and texture. You can also use a plastic wrap or a towel instead.
• A sharp knife: This is used to cut the fish and the sushi, making sure they are clean and even. You can also use a pair of scissors instead.
• A rice cooker: This is used to cook the rice, making sure it is fluffy and sticky. You can also use a pot instead.
• Sushi rice: This is a type of short-grain rice, which has a high starch content and a sticky texture. You can also use brown rice instead, but it will be less sticky and more chewy.
• Rice vinegar: This is used to season the rice, giving it a sour and sweet taste. You can also use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice instead, but they will have a different flavor.
• Sugar: This is used to sweeten the rice vinegar, balancing the sourness. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead, but they will have a different flavor.
• Salt: This is used to enhance the flavor of the rice vinegar, adding some saltiness. You can also use soy sauce instead, but it will have a different color and flavor.
• Nori: This is a type of roasted seaweed, which is used to wrap the rice and the fillings. You can also use lettuce, spinach, or cabbage instead, but they will have a different texture and flavor.
• Fish: This is the main filling for sushi, which can be raw or cooked, depending on your preference and availability. Some common types of fish for sushi are salmon, tuna, shrimp, and crab. You can also use chicken, beef, or tofu instead, but they will have a different texture and flavor.
• Vegetables: These are optional fillings for sushi, which can add some color, crunch, and nutrition. Some common types of vegetables for sushi are cucumber, avocado, carrot, and radish. You can also use any other vegetables you like, such as asparagus, bell pepper, or mushroom.
• Wasabi: This is an optional condiment for sushi, which can add some heat and kill any bacteria in the raw fish. You can also use mustard, horseradish, or sriracha instead, but they will have a different flavor.
• Soy sauce: This is an optional condiment for sushi, which can add some umami and saltiness. You can also use teriyaki sauce, ponzu sauce, or sesame oil instead, but they will have a different flavor.
• Gari: This is an optional accompaniment for sushi, which can cleanse the palate and aid digestion. You can also use lemon, lime, or vinegar instead, but they will have a different flavor.