What is Temaki Sushi?
Temaki, which literally translates to "hand-rolled sushi," is a type of sushi that is easy for anyone to make.
Wrap rice and your favorite fillings in seaweed and enjoy creating your own unique combinations!
The History of Sushi Leading Up to Temaki Sushi
Nigiri sushi, as we know it today, originated in Edo (present-day Tokyo) in the 1800s and became widely popular as restaurant food. Temaki Sushi was invented in the 1970s at a sushi restaurant in Tokyo as a more casual way to enjoy sushi. It later spread to the home and is now considered a familiar favorite on Japanese dinner tables.
As it only requires wrapping rice and your favorite ingredients in seaweed, no special skills are necessary. It's a perfect dish for enjoying with family and friends, as well as for a casual meal on your own. Try various combinations and find your favorite! 糖心原创vlog has been promoting international exchange of food culture, and have held company activities at its global locations, that of which includes enjoying Temaki Sushi. Here we will introduce the appeal of Temaki Sushi, which brings people together around the dining table!
How to Prepare
1. Making sushi rice
Cook rice and mix it with sushi vinegar to make sushi rice. Using sushi rice gives Temaki an authentic flavor. You can also use other types of vinegar or lemon juice in place of rice vinegar. When mixing the sushi rice, use a glass or stainless steel bowl. Fanning the rice with an uchiwa fan (paddle-shaped fan) to remove excess moisture will result in a glossy shine.
In traditional methods, a “handai” (wooden rice tub), is often used. Using the rice tub allows the wood to absorb excess moisture, resulting in rice that is less sticky.
2. Cut the ingredients into long, thin strips
Cutting the ingredients into sizes that are easy to wrap and eat is key. For sashimi (raw fish prepared with the bones removed and sliced thinly into easily eaten portions) such as tuna and salmon, cut each slice in half lengthwise.
For tamagoyaki (Japanese sweet rolled omelette) as well as vegetables such as cucumbers, cut them into strips of about 1 cm (0.4 in.) × 6-7 cm (2.4-2.8 in.).
For aromatic vegetables, it is recommended to julienne them (shiso leaves can be left whole). It is recommended to use nori seaweed sheets about 21 × 19 cm (8 × 7.5 in.). Cut each sheet in half or into quarters.
3. Assemble the vinegared rice, fillings, and nori seaweed on the table.
Keep the sushi rice in the bowl or “handai” (wooden rice tub) and position the nori seaweed in an easily accessible place. Arranging the fillings radially on a large plate makes for a colorful and appealing presentation.
Fillings that are scooped up and placed on top such as salmon roe or natto are best served by putting them in a small dish and placing that dish in the center of a larger one. Place a small plate and a dish of soy sauce in front of each person.
How to Wrap
- 1Place the rice slightly left of center on the nori, forming a triangle. Note that using a smaller amount of rice will make it easier to roll.
- 2Place your fillings diagonally across the center of the rice.
- 3 Take the bottom left corner of the nori and roll it up towards the top right.
- 4After preparing a small dish of soy sauce for dipping, it is time to enjoy your Temaki Sushi!
More Temaki Sushi Recipes
The following recipes offer a wide variety of ways to enjoy Temaki Sushi, featuring diverse ingredients and rolling techniques. Try out different combinations and enjoy creating your own unique Temaki Sushi!
