Home-made Sushi

I love trying to recreate dishes at home that I enjoy eating out. I have always wanted to try making sushi at home, but it always seemed like a daunting task. Starting later this month, I will be teaching a cooking course to youth and I thought that making sushi would be so much fun for the kids. So, I decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. They did not come out perfectly, but for my first try, I think they look pretty good. All that really matters is that they tasted good and they sure did!

I decided to make my favourite roll, cucumber and avocado and then I also wanted to try something unique. I am not a huge fan of raw fish, so I decided to take canned tuna and mix it with tempura bits, mayo and something a little less traditional, pickles! Let me tell you, great combo. But you can really be creative and do whatever you like.

Some tips for rolling the sushi:
1. You don’t need a sushi mat, saran wrap works just fine.
2. Place the seaweed on top of the saran wrap for easy rolling.
3. Make sure your hands are wet so the sushi rice does not stick.
4. Make your sushi rice in the instant pot or rice cooker for perfect, fail proof rice.
5. Gather and chop your favourite fillings. Be creative.
6. When rolling, use the outer edge of saran wrap to roll over the sushi. Tighten as you roll.
7. Use a very sharp knife to cut the sushi pieces.

I promise, if you give this a try you will have sushi worth gossiping about… at home!

Instant Pot Sushi Rice

Yield: 4 sushi rolls, which makes 8 pieces each

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups sushi rice
2 cups water
2 tbsp sugar
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
For Rolls
4 sheets toasted seaweed
Assorted fillings

DIRECTIONS:
1. Rinse the sushi rice well under water in a sieve.
2. Place the rice and 2 cups of water in the instant pot.
3. Close instant pot, set valve to seal and press the rice button- 12 minutes on low pressure.
4. Allow natural release for 10 minutes and then open pot.
5. Meanwhile, in a small, microwave safe bowl, place rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Microwave for 1 minute and then mix together ensuring the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
6. Gather and chop up your filling items.
7. Remove rice from instant pot and pour the vinegar mixture into the rice. Mix well and set aside to cool.
8. Once rice is cooled, you can start assembling your sushi rolls. Tips above. Enjoy!