Preparing sushi is always a challenge. I found myself in a sticky situation but my wife was very encouraging - the usual "if at first you don't succeed then try again." Determination is everything and she believed she could help me prepare it, su-shi did. It's not as difficult as it seemed at first and we were both happy with the outcome, so here it is.
Did you know that the Californian Roll was created by chefs who emigrated to the United States in an attempt to adapt sushi to local tastes? Before you read on, take note of what you need to roll up as if you were from the very centre of Tokyo. It is far from a full-on supper but it is a nice starter to any l that will have your fellow diner/diners saying "gochisousama" after having a few of these small delights.
Note: The rolls are no more complicated to make than classic maki sushi. In any case, make sure you wrap your bamboo mat in cling film. Otherwise, since the rice is on the outside here, rolling becomes a sticky affair.
Cook Time: None
- 2. Because a California Roll gets rolled inside out, you need to cover your makisu (bamboo mat) with plastic wrap to keep the rice from sticking to the mat. You’ll also want to prepare a small bowl of water to dip your fingers in to keep the rice from sticking to them.
7. Along the bottom edge of the nori, put a few strips of avocado down, followed by a few strips of cucumber. Finish, by spreading some crabmeat across the roll. Be careful not to add too much filling or your roll won’t seal properly.
8. To roll, tuck your thumbs under the bamboo mat and use them to lift the mat and rice over the filling while using the rest of your fingers to hold the filling in place.
9. Use the mat to continue rolling the rice over the filling until the rice hits the nori.
10. At this point you’ll probably need to start pealing the mat back away as you continue to roll, otherwise you’ll end up rolling the mat into the rice.
11. Once, the rice has been completely rolled into a cylinder. Give the matt a firm hug with your fingers to compress the rice a little so it doesn’t fall apart when you cut it.
12. If you’re not going to eat the roll right away, wrap it in plastic wrap until you are ready to eat your California Roll. Putting the rolls in the refrigerator will make the rice hard and is not recommended, but if it’s going to be more than an hour before you’re going to eat the roll, you should put it in the fridge to keep the crab or salmon from spoiling.
13. To slice the rolls, use a long sharp knife, and place the back edge of the blade at the very centre of the roll. Pull the knife towards you, letting the weight of the knife cut through the roll. If put pressure on the knife, it will squish the roll and the filling will come out. Repeat cutting each half into thirds to make 6 pieces of sushi. Serve your California roll with soy sauce and wasabi.