Sushi has been around for centuries. The dish has evolved over the years and has become quite different from what it originally was. The dish which originated in Japan began with fish being fermented along with rice, vinegar, and salt. The rice bit was later discarded. The dish was so popular in Japan that it became an important part of the Japanese culture in the years to come. Today, sushi is a famous dish that is liked all over the world, but it is still strongly associated with Japanese culture.
You may be a really good chef. You probably know all the kitchen do’s and don'ts as well. But learning to make sushi at home is not a piece of cake. Meanwhile, you can get it delivered from your favorite sushi delivery service, as it will require loads of practice before you can master the art of making sushi yourself. Not just that, there are a number of tools and ingredients that you will be needing before you can get it right. Our article today covers the top tools and ingredients that you will need to make your sushi at home.
Set of Tools & Ingredients
Here is the set of tools and ingredients to make perfect sushi at home.
#1 - Hangiri – Wooden Bowl
You might be thinking how would a wooden bowl be any different from a plastic or a ceramic bowl? Any bowl should be able to fulfill the purpose just fine! However, you might not get the traditional Japanese touch in your sushi. A hangiri is a wooden bowl with a flat bottom. The bowl helps to prepare rice perfectly as the wood can absorb the moisture from the rice. This gives the rice, the sticky consistency which helps in making the perfect rolls.
#2 – Bamboo Paddle, Spreader, and Mats
If you know anything about the basics of sushi making, you are probably aware of the importance of using bamboo throughout the process. Bamboo is extensively used in the sushi-making process. Just how hangiri makes it easier to render a sticky texture to the rice, bamboo helps in the process as well. The bamboo paddles are used to move the rice from the cooking utensil to the hangiri.
Those who think that using a metal spoon would just be the same need to think again. Bamboo is a non-reactive material. Meaning, if your spreaders and paddles are made of bamboo, there won’t be a risk of any type of reaction with the rice vinegar, which can alter the taste of the rice. A bamboo spoon will also help your rice remain sticky throughout the sushi-making process. On the other hand, there are high chances that using a spoon made of metal or steel will most likely ruin the non-stick material of your rice cooker.
The next thing on your list should be bamboo mats. You may use the regular ones available. However, using the ones made up of bamboo help to give sushi the perfect taste. Bamboo paddles and mats are easily available in the market or you may get them online as well.
#3 – Sweet, Edible Seaweed – Nori
Nori is a sweet, edible seaweed that is used to wrap the sushi rolls. It is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine and is used widely in several dishes. Nori is used to keeping all the ingredients of your sushi intact. It acts like a glue to bind together the rice and the rest of the ingredients in the dish.
Other than fulfilling the above-mentioned purpose, Nori is a great source of vitamin B12. This vitamin is essential for a healthy body and provides a vast amount of nutrition. The sheets are also used to garnish soups and on top of rice bowls. You can easily find the sheets in the market or get them online. You can even get them in bulk and store them in an airtight container to retain the freshness.
#4 – Rice Vinegar
You simply cannot make sushi without rice vinegar. Rice vinegar is an essential ingredient as well as a tool that is crucial for the sushi-making process. This form of vinegar will help you achieve the perfect taste of sushi, the kind you find in restaurants. If you think you can substitute rice vinegar with some other kind of vinegar, you will most likely end up getting the entire dish wrong.
#5 – Sushi Rice
There is no sushi without rice - we have probably established that by now. However, another important factor to understand is that making sushi requires this special type of rice called sushi rice. This kind of rice has attributes that make it ideal for sushi-making. They aid in making neat, tight rolls that not only taste delicious but are easy to handle too. Moreover, they have a high level of starch that acts like a natural glue and binds the ingredients together. Sushi rice is cooked differently as well. Normally rice is cooked with 2 parts of rice and 1 part water. Whereas, sushi rice is cooked with 1 part rice and 1 part water.
#6 – Sushi Mold
Let’s be honest - having a great taste is one thing, but sushi that is also pleasing to look at is like the cherry on top. Through the right tools, you can design really attractive sushi bites. A sushi mold is a great tool that can be used to shape your sushi. These molds are traditionally made up of wood to cater to the moisture. Nowadays, you may also find some made up of plastic. However, using them is not recommended.
#7 – Sushi Boat
Presentation is another thing on a chef’s mind, even if you’re a home chef. This is why we recommend using a sushi boat. A sushi boat is a dish that you can use to place your sushi in and make it more presentable. Making perfect sushi and not being able to present it in the right way might just take the whole fun out of it. Therefore, your presentation must be on point as well.
Once you have all these tools and ingredients in hand, you’ll be able to make the best sushi without a hitch. Once you have mastered the art, you will not be tempted to order sushi online ever!