How To Roll Perfect Sushi Without A Mat. Every Single Time.

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I like freshly made sushi but I had very little luck with making sushi at home until I discovered a short cut that I am going to share with you.

Back in the days, when I was pregnant with my first son I sadly found out that sushi was considered a high-risk food due to the potential presence of Listeria and I cried (let’s blame pregnancy hormones). This was when I first attempted to make sushi myself, and I failed on multiple occasions. I gave up any further attempts and opted for a freshly made vegetarian sushi from the local Japanese restaurant. 

In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, I was halfway through my second pregnancy with my second boy. Both my toddler and I were craving sushi, so I decided to give it another go. I retrieved my sushi mat, rolled up my sleeves, and failed again. My little critic (aka Gordon Ramsey) wasn’t impressed with my deconstructed sushi either.

Mr. Google saved the day! To my pleasant surprise, there were multiple ways to roll sushi without a mat.

It was a game-changer to discover that there are vast amounts of specially designed molds for making sushi! There are molds for making any type of sushi: thin and thick rolled sushi (makizushi), large and small rice triangles (onigiri), the most traditional sushi (nigiri), shaped rice balls and even a cute panda face rice ball. The mold for making rolled sushi contains three pieces. The thin rolled sushi is a little harder to make, but they are the perfect size for a little toddler’s hands. The thick sushi is extremely easy to make, and you can fit a lot of nutritious fillings into it for a nutritionally balanced lunch or dinner.    Making sushi at home is super easy when you have these little helpers. Sushi used to be a special treat for me until I finally learned how to make it at home. Now they are a staple in our household and a lunchbox essential for my toddler.

 

I admire (and I am jealous of) people who can roll perfect sushi with their hands and a bamboo mat. You guys are amazing!

Please excuse my method, as I do understand that it’s not an authentic way of making sushi. I wish one happy day, the bamboo mat and I will become friends. Until then, here is my list of ingredients that I find easy and practical to whip up in between baby naps and toddler playground outings.

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The Simplest Sushi Ever

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Category

Japanese/Gluten-Free

Cuisine

Japanese

Author:

Healthy Snacks NZ

Servings

4

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Calories

140

Making sushi at home is super easy with sushi moulds. Sushi used to be a special treat for me until I finally learned how to make it at home. Now they are a staple in our household and a lunchbox essential for my toddler.

Ingredients

• Cooked sushi rice

• 2 tbs. sushi vinegar

• 2 tsp. sugar

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• nori sheets (dried seaweed)

Fillings

• sliced avocado, thinly cut cucumber/carrot/capsicum, teriyaki chicken, smoked salmon

Directions

1. Cook sushi rice as per instructions on the packaging. Remember to rinse your rice first.

2. Combine sushi vinegar, sugar and salt in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat (or microwave), stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are dissolved.

3. Once the rice is cooked, pour the vinegar mixture over it and mix well with a rice spatula. Let the rice to cool to room temperature before using it to make sushi.

4. Water-soak the sushi mould to prevent the rice from sticking to it. Put rice in the bottom container and make a dent in the centre for the topping. Place the sushi fillings in the center.

5. Fill in the top container and make a dent in the middle. Place the top container on the bottom one and press it hard, ensuring there are no gaps on the sides.

6. Remove the top piece and place the sushi roll on the edge of the nori sheet. Release the sushi roll from of the mould by pressing with your thumbs, onto the push plates.

7. Wrap the nori sheet around the sushi roll by rolling the rice. Cut excess nori with the sharp knife.

Recipe Video

Recipe Note

Use store bought sushi seasoning instead of vinegar and sugar mixture. Experiment with different toppings and flavours until you find your favourites.

Nutrition

Calories 140, Carbs 28 grams, Fat 6 grams, Protein 2 grams, Sodium 50 milligrams, Saturated Fat 3 grams

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