sushi     If you are looking for a way to impress party guests, or simply want an interesting twist on dinner at home, there is no better solution than making sushi. Sushi is a healthy and ever-popular food, originating in Japan, that has gained popularity in countries all over the world in the past decade. It can be quite intimidating to make sushi for the first time but once you get the hang of it, it's sure to become a favorite. What are the steps you need to follow when making sushi?

Make the Rice

Sushi rice can be found specifically with the name of “sushi rice.” When you make it at home, you will add a few extra ingredients to the rice you may regularly make. For 3 cups of rice, you will want to add 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 2 tbsp white sugar and 2 tsp salt. Stir the rice vinegar, sugar and salt together on medium heat until dissolved, then add this mixture to the rice and cool before using.

Gather the Ingredients and Supplies

First, you need to make sure you have everything you will be using to make your sushi. The ingredients you will need are sushi rice, a nori sheet, your preference of fish and vegetables, and a bamboo mat to roll it up. Nori sheets can be bought in many grocery stores, and are readily found in Asian grocery stores.

Prepare Your Supplies

Set the bamboo mat in front of you on a flat surface. Lay the nori sheet on top of it, with the rough side of the nori facing up. Take a scoop of rice in your hands and make it into a ball. Spread it evenly on the nori, leaving a small empty border around the edges.

Add Contents

Take your fish and vegetables of choice, and add it in a line along the edge of the nori and rice closest to you. The combinations are unlimited. You can create a typical sushi with a raw fish such as tuna or salmon, but always use proper health and safety precautions when doing so. You may also use a cooked seafood if you prefer, such as crab meat or imitation crab. If you are looking for a vegan alternative, you can use vegetables only… avocado or cucumber are both delicious ways to enjoy a vegan sushi.

Roll Tightly and Slice

Begin with the end closest to you, which should have the contents on it. Close the end of the nori over the contents, and then pull it tighter from the top. Continue to roll, keeping it tight and not allowing the sushi to become loose. Continue tightening the sushi as you move the bamboo forward, until you are at the end and the roll is complete. When you have finished this step, you are ready to cut the roll, usually into six pieces, or eight if you are wanting smaller ones. Now you are ready to enjoy your sushi. For a special touch, serve it on a fancy plate with a small spoonful of wasabi, a few pieces of pickled ginger, and an individual bowl of soy sauce. Now all that is left to do is enjoy your creation.  Why yes I will be making this as I have always wanted to learn on how to make Sushi. Should be interested to see how the results are.