Aji Nigiri Sushi

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) aji fish fillets 200g (7 oz) aji fish fillets
• 2 cups (470ml) sushi rice 2 cups (470ml) sushi rice
• 4 tablespoons rice vinegar 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• Nori seaweed, cut into thin strips Nori seaweed, cut into thin strips
• Wasabi paste Wasabi paste
• Soy sauce Soy sauce

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 68g, 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the vinegar mixture over it. Gently fold the rice with a wooden spatula to evenly distribute the seasoning. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
3. 3.
   Cut the aji fish fillets into thin slices, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick.
4. 4.
   Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the aji slices in the pan and sear them for about 30 seconds on each side, or until lightly browned. Remove from heat.
5. 5.
   Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take a small handful of sushi rice and shape it into a rectangular mound.
6. 6.
   Place a slice of seared aji fish on top of each rice mound, pressing gently to adhere.
7. 7.
   Garnish each sushi with a strip of nori seaweed and a small dab of wasabi paste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Aji Nigiri Sushi with soy sauce on the side for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Aji fish — Ensure the fish is fresh and of high quality. If aji is not available, you can substitute it with other fatty fish such as mackerel or salmon.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve perfectly shaped nigiri sushi, wet your hands with water before handling the sushi rice.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the aji fish for clean and precise cuts.
• Adjust the amount of wasabi paste according to your preference for spiciness.
• Serve the sushi immediately after preparation to enjoy the best texture and flavors.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as ponzu or yuzu sauce, for a unique twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Aji Nigiri Sushi as an appetizer or part of a sushi platter. Arrange the sushi pieces on a beautiful plate or sushi board, garnished with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Aji Nigiri Sushi neatly on a platter, ensuring the fish is centered on top of each rice mound. Place a small dish of soy sauce alongside the sushi for dipping. Add a touch of color by garnishing the platter with thinly sliced radishes or cucumber.