Otoro Nigiri Sushi

Ingredients

• 200 grams (7 oz) Otoro (fatty tuna belly) 200 grams (7 oz) Otoro (fatty tuna belly)
• 1 cup (200 grams) sushi rice 1 cup (200 grams) sushi rice
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 yuzu (optional) Zest of 1 yuzu (optional)
• Wasabi (for serving) Wasabi (for serving)
• Soy sauce (for serving) Soy sauce (for serving)
• Pickled ginger (for serving) Pickled ginger (for serving)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions or using a rice cooker.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
4. 4.
   Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and pour the vinegar mixture over it. Gently fold the rice with a wooden spatula to evenly distribute the vinegar. Add the yuzu zest and mix gently.
5. 5.
   Let the rice cool to room temperature.
6. 6.
   Slice the Otoro into thin pieces, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. 7.
   Take a small handful of sushi rice and shape it into a rectangular mound using your hands.
8. 8.
   Place a slice of Otoro on top of the rice, gently pressing it to adhere.
9. 9.
   Repeat the process with the remaining rice and Otoro slices.
10. 10.
    Serve the Otoro Nigiri Sushi with wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sushi rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for a fluffier texture.
• Otoro — Ensure the Otoro is fresh and of high quality. It should have a vibrant color and a buttery texture.

Tips & Tricks

• Use a sharp knife to slice the Otoro for clean and precise cuts.
• Serve the Otoro Nigiri Sushi immediately after preparation to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different amounts of wasabi and soy sauce to find your preferred balance of flavors.
• If yuzu is not available, you can substitute it with a small amount of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
• For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the Otoro Nigiri Sushi with a sprinkle of finely chopped chives.

Serving advice

Arrange the Otoro Nigiri Sushi on a beautiful platter or traditional Japanese sushi board. Serve it as an appetizer or as part of an omakase-style sushi tasting menu.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, you can garnish the Otoro Nigiri Sushi with a small dot of wasabi or a thin slice of jalapeno on top of each piece. Additionally, you can serve it on a bed of fresh shiso leaves for a pop of color.