Arab-style Sushi Rolls

Ingredients

While traditional Japanese sushi typically features raw fish and soy-based sauces, Arab-style Sushi Rolls incorporate cooked proteins such as grilled chicken or lamb, along with flavorful Middle Eastern spices like cumin, sumac, and za'atar. The sushi rice is also seasoned with a touch of olive oil and lemon juice, adding a refreshing tang to each bite. We alse have the original recipe for Sushi, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) sushi rice 2 cups (470ml) sushi rice
• 4 cups (940ml) water 4 cups (940ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 sheets of nori seaweed 4 sheets of nori seaweed
• 1 cucumber, cut into thin strips 1 cucumber, cut into thin strips
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1 carrot, cut into thin strips 1 carrot, cut into thin strips
• 200g grilled chicken or lamb, thinly sliced 200g grilled chicken or lamb, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons za'atar spice blend 2 tablespoons za'atar spice blend
• Soy sauce, for serving Soy sauce, for serving
• Pickled ginger, for serving Pickled ginger, for serving
• Wasabi, for serving Wasabi, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Set aside.
4. 4.
   Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Gradually pour the vinegar mixture over the rice while gently folding it in with a wooden spoon. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
5. 5.
   Place a sheet of nori seaweed on a bamboo sushi mat. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a small border at the top.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle za'atar spice blend over the rice. Arrange cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and grilled chicken or lamb in a line across the rice.
7. 7.
   Using the bamboo mat, tightly roll the sushi, applying gentle pressure to ensure it holds its shape. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
8. 8.
   Slice each sushi roll into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.
9. 9.
   Serve the Arab-style Sushi Rolls with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sushi rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for a fluffier texture.
• Nori seaweed — Use a sharp knife to cut the nori sheets to the desired size.
• Za'atar spice blend — Make your own za'atar blend by combining dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.
• Grilled chicken or lamb — Marinate the meat in Middle Eastern spices before grilling for enhanced flavor.
• Pickled ginger — Use store-bought pickled ginger or make your own by thinly slicing fresh ginger and marinating it in rice vinegar and sugar.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the sushi rice from sticking to your hands, wet them with water or vinegar before handling.
• Experiment with different fillings such as falafel, roasted eggplant, or tahini sauce for a variety of flavors.
• If you don't have a bamboo sushi mat, use plastic wrap to roll the sushi.
• Adjust the amount of za'atar spice blend according to your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
• Serve the Arab-style Sushi Rolls as a colorful appetizer or main course at your next Middle Eastern-inspired gathering.

Serving advice

Arrange the sliced Arab-style Sushi Rolls on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs like mint or parsley. Serve alongside small bowls of soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for dipping.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, arrange the sushi rolls in a spiral pattern on a rectangular serving dish. Place a small dish of soy sauce in the center and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens.