Tako Nigiri Sushi

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) octopus tentacles 250g (8.8 oz) octopus tentacles
• 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
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0.2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the octopus tentacles in boiling water for 30-40 minutes until tender. Drain and let them cool.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, mirin, and grated ginger to create the marinade.
3. 3.
   Slice the cooled octopus tentacles into thin pieces and place them in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice.
6. 6.
   Wet your hands with water and shape the sushi rice into small oblong shapes.
7. 7.
   Place a slice of marinated octopus on top of each rice mound, gently pressing it down to secure it.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Octopus — Ensure that the octopus is cooked until tender but not overcooked, as it can become rubbery. Marinating the octopus adds flavor and helps to tenderize it further.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve perfectly shaped nigiri sushi, wet your hands with water before handling the sushi rice.
• For added flavor, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top of the octopus before serving.
• If octopus is not readily available, you can substitute it with cooked shrimp or crab meat.
• Serve the Tako Nigiri Sushi with a side of soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for an authentic Japanese dining experience.
• Experiment with different toppings such as thinly sliced cucumber or avocado to add variety to your sushi platter.

Serving advice

Arrange the Tako Nigiri Sushi neatly on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions. Serve alongside soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for dipping.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, arrange the Tako Nigiri Sushi in a symmetrical pattern on a traditional Japanese sushi plate. Use small decorative bowls for the soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi to add a touch of elegance to the presentation.