Uni Gunkan Maki with a Twist

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) sushi rice 200g (7 oz) sushi rice
• 4 sheets of nori seaweed 4 sheets of nori seaweed
• 100g (3.5 oz) fresh sea urchin (uni) 100g (3.5 oz) fresh sea urchin (uni)
• 1 tablespoon fresh wasabi, grated 1 tablespoon fresh wasabi, grated
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

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.
   Once the rice is cooked, let it cool slightly before seasoning it with sushi vinegar. Mix gently to incorporate the vinegar without smashing the grains of rice.
3. 3.
   Cut the nori seaweed into thin strips, approximately 2 cm (0.8 inches) wide.
4. 4.
   Take a small portion of sushi rice and shape it into a rectangular block. Place the rice block on one end of the nori strip.
5. 5.
   Gently press a piece of fresh sea urchin (uni) on top of the rice block.
6. 6.
   Wrap the nori strip around the rice and sea urchin, forming a small boat shape. Repeat the process for the remaining ingredients.
7. 7.
   Arrange the Uni Gunkan Maki on a serving plate.
8. 8.
   Grate fresh wasabi over the top of each Uni Gunkan Maki.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the Uni Gunkan Maki.
10. 10.
    Serve immediately and enjoy the exquisite flavors of this unique twist on the classic Japanese dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sea Urchin (Uni) — Ensure that the sea urchin is fresh and of high quality. Look for vibrant orange or yellow color and a sweet, briny aroma. Handle the sea urchin gently to preserve its delicate texture.

Tips & Tricks

• If fresh sea urchin is not available, you can use frozen sea urchin as a substitute. Thaw it gently in the refrigerator before using.
• Adjust the amount of wasabi according to your preference for spiciness.
• To enhance the nutty flavor, you can lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan before sprinkling them over the Uni Gunkan Maki.

Serving advice

Serve the Uni Gunkan Maki as an appetizer or as part of a sushi platter. Pair it with pickled ginger, soy sauce, and a cup of hot green tea for a complete Japanese dining experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Uni Gunkan Maki neatly on a beautiful plate, garnishing it with a small piece of fresh seaweed or a sprinkle of microgreens for an elegant touch. The vibrant colors of the sea urchin and the toasted sesame seeds will create an eye-catching presentation.