Wakakusa Sushi Rolls

Ingredients

• 2 cups (470ml) sushi rice 2 cups (470ml) sushi rice
• 4 sheets of nori seaweed 4 sheets of nori seaweed
• 1 cucumber, julienned 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 avocado, sliced 1 avocado, sliced
• 8 cooked shrimp or 200g tofu, sliced 8 cooked shrimp or 200g tofu, sliced
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Pickled ginger and wasabi, for serving Pickled ginger and wasabi, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. 2.
   Place a sheet of nori seaweed on a bamboo sushi mat.
3. 3.
   Spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a small border at the top.
4. 4.
   Arrange the cucumber, carrot, avocado, and shrimp/tofu in a line across the rice.
5. 5.
   Roll the sushi tightly using the bamboo mat, applying gentle pressure.
6. 6.
   Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
7. 7.
   Slice each roll into bite-sized pieces.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle sesame seeds over the rolls for garnish.
9. 9.
   Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sushi rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a sticky texture.
• Nori seaweed — Toast the nori sheets lightly over a flame or in a dry skillet for a few seconds to enhance its flavor.
• Shrimp — Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. If using tofu, marinate it in soy sauce and sesame oil for added flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Wet your hands with water before handling sushi rice to prevent it from sticking.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the sushi rolls for clean and neat cuts.
• Experiment with different fillings such as tempura vegetables or smoked salmon for variety.
• Serve the sushi rolls with soy sauce and wasabi for dipping.
• For a decorative touch, drizzle some spicy mayo or eel sauce over the rolls before serving.

Serving advice

Arrange the Wakakusa Sushi Rolls on a platter and garnish with additional sesame seeds and pickled ginger. Serve alongside a small dish of soy sauce and wasabi for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sushi rolls in a visually appealing pattern on a rectangular plate. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant touch. Serve with a side of pickled ginger and wasabi to enhance the presentation.