How to Make Nigiri Sushi: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Learn to make Nigiri Sushi at domestic with this clean, step-via-step recipe. Perfect for beginners, it courses you thru making ready sushi rice and topping it with sparkling fish for an real Japanese revel in.
Ingredients
For the Rice
- Sushi Rice (short-grain Japanese rice): 1 cup, cooked and seasoned
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
For the Toppings
- Sushi-Grade Fish: Thin slices of uncooked salmon, tuna, yellowtail, or other preferred seafood (about ¼ pound of each type)
- Cooked Options (elective): Shrimp (ebi), eel (unagi), or tamago (Japanese omelet)
Optional Garnishes and Condiments
- Wasabi: A small quantity to region between the rice and fish, if favored
- Nikiri Sauce: Lightly brushed on fish earlier than serving (made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar)
- Soy Sauce: For dipping, if desired
- Pickled Ginger: For cleansing the palate between bites
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Rinse 1 cup of Japanese short-grain rice until the water runs clear. temperature.
- Cook the rice in a rice cooker or pot, then season it with a mixture of 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
Slice the Fish
- Use sushi-grade fish such as salmon or tuna. With a sharp knife, cut thin slices (about 2-3 inches long and ¼ inch thick) against the grain for tenderness.
Shape the Rice
- Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then form small mounds (about 1-2 tablespoons) of rice.
- Gently shape the rice into oblong pieces without compressing it too tightly.
Assemble the Nigiri
- Place a dab of wasabi on one side of each fish slice if desired.
- Press each fish slice onto a rice mound, gently pressing the edges to secure.
Add Optional Toppings
- For extra flavor, lightly brush Nikiri sauce on the fish or add a drop of flavored oil, like truffle or yuzu.
Serve Immediately
- Arrange the Nigiri on a platter with pickled ginger and wasabi on the side, and enjoy fresh.
Notes
For the fine effects, use most effective sparkling, sushi-grade fish from a depended on supply to make sure protection and flavor. Sushi rice need to be sticky however not gentle—keep away from overmixing to hold the right texture, and preserve your hands damp to shape the rice effortlessly without compacting it too tightly. Feel unfastened to attempt exclusive toppings like tamago, shrimp, or seared fish for variety, and do not forget, Nigiri is great loved right after making it to appreciate the sparkling flavor and texture.