Sushi is one of the most popular dishes of Japanese cuisine, which has gained immense popularity around the world. This is a dish that is not only tasty and healthy, but also visually beautiful. If you've never made sushi, then this beginner's guide will help you make delicious sushi at home.

Step 1: Cook the rice

Sushi is prepared on the basis of rice, which must be properly cooked. You will need a Japanese variety of rice, which can be purchased in specialized Japanese stores. To cook rice, soak it in cold water for 30 minutes and then rinse it in cold water until the water becomes clear. After that, put the rice in a saucepan, add water and let the rice stand in water for 30 minutes. Then put the pot on the stove and bring to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat and let the rice boil over low heat for 15-20 minutes. After that, remove the pan from the stove and leave the rice for 10 minutes to steam.

Step 2: Prepare the vinegar mixture

Vinegar blend is a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. This mixture is added to the rice after it is cooked. To make the vinegar mixture, combine 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Heat this mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar and salt dissolve. Leave the mixture to cool.

Step 3: Mix the rice with the vinegar mixture

When the rice has cooled slightly, put it in a large bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Stir the rice and vinegar mixture with a spoon or fan to smooth the rice. After that, close the bowl and leave for 10-15 minutes so that the rice is saturated with the taste of the vinegar mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the filling

Sushi can be made with different fillings, such as cheese, cucumber, avocado, crab meat, salmon, etc. Prepare the filling you need and cut it into thin strips. Note that the filling should be sliced so that it is the same thickness and length so that the sushi is nice and symmetrical.

Step 5: Prepare the makisa

Makisu is a bamboo mat that is used to roll sushi. Turn the makisa so that the bamboo sticks are pointing along you. Place the nori sheet on the makisa so that the smoother side is on top.

Step 6: Apply the rice to the nori

Take some rice and spread it evenly over the entire surface of the nori, leaving free space on the top. Spread the rice evenly, not too tightly, so that the sushi is not too hard. Leave a slight indentation from the edge of the nori to make it easier to twist the roll.

Step 7: Add the toppings

Add the filling to the top of the rice, placing it along the center of the roll.

Step 8: Twist the sushi

Lift the bottom of the makisu along with the nori and filling and twist it tightly into a roll, wrapping it around the bamboo makisa. Press down on the makisa while twisting so that the sushi is dense and does not fall apart. When you reach the top, grease the edge of the nori with a little water so that it sticks together with the roll.

Step 9: Slice the sushi

Take a sharp knife and cut the roll into pieces about 2 cm wide, cut the sushi with a sharp and clean knife, after soaking it in water so that the rice does not stick to the knife. Cut slowly and carefully so as not to spoil the shape of the sushi.

Step 10: Decorating and serving

Sushi can be garnished with soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger to give it an extra flavor and attractive look. Place the sushi on a plate and serve. Sushi is best eaten fresh, so it is recommended to cook it immediately before serving.

In conclusion

Making sushi is a simple process that can be performed even by a novice chef. It is important to follow the instructions, use only fresh and high-quality ingredients and have patience and attention to detail. If you want to learn how to cook delicious and beautiful sushi, then just follow this guide and enjoy the result.