Hand Roll Sushi Is Having a Moment
Put down your chopsticks: Hand roll sushi is having a moment. Kyle Itani, owner of new temaki spot Matsunori Handroll Bar in Allston, believes they’re easy to make and eat.
Place a full piece of seaweed on your bamboo rolling mat and spread rice evenly across it. Add your desired fish and veg fillings.
Ingredients
A hand roll is a deconstructed form of sushi that features a seaweed wrap filled with rice and other fillings then rolled into a cone-like shape. Hand rolls are often eaten with hands (no chopsticks required) and can be served as a snack or appetizer. They are a little less intimidating than a maki or uramaki sushi roll as they don’t have to be tightly rolled.
For a basic tuna hand roll start with a half sheet of nori and spread a thin layer of sushi rice with wet fingers. Add a small amount of fish (tuna, salmon, or salmon roe) on top of the rice, followed by some avocado and cucumber slices. You can also add a few pieces of a crunchy vegetable like shiso or radish for texture.
Once you’ve placed the ingredients on your sushi rice, gently fold one corner of the nori over onto itself, sealing in the fillings. Then continue to roll the sushi into a cone-like shape. It’s a good idea to have some steamed edamame on hand as it makes for a perfect compliment to your hand roll.
If you’d rather not use any fish, then simply load up the hand roll with fruit and vegetables. Try cream cheese, sliced cucumber and chives, or even a whole avocado. You can also add a few extra bits like sesame seeds, chia seeds, onion seeds, or shredded carrots.
Fillings
Hand rolls are a fun and easy way to make sushi for a crowd. As a bonus, they can be made without fish (see the dragon roll sushi recipe below). Ideally, prepare the rice and other ingredients ahead of time. Having everything ready to go makes the entire process much faster.
Sushi rice is a short Japanese variety of grain that is stickier and sweeter than the Western long grain variety used in most dishes. It is best to use a sushi mat when making makizushi as it will help you roll your sushi with less mess and precision. A bamboo mat is also great to have around as it will help you get the perfect shape and tight roll of your sushi.
Fillings for a hand roll are usually light and refreshing, such as a cruncy pickle, creamy avocado or peppery radish sprouts. A rich unagi (broiled freshwater eel) or salmon is another good option. You can even make a vegetarian sushi with cream cheese and cucumbers.
Depending on how many hand rolls you are making, start with a sheet of nori that is shiny side down and spread one-sixth of your sushi rice across it, leaving a 3cm-wide border along the edge closest to you. Then place your fillings along the centre of the rice, such as smoked salmon and avocado. To finish your makizushi, fold the bottom edge of the nori up over the fillings and then roll up tightly. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi as condiments.
Techniques
Sushi is a delicate balance of texture and flavor, and the key ingredient for sushi success is high-quality, fresh fish or seafood. For hand rolls, a wide variety of fillings can be used to create unique and satisfying rolls.
To make a hand roll, first, cook and season your sushi rice. Then, dip your hands in a bowl of water to make them slightly damp. Grab a sheet of nori, and with wet fingers, spreads a thin layer of rice evenly over it.
Next, place a few pieces of the desired ingredients toward the center line of the rice-covered nori. For example, you could add avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger and scallions to make a cucumber roll. Sakai also recommends quick-pickling vegetables like cabbage, carrots, leeks and radishes in vinegar to give the sushi a refreshing crunch.
After arranging all of your ingredients, use a wet knife to cut the hosomaki into 6 slices. Serve with soy sauce and/or wasabi for a traditional sushi experience.
Though it’s possible to roll hand-made sushi without a bamboo mat (you can use a dish towel), a sushi mat makes the process much easier. They can be Buy at most asian markets and specialty food stores, and are a must for anyone who wants to master the art of hand-rolled sushi. With a little practice, you can be creating your own sushi masterpieces in no time!
Tools
There is much that goes into the process of making hand roll sushi, and the right tools are important for achieving high-quality results. A sushi mat, also called a makisu, is required to help you create the desired shape of the sushi roll, and there are many different types available on the market. Some have a plastic or silicone surface and are easy to clean after use, while others are made from bamboo and are flexible and purpose-designed for sushi-making.
In addition to a sushi mat, you’ll need a sushi knife to carefully portion raw fish and precisely cut other filling ingredients. Haraguchi recommends the Togiharu gyuto knife, which is sturdy but nimble and features a line of dimples down its side to prevent sushi ingredients from sticking.
A sushi oke or large bowl is used to mix the rice with seasoning, and a hand fan can be useful to keep the rice cool as you work. A sushi spreader and paddle are also useful, similar in shape to a wooden spatula or a wide knife. Look for a high-quality set that is nonstick and dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning.
A deluxe sushi-making kit like the Delamu Store Sushi Rolling Kit provides all the essentials for making mouthwatering hand rolls, including two sushi mats, a rice paddle and spreader, and five pairs of chopsticks. This set is made from natural, durable bamboo and includes a sushi book and beginner ebook for an effortless home sushi-making experience.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, hand roll sushi, or “temaki,” offers a delightful blend of convenience and creativity in the world of sushi. Its simple, yet satisfying construction allows for a wide variety of ingredients, letting both chefs and home cooks explore and personalize flavors. Whether enjoyed at a sushi bar or made at home, hand rolls provide a unique eating experience, combining fresh, high-quality ingredients with a casual, hands-on approach. This makes hand roll sushi a versatile and enjoyable choice for anyone looking to savor the essence of Japanese cuisine.
