How To Make & Roll Sushi

Step 1: Prepared any sauces you will be making to use on your rolls ahead of time, so they will be ready.

Step 2: Cut any vegetables you will be using into long thin strips, about 1/4 inch. (I like using European cucumbers with seeds removed, carrots, avocados, and green onions).

Step 3: If you are using Tempura Shrimp, it takes 2 large shrimp per roll. Just place them at each end of your roll.

Step 4: If your using Tempura Soft Shelled Crab, you use one crab per roll, laying it out so the claws will be sticking out one end of the roll.

Step 5: If you are making rolls with raw fish on top, (such as rainbow Roll) slice the fish pieces 1/4 inch thick, and they should be about 1 inch wide pieces.

Step 6: If you are using tuna or salmon inside the rolls, cut them into small chunks.

Step 7: To Make A Roll With The Rice On The Inside: Place your mat on the surface you will be working on.

Step 8: Place a piece of saran wrap on top of your mat.

Step 9: Place a nori sheet on the saran wrap, shiny side down.

Step 10: Dip your hands in water and then grab about 3/4-1 cup of cooked sushi rice, and place it on the nori sheet. (Dipping your hands in water first will stop the rice from sticking to your hands). If you like less rice use 3/4 cup; if you like a little more, use about 1 cup. You don't want it so thick that it's difficult to roll.

Step 11: Bring the rice up to just about 1 inch from the far end of the nori sheet (the end without rice will help the roll to hold together).

Step 12: Spread out the rice evenly with your hands, dipping them in the water if your hands start sticking.

Step 13: Press the rice down with your hands, to make it stick to the nori sheet.

Step 14: Place the ingredients your going to use in a horizontal line across the center of the rice.

Step 15: Pour any sauce you may be using on top, such as Spicy Mayonnaise.

Step 16: If Your Making An Inside Out Roll:

Step 17: Where the rice is on the outside of the roll, put on your rice, then flip over so that the rice is on the saran wrap, and then place your ingredients in a horizontal line across the center of the rice.

Step 18: If Your Making A Roll With Fish On Top Of Roll (Ex:Rainbow Roll):

Step 19: Place your fish pieces vertically overlapping each other a little across the length of your roll.

Step 20: To Roll The Sushi:

Step 21: Taking your fingers bring up the nori sheet, covering the ingredients.

Step 22: Bring the mat up over the top of the ingredients, and start rolling up the sushi tightly to form a neatly packed cylinder (Like a fat cigar).

Step 23: Squeeze firmly to make sure the sushi roll is tightly packed (be careful not to squeeze too hard or you'll break the sushi roll).

Step 24: Unroll the mat, and you have your sushi roll.

Step 25: Cut each sushi roll into 1 1/2 inch rounds using a sharp, damp knife (it's important that you re-moisten the knife after each cut). (I usually cut in the middle of the roll, then in the middle of each of piece to make 4 pieces, then in the middle of those 4 to make 8 pieces altogether.

Step 26: Plate your sushi.

Step 27: You May Also Try This Way:

Step 28: When ready to roll, bring up the nori sheet and saran wrap over the ingredients, then roll pressing with your hands until it's rolled up like a cigar.

Step 29: Take your mat and place it over your roll, and press the roll with your hands to tighten roll.

Step 30: When Cutting Rolls With Fish On Top:

Step 31: It is helpful to cut with the roll wrapped in the saran wrap. Just cut as instructed above with the saran wrap on top of the mat, then when done rolling take off the mat, cut through the saran wrap to cut your sushi into pieces, then pull off the saran wrap.

Step 32: Plate your sushi.

Step 33: If Using Eel Sauce:

Step 34: Drizzle over the top of your sushi.

Step 35: Serve along with wasabi, pickled ginger, soy sauce, or any other sauce you may like to use for dipping.

Step 36: Note: If using Lump Crab mixed with Spicy Mayonnaise or Masago on top of your sushi, spread on right before cutting, then cut as above.