Growing Chefs! Ontario Maki Sushi Rolls (California and Vegetable Rolls)

Maki Sushi Rolls (California and Vegetable Rolls)

Maki sushi, meaning rolled sushi,” is one of the most recognizable styles of sushi. A sheet of nori is layered with seasoned sushi rice and filled with a variety of ingredients before being rolled tightly into a neat cylinder.”
Difficulty
Intermediate
Yield
Makes approximately 8 rolls
Ingredients
4 cups prepared sushi rice8 sheets nori seaweed Pickled ginger, for serving Soy sauce, for serving

California Roll Filling

Ingredients
1 cup imitation crab meat, shredded1/2 cup cucumber, cut into thin strips1 avocado, sliced

Vegetable Roll Filling

Ingredients
1/2 cucumber, cut into thin strips1 carrot, julienned1 red pepper, thinly sliced1/2 avocado, sliced Green onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Equipment
Bamboo sushi matPlastic wrapSmall bowlsCutting boardChef's knifeSpoon or rice paddleSmall bowl of waterDamp dish towelSharp knifeServing plates

Directions

Get Organized!

Gather your mise en place; get together all of the equipment needed for the recipe and gather your ingredients.

Prepare a workstation with sushi mats, nori, sushi rice, and prepared fillings.

Get Prepped!

Prepare all fillings before beginning to roll. Cut vegetables into thin, even strips so they are easy to arrange and roll.

Cover the bamboo sushi mat with plastic wrap to prevent the rice from sticking.

Get Cooking!

Place one sheet of nori shiny side down on the bamboo mat.

Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking. Spread approximately ½ cup of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a small border along the top edge.

Arrange a small amount of filling in a line across the centre of the rice. Be careful not to overfill the roll, as too many ingredients will make it difficult to roll.

Lift the edge of the bamboo mat closest to you and gently fold it over the filling, pressing firmly to create a tight roll. Continue rolling forward, using gentle pressure to shape the sushi into a cylinder.

Using a sharp, damp knife, cut each roll into 68 pieces. Wipe the knife between cuts to create clean slices.

Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.