Are you new to the wonderful world of sushi? Or, have you ever visited a sushi restaurant and were uncertain of what goes into making sushi rolls? With so many unique options in sushi, you may be astounded, and a bit overwhelmed. Even if the menu breaks down each particular type of sushi roll, it may be difficult for you as a customer to recognize the sushi ingredients. Of course you can ask your waiter or chef to point out specifics for you while you are dining, however, if you are interested in knowing the ingredients before your trip to your local sushi eatery, we would like to share the most common sushi elements used.
Sushi Rice
This essential building block of sushi rolls is referred to as Sushi-Meshi in the Japanese culture. It is a short, or medium-grain rice that not only provides stickiness to the roll, but it is the key to bringing forward the flavors of all the additional sushi ingredients. Due to the ability to hold its shape during rolling, you may find the rice outside, encapsulating the other ingredients or within a wrap of cucumber or seaweed.
Rice Vinegar
The combination of rice vinegar with sugar and salt to create “sushi vinegar,” is another fundamental component in the making of sushi rolls. Even though rice vinegar is used in many traditional Japanese recipes, this mixture blended with the rice provides a sweet and sour essence typically associated with sushi. When viewing sushi ingredients rice vinegar is often noted as Komezu.
Nori
You will generally spot Nori on a listing of sushi ingredients. Curious as to what this particular item is frequently known? Nori is a thinly sliced sheet of pressed seaweed. The sheet is so thin it weighs no more than a tenth of an ounce. Although it is customary to have the nori wrapped as an outer layer in a sushi roll, in North America, it is common to find the nori tucked away neatly inside amongst the other ingredients and encased with the rice on the outside.
Other Fixings
Various recipes incorporate other fixings such as raw or cooked fish, tuna, shrimp, crab and krab (imitation crab). Avocados, gobo (burdock root), cucumbers, and carrots (both of which are often pickled) top the list of vegetables added to sushi rolls. Other sushi ingredients you may find on the menu include cream cheese, caviar, egg roulade, scallions, sesame seeds, and mushrooms.
Although not “part” of building sushi rolls, dipping sauces wasabi, and soy sauce are champions of condiments associated with sushi rolls. In addition, “sushi ginger” and green tea are also typically offered along with the rolls as a method of cleaning one’s palate between bites.
Try Sushi Today
If you are intrigued by the assortment of this Japanese cuisine, it is time to experience the many options. RB Sushi, home of must-try sushi rolls, is the perfect eatery to begin your journey. Our all-you-can-eat sushi is made to order using fresh ingredients all day, every day, making it an ideal opportunity for you to taste the best selection of San Diego Sushi.
