How to Make Sushi Rolls

Making sushi rolls, or maki, at home is a fun and rewarding process. Here’s a simple guide to prepare this Japanese delicacy. Ingredients and Preparation You’ll need sushi rice, nori sheets (seaweed), and fillings such as fresh fish, avocado, cucumber, or imitation crab. Begin by cooking sushi rice and seasoning it with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let it cool to room temperature. Assembly Process Place a bamboo sushi mat on a flat surface and cover it with plastic wrap. Lay a sheet of nori on the mat, shiny side down. Spread a thin, even layer of rice over the nori, leaving about an inch at the top edge. Add your chosen fillings in a horizontal line across the center of the rice. Rolling Technique Lift the edge of the mat closest to you and begin rolling tightly, pressing gently to shape the roll. Continue rolling until the seam is sealed. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces, cleaning the blade between cuts. Serving Arrange the sushi on a plate and serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi. Experiment with different fillings and techniques to perfect your homemade sushi rolls!