Elevate your sushi game with the elegant and delectable Gunkan Maki—a masterpiece of Japanese cuisine that’s as stunning as it is delicious. This recipe combines perfectly seasoned sushi rice with bold, luxurious toppings like ikura (salmon roe) and uni (sea urchin), elegantly encased in crisp nori sheets. The technique involves crafting delicate rice oblongs and wrapping them in tender strips of nori, creating a boat-like vessel for the vibrant, ocean-inspired flavors to shine. Ideal for sushi lovers looking to impress, Gunkan Maki is a feast for both the eyes and palate, served with soy sauce and a touch of fiery wasabi for the ultimate umami experience. Perfect for intimate gatherings or special occasions, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality sushi at home in just under an hour.
Rinse 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will help remove excess starch.
Cook the rice according to your rice cooker’s instructions or bring 2 cups of water to boil, add the rice, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
While the rice is cooking, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, then remove from heat and let it cool.
Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold the vinegar mixture into the rice using a wooden spatula or rice paddle. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
Cut each nori sheet into strips approximately 1.5 inches wide and 7 inches long. You can get about 4 strips per nori sheet.
Wet your hands to prevent sticking, and form the cooled rice into oblong shapes about the size of a small egg.
Take one strip of nori and wrap it around the rice ball, leaving about half an inch of nori sticking up above the rice. Press gently to secure the nori to the rice.
Fill each gunkan maki with a spoonful of either ikura or uni. For variety, divide the servings evenly.
Arrange them on a serving platter and serve with soy sauce and a dab of wasabi on the side.
Calories |
1138 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.2 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 788 mg | 263% | |
| Sodium | 4862 mg | 211% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 162.8 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.8 g | ||
| Protein | 58.0 g | 116% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.8 mcg | 29% | |
| Calcium | 393 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 16.2 mg | 90% | |
| Potassium | 1002 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.