Sushi for Sissies
Embrace the flavors of Japan with a beginner-friendly twist in this "Sushi for Sissies" recipe, perfect for sushi lovers and cautious eaters alike! This easy homemade sushi features soft and fluffy seasoned sushi rice rolled with crisp julienned cucumber, sweet carrots, creamy strips of cream cheese, and your choice of cooked shrimp or imitation crab, all delicately wrapped in savory nori sheets. With no raw fish required, this recipe is approachable for first-time sushi makers and delivers satisfying, customizable bites. Complete with step-by-step instructions and a prep time of just 25 minutes, it's a fun and delicious way to explore Japanese cuisine in your own kitchen. Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi for a personalized sushi night everyone will adore!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sushi rice
- 1.25 cups Water
- 3 tablespoons Rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 4 sheets Nori sheets (seaweed)
- 1 small Cucumber (julienned)
- 1 small Carrot (julienned)
- 8 pieces Cooked shrimp or imitation crab sticks
- 4 ounces Cream cheese
- to taste Soy sauce (for dipping)
- to taste Pickled ginger (optional)
- to taste Wasabi (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for a better texture.
Combine the rinsed rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat for 30 seconds to dissolve and then stir well.
Transfer the cooked rice to a large, flat dish or a baking tray. Gently fold in the vinegar mixture, using a wooden spoon or spatula. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
Lay a nori sheet, shiny side down, on a bamboo sushi mat or a clean kitchen towel covered with plastic wrap.
Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, and spread a thin, even layer of rice onto the nori, leaving a 1-inch gap at the top edge.
Arrange a few pieces of cucumber, carrot, cooked shrimp or imitation crab, and a strip of cream cheese horizontally across the center of the rice.
Using the bamboo mat or towel, start rolling the sushi tightly from the bottom edge. Press firmly as you roll to ensure a compact roll.
Seal the roll by lightly wetting the exposed edge of the nori with water and pressing it closed.
Repeat with the remaining nori sheets and fillings.
Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 6-8 pieces. Clean the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to maintain clean edges.
Serve with soy sauce for dipping, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side, if desired. Enjoy your 'Sushi for Sissies'!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
954 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.4 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.3 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 552 mg | 184% | |
| Sodium | 943 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.9 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.8 g | ||
| Protein | 66.2 g | 132% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.0 mcg | 50% | |
| Calcium | 204 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 804 mg | 17% | |
*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.
