Sushi Making Kit Makes Sushi Possible At Home
[Updated 1 September 2024] Having watched a food program where the presenter and guest delighted in eating raw fish, I swore sushi would never cross my fridge door, never mind land on my plate. I didn’t even know you could buy a Sushi Chef Sushi Making Kit (did you?).
Sure, I knew sushi was low fat, low calorie, and very healthy eating, but raw fish? Eew.
Eat With Your Stomach Not Your Eyes!
Wow – was I wrong to turn up my nose. Of course, not everyone in Japan likes and eats fish (common sense should have told me that).
In fact, the brilliantly good news for me was learning sushi is also served with cooked meat, chicken and vegetarian toppings including egg and mushroom. I can get stuck into that sushi now.
Sushi Doesn’t Mean Raw Fish?
We are unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine and are in good company with many others who are as well. I believed Sushi actually meant raw fish which is not true at all. Actually Sushi means a range of foods prepared using vinegared rice and the fillings or toppings. As they are known, are usually presented as fish in the media, because it is the most well known.
There are several different ways sushi is served including the most familiar seaweed rolls, known as maki (which means rolls funnily enough), the seaweed is known as nori and it’s stuffed with the rice mixture then rolled using a sushi mat.
Nigiri Is Quite Easy To Make
Nigiri is commonly served as a small hand molded clumps of rice with the topping smoothed on the top. Sushi prepared like this is a more filling main meal as a rule.
For anyone dieting, I must say sushi is as filling and healthy a meal as anyone could wish for – great for diabetics too, but watch the sugar in the sauces.
Not tried this yet, but keep meaning to – Torfu. Torfu is used to make a pouch into which the toppings are stuffed (inari) and a popular party style sushi is called chirashi-zushi which translates into scattered sushi. It sounds easy-ish to have a go.
At the heart of it, chefs prepare sushi with visual beauty and delicate fragrant flavors. It appearance should be as appealing as flavor (OMG you should have seen the first attempt!!).
Overall taste depends on mixing and balancing elements from bitter to sweet plus sour to spicy in one dish. Easy enough for those brought up with the cuisine, but a bit more tricky otherwise.
The Sushi Chef Sushi Kit To The Rescue
If all that balancing of tastes sounds a bit worrying, do what I did and get a Sushi Chef Sushi Kit (mine was a gift from a friend) the first time you do it – and here’s why…..
When I unpacked it and did a bit of reading, it dawned on me that most of the real flavor and therefore sushi skill if you like, is in blending the sauces to suit the meal. Doh! But basically, there is no way could I have prepared such a great tasting meal from scratch first time, nor probably the twenty-first time. How would I know which sauces to get?
A kit contains everything you need except the fresh toppings. So sushi rice, rice vinegar, nori, wasabi, soy, pickled ginger. All the extras you didn’t even know you needed if you’ve never made sushi before. I believe the Sushi Chef kit comes ready to serve 12 people, meaning we had several goes at it before needing more supplies.
The most difficult part is making the rice, you can read more here on how to make sushi at home which covers the rice in depth. I also gave up trying to roll sushi with a mat – not just because they end up looking like a rolled tortilla, mainly because the mats are so hard to get clean. If the rolling part worries you, consider a Sushezi Sushi Made Easy which is a cute little gadget resembling a small submarine – really inexpensive, this little gem produces perfectly rolled sushi every time.
We’re still using the kits though I do now experiment, adding things like egg and mushrooms to the ingredients provided. I have now tried other kits and to be honest all of them have been pretty good, with Sushi Chef just having the edge – but hey it’s such an individual taste anyway and that is just my (and my other half’s) opinion.
While this post is filed under Fun Kitchen Gadgets it could just as easily go under the gift section. These kits also make such great fun presents.
- Complete kit for sushi making
- High-quality bamboo sushi mat
- Non-stick rice paddle
- Specially designed rice spreader
- Online sushi-making tutorials included
Our Ratings:
- Ease of Use – 3.9/5
- Quality – 3.5/5
- Value – 4.2/5
- Giftable – 4.7/5
- Flavor – 4.7/5
- Easy to clean
- Affordable price
- Complete kit with all necessary tools
- High-quality bamboo rolling mat
- Recipe book included
- The bamboo mat can warp if not dried properly
- Some customers reported difficulty rolling sushi
- Plastic utensils may not be durable
Ingredients:
- Sushi rice
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Nori sheets
- Fillings (e.g., avocado, cucumber, crab, salmon, tuna, etc.)
Instructions:
- Rinse the sushi rice until the water runs clear, then add it to a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a low point and cover the pot. Absorb all the water by the rice in 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- While the rice is cooking, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt together in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
- When rice is done cooking, transfer it to a large bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Mix the rice and vinegar together gently, being careful not to break the rice grains.
- Lay a sheet of the shiny nori side down on the bamboo mat that came with the sushi-making kit.
- Wet your hands with water to keep the rice from sticking. Then spread a layer of rice on the nori sheet, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- Add your desired fillings on top of the rice, keeping them in a line along the center of the nori sheet.
- Roll the nori and rice tightly around the fillings using the sushi-making kit, using the mat to help you roll it evenly.
- Use a sharp knife to slice a sushi roll into bite-sized pieces and serve it with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
With these ingredients and instructions, you can make delicious sushi at home using your sushi-making kit.
What to Look for in Sushi Chef Sushi-Making Kit
If you’re interested in purchasing a sushi-making kit to try your hand at making sushi at home, there are a few things to look for to ensure that you get a high-quality product:
- Quality of materials: Look for a kit that includes high-quality, food-grade materials that are safe to use with food. Ideally, the kit should include a bamboo mat, a sharp knife, and a rice paddle.
- Versatility: You can find a kit to make various sushi rolls yourself. It is start from basic rolls to more advanced types like dragon rolls or spider rolls.
- Instructions: Look for a kit that includes clear, easy-to-follow instructions for making sushi. This is especially important if you’re a beginner.
- Extras: Some sushi-making kits include extras like wasabi, soy sauce, and chopsticks. While these aren’t essential, they can be a nice addition to your kit.
- Brand reputation: Look for a kit from a reputable brand or seller with good reviews. This can help ensure that you’re getting a quality product that will meet your needs.
Factors To Consider While Buying Sushi Chef Sushi-Making Kit
If you’re looking to buy a sushi chef sushi-making kit, there are several factors you should consider to ensure you choose a kit that meets your needs and preferences. Here are some things to remember:
- Type of Kit: There are different types of sushi-making kits, including basic kits that only come with a few tools and advanced kits that include everything you need to make various sushi rolls. Consider your skill level and how much sushi you plan to make before choosing a kit.
- Price: Sushi-making kits come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to more expensive ones. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and choose a kit that falls within your budget.
- Brand Reputation: You should conduct research on the sushi-making kit brand you’re planning to buy. Read reviews and customer feedback to determine if the brand has a good reputation for producing high-quality, reliable kits.
- Included Tools: Look at the tools included in the kit to ensure they’re the ones you need. Most sushi-making kits will come with a bamboo mat, rice paddle, and sushi knife, but some may include additional tools like a rice cooker or dipping dishes.
- Ease of Use: Consider how easy the kit is to use, especially if you’re a beginner. Look for a kit that comes with clear instructions and is easy to assemble and disassemble.
- Type of Sushi: Consider the type of sushi you want to make and ensure the kit you choose has the tools necessary to make that type of sushi. For example, if you make nigiri sushi, look for a kit that includes a nigiri mold.
By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose a sushi-making kit that meets your needs and preferences and will help you create delicious sushi rolls at home.
FAQ’s
Q1. What is a Sushi Chef Sushi Making Kit?
A Sushi Chef Sushi Making Kit is a collection of tools and materials that allow anyone to make sushi at home, just like a professional sushi chef.
Q2. What’s included in the Sushi Chef Sushi Making Kit?
The kit typically includes a bamboo rolling mat, sushi rice, nori (dried seaweed), rice vinegar, soy sauce, wasabi, and a sushi knife.
Q3. Can anyone use the Sushi Chef Sushi Making Kit?
Yes, the kit is designed for anyone to use, regardless of skill level.
Q4. Do I need any additional ingredients or equipment to make sushi with the kit?
You may need to purchase additional ingredients, such as fish or vegetables. It depends on the type of sushi you want to make. However, the kit includes all the necessary equipment.
Q5. Is the kit dishwasher safe?
No, the rolling bamboo mat and sushi knife should be washed by hand with warm water and soap. The other components of the kit are disposable or single-use.
Q6. How long does it take to make sushi with the kit?
The time it takes to make sushi with the kit will depend on your experience level and the type of sushi you’re making. However, preparing the ingredients and rolling the sushi typically takes around 30 minutes.
Q7. Can I make different types of sushi with the kit?
Yes, the kit can be used to make various sushi types, including maki rolls, nigiri, and temaki.
Q8. Is the kit suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, the kit can be used to make vegetarian or vegan sushi by using vegetables, tofu, or other plant-based ingredients.
Q9. Can I reuse the bamboo rolling mat?
Yes, the rolling bamboo mat can be reused if it is properly cleaned and stored. It’s important to dry it thoroughly after washing to prevent mold growth.
Q10. Is the Sushi Chef Sushi Making Kit a good gift?
Yes, the kit makes a great gift for sushi lovers or anyone interested in trying their hand at making sushi at home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sushi Chef Sushi Making Kit is a perfect option for anyone who wants to try their hand at making sushi at home. This kit contains all the essential tools and ingredients needed to make sushi rolls, including sushi rice, nori seaweed, and sushi vinegar. The kit also comes with a bamboo rolling mat, a rice paddle, and a sushi knife, making it easy for beginners to create perfect sushi rolls with ease.
Not only is the Sushi Chef Sushi Making Kit a great way to learn how to make sushi, but it also offers an enjoyable and interactive activity for families and friends to do together. Making sushi at home may be a fun and creative way to spend time with loved ones while also enjoying a delicious meal.
Overall, the Sushi Chef Sushi Making Kit is an excellent investment for anyone who loves sushi and wants to learn how to make it at home. With its comprehensive kit of high-quality ingredients and tools, this kit offers an easy and enjoyable way to create restaurant-quality sushi in the comfort of your own home.
If you do decide to have a go with a Sushi Chef Sushi Kit, or anything else you see and like, call back and let me know how it goes okay?