In recent years there has been a visibly increased interest towards Japanese cuisine, sushi in particular, worldwide. Eateries across different countries serve varied types of sushis and are always abuzz with diners and epicureans. However, there are also a group of culinary enthusiasts who prefer to try their hands at making sushi at home. After all, homemade sushi allows them to use ingredients of their choice and experiment. If you belong to the latter category, having a few basic tools to make sushi at home is a must.
Sushi making needs a certain level of skills and culinary expertise to perfect the dish. At the same time, one can experiment with different types of this Japanese staple food: rolled, hand-rolled, pressed, encased, and so on. To start with the most popular rolled sushi variant, one should invest in the following tools.
Nori rolled home-made sushis, Image Source: Pexels
Suihanki: Japanese rice cooker
Most sushi recipes rely heavily on rice. Thus, having correctly cooked rice is crucial to making outstanding sushi. Most Japanese restaurants and homes use a "suihanki," or rice cooker, to ace cooking the rice as needed for sushi. This Asian household classic found throughout the region can assist you in achieving the best and most consistent outcomes. Again, there is a wide variety, so you can choose one that will fit your needs and budget.
Hangiri: The mixing bowl
Sushi rice mixing bowl, hangiri, Image Source: Shutterstock
After the rice has finished cooking, it must be allowed to cool before adding the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. The traditional wooden container known as a "hangiri" is the best option for the mixing process. Compared to a steel cooking pot, a hangiri can cost twice or thrice the price, but there are also many less expensive variants available.
Shamoji: The Rice Paddle
Using suihanki is only the first step in mastering the art of cooking rice. After being cooked, the rice must be stirred with a rice paddle or a big flat spoon. This tool aids in allowing extra moisture to evaporate. The paddle can be chosen from various materials, including plastic and wood. A skilled sushi chef uses a 'shamoji' to work the rice in a 'hangiri'. If you want the classic shamoji, look no beyond the traditional ones made with bamboo.
Sashimi Knives
Without a doubt, a knife is a necessary tool for making great sushi. The vegetables, meat, seafood or fish used for sushi need to be cut in a specified manner. A set of knives would be preferable. For precise cutting, Japanese knives are only sharpened on one side. To find the best sashimi knives, look for the ones with a rounded, D- or hexagonal-shaped wooden grip.
Whetstone
When it comes to keeping your sushi knives as sharp as possible at all times, a high-quality waterstone or whetstone is a must-have accessory. The stones typically have different grit sizes. The grit is finer, and the knife is sharper as the number increases.
Makisu: The Rolling Mat
You need makisu once you've finished chopping the veggies, fish, and shrimp, cooking the rice, and assembling the sushi. It is likely the most well-known tool for those who enjoy Japanese food. Makisu, a bamboo rolling mat, will assist you in creating lovely California rolls and maki. Besides, they can be used to remove moisture from other meals, including Japanese omelettes.
So, let’s get started for making restaurant-style sushi at home by using these basic 6 tools.