Welcome to the world of sushi! Over the next few weeks, we’ll embark on a delicious journey through the most beloved sushi rolls both here in Australia and across the US. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi lover or a curious beginner, this series aims to teach you how to master the art of sushi rolling.

Previously, I introduced the Take Away Sushi Rolls, showcasing just one method of sushi rolling. Now, get ready because I’m about to unveil a collection of recipes that explore various fillings and rolling techniques, accompanied by informative videos for a clearer understanding.

What Sushi Rolls Are Popular?

According to sushi enthusiasts, here’s a rundown of the most popular sushi rolls in Australia:

• 1. The Classic California Roll
• 2. The Tempura Prawn Roll
• 3. The Spicy Tuna Roll
• 4. The Refreshing Salmon Avocado Roll
• 5. The Dragon Roll
• 6. The Veggie Delight Roll
• 7. The Unagi Roll
• 8. The Philadelphia Roll

Tempura Prawn Rolls (left) and Salmon Avocado Rolls (right).

In the United States, many of the top sushi rolls align closely with Australian favorites:

• 1. The Classic California Roll
• 2. The Spicy Tuna Roll
• 3. The Philadelphia Roll
• 4. The Dragon Roll
• 5. The Nigiri Salmon
• 6. The Rainbow Roll
• 7. The Kappa Maki
• 8. The Tempura Prawn Roll

Spicy Tuna Rolls (left) and California Rolls (right).

When we take a glance at Japan, the sushi scene is a bit different. Here are the top sushi selections:

• 1. Ōtoro (fatty tuna)
• 2. Salmon
• 3. Chūtoro (medium fatty tuna)
• 4. Tuna akami (red meat tuna)
• 5. Prawn
• 6. Kingfish hamachi (young kingfish)

Interestingly, while sushi in Japan primarily consists of nigiri, Australians and Americans lean towards sushi rolls. This culinary trend showcases a preference for more diverse fillings—some even without raw fish—than found in the traditional Japanese meal that typically highlights fresh fish and vinegared rice.

Understanding the Inside-Out Sushi Roll

While traditional sushi restaurants offer rolls wrapped in yaki nori (roasted seaweed), the most popular types of sushi in Australia and the US are often inside-out rolls, known as uramaki (裏巻き). In these creations, the rice is on the outside, encasing the filling.

The term uramaki derives from the word ura (裏), meaning back or reverse side. This unique formation caters especially to Western palates, eager for sushi experiences without the appearance of seaweed.

While some traditionalists frown upon variations like the California Roll, it remains a gateway that has fostered sushi’s popularity outside Japan. Today, even among the youth in Japan, fusion sushi styles are gaining traction.

As we dive into this recipe series, we’ll explore an array of enticing sushi rolls featuring distinctive flavors and textures. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come:

California Roll (today’s recipe)

This roll, widely recognized as one of the first Western-style sushi rolls, consists of crab-flavored fish cake, avocado, and cucumber, all elegantly coated with toasted sesame seeds.

Tempura Prawn Roll

Enjoy the delightful crunch of tempura prawns paired with shredded cucumber and a touch of mayonnaise in this delicious uramaki roll.

Spicy Tuna Roll

This roll features fresh raw tuna blended with green onion, white sesame seeds, and a hint of sriracha, creating a flavor explosion that’s sure to excite your taste buds.

Salmon Avocado Roll

Unlike the other rolls in this series, this beauty is not an uramaki but instead features raw salmon and creamy avocado wrapped in yaki nori.

How to Create Your Sushi Rolls

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 sheets yaki nori
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cucumber, cut into thin strips
• 1/2 cup imitation crab meat or crab sticks
• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Soy sauce (for serving)
• Wasabi and pickled ginger (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your sushi rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

1. Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain thoroughly.
2. Cook the rice according to your rice cooker instructions or on the stovetop. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.
3. In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat gently while stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the sushi rice and fold gently to combine. Let it cool further.

Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients

1. Lay a sheet of yaki nori on a bamboo sushi mat, shiny side down.
2. With wet hands, spread an even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top edge.
3. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the rice, if using.

Step 3: Add Your Fillings

1. Line up your chosen fillings (e.g., crab meat, avocado, cucumber) along the bottom third of the rice-covered nori.
2. Begin rolling from the bottom, using the mat to guide your roll. Apply gentle pressure to shape the roll evenly.
3. Once you reach the bare edge, wet it and press to seal the roll.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Using a sharp, wet knife, slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.
2. Arrange the slices on a plate and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.