Japanese > Japanese > Sushi > Maki Sushi

Okinawan Spinach and Tuna Sushi Roll Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 sheets of nori seaweed
- 1 can of tuna, drained and flaked
- 1 cup Okinawan spinach, blanched and chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled ginger
- Soy sauce, for dipping

Special equipment needed:
- Bamboo sushi mat
- Plastic wrap

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and place it in a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

2. In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.

3. Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Use a wooden spoon to gently fold the vinegar mixture into the rice until it is evenly coated. Let the rice cool to room temperature.

4. Place a sheet of nori on top of a bamboo sushi mat, shiny side down. Cover the nori with a layer of rice, leaving a 1-inch border at the top edge.

5. Arrange the tuna, Okinawan spinach, and avocado in a line across the center of the rice.

6. Use the bamboo mat to roll the sushi tightly, starting at the bottom edge. Use your fingers to press the roll firmly as you go. When you reach the top edge, moisten the border with water and press to seal.

7. Wrap the sushi roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

8. Remove the plastic wrap and slice the sushi roll into 8 pieces. Serve with pickled ginger and soy sauce for dipping.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Room temperature
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 440
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 73g
Protein: 19g
Sodium: 520mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Regular spinach can be used instead of Okinawan spinach.
- Cooked shrimp or crab can be used instead of tuna.
- Cucumber or carrot can be used instead of avocado.

Variations:
- Add a layer of sliced cucumber or carrot to the sushi roll.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice.
- Add a drizzle of spicy mayo or eel sauce on top of the sushi roll.

Tips and tricks:
- Wet your hands with water before handling the rice to prevent it from sticking.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the sushi roll.
- Serve the sushi roll with wasabi for an extra kick of flavor.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover sushi rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
Sushi rolls are best served cold, but if you prefer them warm, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the sushi rolls on a platter and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.

Garnishes:
Pickled ginger, sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Pairings:
Miso soup, edamame, seaweed salad

Suggested side dishes:
Miso soup, edamame, seaweed salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is too sticky, rinse it with cold water before cooking.
- If the sushi roll falls apart, make sure to roll it tightly and use enough rice to hold the filling together.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients.
- Wash your hands and utensils before handling food.
- Store leftover sushi rolls in the refrigerator.

Food history:
Sushi originated in Japan in the 8th century and has since become a popular dish around the world.

Flavor profiles:
The sushi roll has a combination of savory, sweet, and umami flavors from the rice, tuna, spinach, and avocado.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the sushi rolls as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of miso soup.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Fishy, Umami, Salty