Discover The Secrets To Crafting Perfect Sushi Balls For Your Next Party

Sushi balls are round sushi pieces made by shaping seasoned rice into balls and topping them with thin slices of fish or vegetables. The rice is wrapped in plastic with the topping to form a smooth ball, which can be garnished with sesame seeds or nori. These bite-sized sushi balls are great as appetizers or party snacks.

Sushi balls, or temari sushi, are small, round sushi pieces made by shaping seasoned sushi rice into balls and topping them with thin slices of fish, seafood, or vegetables. The rice is prepared by cooking and seasoning with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Toppings like sashimi-grade tuna, salmon, shrimp, and vegetables are then placed on plastic wrap, with a rice ball on top, and wrapped tightly to form a smooth ball. Garnishes such as sesame seeds, fish roe, or nori strips can be added for decoration. Sushi balls are versatile, easy to make, and perfect for serving as appetizers or party snacks. They are typically served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.

Ingredients:

For the Sushi Rice:

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

For the Toppings:

• Fish and Seafood:
• Sashimi-grade tuna (thinly sliced)
• Sashimi-grade salmon (thinly sliced)
• Cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Scallops (thinly sliced)

Vegetables and Garnishes:

• Cucumber (thinly sliced)
• Avocado (thinly sliced)
• Radish (thinly sliced)
• Carrot (thinly sliced)
• Edible flowers (optional)
• Nori (seaweed, cut into small strips)
• Pickled ginger (optional)

Other Toppings:

• Masago or tobiko (fish roe)
• Sesame seeds (toasted)
• Chopped chives
• Microgreens

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sushi Rice:

• Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
• Place the rinsed rice and water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you don't have a rice cooker, you can cook the rice on the stovetop by bringing it to a boil, then simmering it on low heat with the lid on for 18-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
• Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and let it cool slightly.
• In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt over low heat. Stir until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved, then remove from heat.
• Gently fold the vinegar mixture into the cooked rice using a wooden spoon or spatula. Be careful not to mash the rice. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.

2. Prepare the Toppings:

• Slice your fish, seafood, and vegetables into thin, bite-sized pieces.
• If using avocado, sprinkle a little lemon juice on it to prevent browning.
• Prepare small nori strips and have your garnishes ready.

3. Assemble the Sushi Balls:

• Prepare a small bowl of water mixed with a few drops of rice vinegar to wet your hands (this prevents the rice from sticking).
• Take about a tablespoon of sushi rice and form it into a small, smooth ball using your hands. You can make the balls slightly larger if you prefer.
• Place a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface and lay a slice of fish, seafood, or vegetable on top. Place the rice ball on top of the topping.
• Gather the corners of the plastic wrap and twist it to form a tight ball, ensuring the topping adheres nicely to the rice. Gently press the ball to ensure it's firm.
• Carefully unwrap the sushi ball and place it on a serving platter, topping side up.
• Repeat this process with the remaining rice and toppings.

4. Decorate and Serve:

• Once all the sushi balls are assembled, decorate them with your choice of garnishes. You can add a small strip of nori, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a dollop of fish roe, or even a tiny edible flower on top.
• Serve the sushi balls with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side for dipping.

Tips:

Sushi Rice:

• Ensure the rice is sticky enough to hold together but not too wet. Properly seasoned rice is key to the flavor.

Toppings:

• Use the freshest sashimi-grade fish available. You can also experiment with different vegetables or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Assembly:

• Be gentle when shaping the rice and avoid overhandling to keep the rice grains intact.
• Sushi balls are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great option for impressing guests or enjoying a creative sushi experience at home.