Before you start to make your sushi at home, there are a number of things that you will need to have at hand.
Basic Sushi Supplies
Bamboo Rolling Mat* (Makisu) – Most importantly, if making hand rolled sushi or Makizushi, you will need a rolling mat known as a Makisu.
These are widely available online and in cooking supply stores throughout the country or online. When selecting your Makisu you should ensure that you choose one that is rounded at one end and straight at the other to ensure its effectiveness.
Sharp Knife – You must ensure that you use a sharp knife whilst making sushi, particularly when preparing your fish as the accuracy of your cuts are of the utmost importance.
Wooden Spoon – This is of particular necessity when handling your Shari rice, as a metal spoon is liable to damage it.
Hand Towel and Bowl of Water with a Splash of Rice Vinegar – When handling raw fish it is vital that your hands are kept clean at all times. Your hands should be moist when handling and moulding rice, but dry when rolling and handling your nori.
Shari Rice – Although it is possible to use a standard medium grain white or brown rice it is widely recommended that you use Shari Rice when making your sushi. This will add to the authenticity of the dish and will help you achieve good taste and texture. Shari rice is now widely available at many supermarkets, online and in your local Asian food store or market.
Rice Vinegar – Rice vinegar is fundamental to the overall taste of your sushi and is available at most supermarkets. At a push, it is possible to substitute your rice vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice to ensure you achieve the right level of acidity, however the results are much better when rice vinegar is used.
Sugar – This will help you balance the acidity of your dish.
Nori Seaweed – *Nori is a vital component of sushi and is fast becoming available in some supermarkets throughout the UK, however, if your local supermarket doesn’t stock it, you will find it in your local Asian food stockist or online.
Soybean Paper* – This can be used as an alternative to Nori, however, you are unlikely to find this stocked in your local supermarket. If you wish to use soybean paper in your sushi recipe you will find it in your local Asian food shop or online.
Wasabi* – Traditionally, wasabi is an important component of any sushi dish and can now be found in a number of supermarkets or at your local Asian food stockist.
Gari (Pickled ginger) – *Ginger is used frequently in sushi dishes but is generally not readily available in supermarkets. Instead you will find this in your local Asian food supplier.
Fresh Fish* – For filling your sushi. I would recommend buying this fish from your local, trusted fishmonger who can advise you on the fish’s freshness and fillet it for you as you require.
Some supermarkets will have sushi grade fish in stock and it is possible to use this however it is always best to use the freshest fish available to you.
Additional Sushi Supplies
Fresh Vegetables
Soy Sauce
Glass Bowl
Cutting Board
*Obviously, these things will be largely dependent on the recipe and methods you are using and are at your discretion, there are also many things you can add if you choose to do so, but the above can act as a comprehensive list of everything you will need to make traditional sushi.
