You have hosted pizza parties severally, and probably even tacos parties. Why not surprise your guests by doing something different: sushi party?
The following is a comprehensive guide on hosting a Sushi Party.
Sushi rice
The rice is an integral part of the sushi (especially if you are going to make sushi rolls). Basically, sushi rice is steamed rice with vinegar flavor.
You will need to buy good quality short-grain Japanese Rice. High moisture content is what makes Japanese short-grain rice different. However, it is not the same as glutinous (sticky) rice. So, while at the cereals store, avoid making a mistake by buying Japanese rice from Japanese brands.
Before cooking the rice, rinse it thoroughly, and soak it for about 30 minutes to enhance the texture.
Remember, it is not sushi rice without vinegar. In Japanese markets, you will find premade sushi vinegar. However, you can make it at home as it is merely a combination of vinegar, salt, and sugar.
Choose your type of sushi
Rolling the sushi is the most crucial part. First, you have to figure out the kind of sushi you want. Besides, the type of sushi dictates how you will roll, and the ingredients (fillings) needed.
Sushi rolls
When you roll sushi rice, with other ingredients such as raw fish and vegetables, it becomes a sushi roll. You roll these ingredients in a thin sheet of roasted seaweed, nori. The size of nori determines the number and amount of ingredients you can put. You will find nori in any Japanese market.
Temaki sushi
Temaki Sushi is probably the easiest sushi to prepare. It involves a cone of seaweed. All you have to do is put the fillings on one corner of the sheet of seaweed and make a cone.
Nigiri sushi
Nigiri sushi is another type of sushi to prepare. Simply put, it involves placing a raw piece of tuna on a layer of rice. It is served on a plate with other delicacies on the side.
Follow this link for more types of sushi.
Consider the ingredients
Raw fish and sushi rice are the main ingredients. But, if you are going to make sushi rolls, you need other fillings. In fact, a sushi roll does not necessarily have to include raw fish. So, by having different ingredients for fillings, you make it easy for vegans and people who do not like raw fish to enjoy your sushi party.
While choosing your ingredients, consider vegetarians and people who take gluten-free diets. Still, be creative. For instance, you could include seasonal fruits, turkey, or even an omelet.
Ideally, you should have 5-10 ingredients (aside from rice and fish) to use as fillings.
Condiments
Sushi needs sides and complementary dishes. Also, you need to consider those guests that do not like the idea of munching on raw fish.
The must-haves for sushi are wasabi and soy sauce. However, if you want to really impress your guests, consider some of the following condiments:
Japanese salad
The dominant ingredient in Japanese salad is iceberg lettuce. Then, throw in some cherry tomatoes, carrots, radishes, and spring onion.
The dressing, however, is what sets apart Japanese salad from other types of salad. You could go with a conventional dressing such as sesame, carrot ginger, or make it more Japanese using Wafu.
Gyoza
Gyoza is ground vegetables and meat wrapped in dough. The fillings, typically, are pork, cabbage, garlic, ginger, and Nira chives. You will find various types of gyoza in food markets. All you need to do is microwave the frozen gyoza or fry in a pan. Gyoza might need a dipping sauce.
Edamame
Edamame is premature soybeans. You prepare edamame by steaming it and adding salt to taste (Microwaved edamame is not that great).
Mochi ice cream balls
Ice cream is still a great dessert in East Asian cuisine. The Japanese prefer mochi ice cream balls. Other options you will find in the Japanese food section are red bean and green tea ice cream.
