Gourmet Inari Sushi with Crab Stick and Cucumber
Gourmet Inari Sushi with Crab Stick and Cucumber
Easy Inari Sushi Recipe: Elevate Your Lunchbox with Fresh Crab Stick and Crisp Cucumber
I’m reminded of my mother’s bustling mornings before picnics when I was a child. Her kimbap, packed with an abundance of harmoniously seasoned ingredients, was always a hit among my friends. Then, at some point, friends started bringing inari sushi instead of kimbap. Its unique appearance and the ‘sushi’ name made me wish my mom would pack it for me too. But she always said kimbap was more special and took more effort. Now, as an adult, I realize kimbap truly is a labor of love, while inari sushi feels much simpler to make. These days, inari sushi often becomes my go-to lunchbox meal, a convenient alternative to my mother’s meticulously prepared kimbap. Today, I’ll show you how to easily make delicious inari sushi by adding crab sticks and cucumber for enhanced texture and flavor. You’ve probably used inari sushi kits before – they’re incredibly convenient! I’ll show you how to make your inari sushi even more special by adding just a few extra ingredients and seasonings.
Main Ingredients- 1 serving white rice (approx. 200g)
- 1/2 package Inari sushi kit (yields approx. 7-8 pieces)
- 1/2 cucumber
- 2 imitation crab sticks
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
This content is provided by Maple Daniel through 만개의 레시피 (Man-gaeui Recipe) and is best viewed with accompanying photos.
Step 2
First, it’s best to cook the rice slightly firm, often referred to as ‘godu-bap,’ for this recipe. If you’re using pre-cooked rice, your preparation will be even simpler. For the cucumber, peel it thinly (about 0.2 to 0.3 cm thick) and then cut it into matchsticks about 0.3 cm wide. When peeling, use only the firm flesh, avoiding the seedy core, as the seeds contain a lot of moisture. If you’re not comfortable with the peeling technique, you can simply slice the cucumber thinly lengthwise and then cut those slices into matchsticks.
Step 3
Take the julienned cucumber and toss it with about 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then firmly squeeze out any excess water. This step is crucial to prevent the sushi from becoming watery and to maintain a delightful crunch.
Step 4
Shred the imitation crab sticks along their grain. If the crab sticks are cold and firm, they can be difficult to shred. To make it easier, let them come to room temperature beforehand, or if you’re in a hurry, microwave them for 15-20 seconds before shredding.
Step 5
Now, combine the squeezed cucumber and shredded crab stick with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1/2 tablespoon of salt, and 1/3 teaspoon of pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
Step 6
Gently cool the warm cooked rice by stirring it with a spatula, being careful not to mash the grains. Once slightly cooled, add the seasoning packet from the inari sushi kit and mix thoroughly, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Next, add the seasoned cucumber and crab mixture, along with 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil. Using the spatula again, gently fold everything together, being careful not to crush the rice grains, until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 7
Carefully fill each piece of seasoned tofu pouch generously with the prepared sushi rice. Shape them gently to create a beautiful, appetizing presentation. This step ensures your inari sushi looks as delicious as it tastes!
Step 8
The combination of the savory, slightly sweet tofu pouch and the tender, flavorful crab stick creates a wonderfully rich taste. The cucumber, prepared with salt, adds a delightful crispness that makes each bite interesting and refreshing. It’s surprisingly not too complicated to make, and the end result is quite impressive, making it an excellent choice for a lunchbox.
Step 9
Today, we’ve shared a recipe for making delicious inari sushi that’s both simple and special. By adding crab stick and cucumber, we’ve enhanced both the flavor and texture, making it a unique lunchbox option. This recipe is easy for anyone to follow, so I highly recommend giving it a try. Enjoy your delicious meal! 🙂
