Delectable Homemade Grilled Shrimp Sushi
Crafting Delicious Homemade Grilled Shrimp Sushi with Perfect Sushi Vinegar
Embrace the joy of homemade sushi with this simple yet impressive recipe! With a well-balanced sushi vinegar (sushizu), quality rice, and your favorite fresh ingredients, anyone can create a delightful sushi experience at home. Elevate your meals and impress your guests with these easy-to-make, flavorful rolls.
Main Ingredients
- 17 medium shrimp (approx. 100g)
- 1 cup Japonica rice
- 2 sheets kombu (dried kelp)
- 1/2 cucumber
- Wasabi (Japanese horseradish)
- Sashimi soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
Shrimp Marinade (Tablespoon measurement)
- 0.5 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp sake (rice wine)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 pinch salt
Sushi Vinegar (Sushizu)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp sake (rice wine)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 pinch salt
Sushi Vinegar (Sushizu)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 0.5 tsp salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently rinse the shrimp in lightly salted water to remove any impurities, then rinse them a couple more times under cold running water. This initial wash helps ensure freshness and removes any subtle off-odors.
Step 2
Drain the rinsed shrimp thoroughly in a colander; ensuring they are dry will prevent splattering when cooking and result in a better texture. Trim off the shrimp tails, which can be awkward to eat, for a neater presentation.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine the prepared shrimp with the marinade ingredients: garlic powder, sake, black pepper, and salt. Gently toss to coat the shrimp evenly and let them marinate for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 4
Rinse 1 cup of high-quality Japonica rice (like the specified ‘Chamdeurim’ variety for its excellent texture) thoroughly. Do not soak the rice. Place it directly into your rice cooker, adding slightly less water than usual (just below the standard fill line). Add the 2 sheets of kombu and cook using the ‘white rice’ setting for perfectly fluffy sushi rice.
Step 5
While the rice is cooking, prepare the sushi vinegar (sushizu). In a small microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sugar, rice vinegar, and salt. Microwave for about 20 seconds, or until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This quick method ensures a smooth, well-blended sushi vinegar.
Step 6
As the rice cooks, prepare the cucumber. Peel half of the cucumber using a vegetable peeler. Then, carefully shave the cucumber into thin, delicate slices using the peeler to create beautiful ribbons. If the cucumber has large seeds, turn the cucumber as you peel to avoid them for a smoother texture.
Step 7
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and sauté for about 4 minutes, or until they turn pink and slightly golden. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to cool slightly. Sautéing brings out their natural sweetness.
Step 8
Your perfectly cooked rice is ready! You can see how beautifully separate and fluffy the grains are. Remove and discard the kombu sheets. Allow the hot rice to cool slightly before mixing.
Step 9
Pour the prepared sushi vinegar over the hot, freshly cooked rice. Using a rice paddle held vertically, gently fold the vinegar into the rice. Mix carefully to coat each grain evenly without mashing the rice, ensuring a glossy finish and uniform seasoning.
Step 10
It’s best to add the sushi vinegar while the rice is still hot; this helps the rice absorb the seasoning evenly and achieve a beautiful sheen. Tasting a bit of the seasoned rice, I was already impressed by the perfectly balanced sweet and sour flavor, making me eagerly anticipate the final sushi rolls. You’ll love it! ^^
Step 11
Now, let’s shape the sushi. Lightly dampen your hands or put on gloves to prevent sticking. Take a portion of the seasoned rice and gently form it into a small, oblong rectangle. Place each formed sushi rice base onto your serving plate.
Step 12
On top of each rice base, place a small dab of wasabi according to your personal preference. Adjust the amount to your liking for the perfect kick.
Step 13
Arrange about three overlapping slices of the shaved cucumber onto the rice, followed by one of the delicious grilled shrimp. Your beautiful grilled shrimp sushi is now complete! The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well.
Step 14
To allow everyone to enjoy their sushi just the way they like it, it’s a thoughtful touch to serve the wasabi on the side. This way, guests can easily add more or less to suit their individual taste preferences.
Step 15
While the grilled shrimp and seasoned sushi rice are already incredibly flavorful on their own, a little dip into the sashimi soy sauce adds another delightful dimension. Enjoy your creation – it’s like having your own home sushi restaurant! Truly delicious! 😀
Step 16
The quality of the rice is paramount for excellent sushi. The ‘Chamdeurim’ rice, with its distinct grains and satisfying texture, truly made a difference, resulting in a wonderfully flavorful and texturally pleasing sushi experience. It’s a reminder of how important the right rice is.
Step 17
This homemade sushi is a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance to any occasion with minimal effort. It’s perfect for entertaining guests or for a special birthday meal, guaranteed to earn you compliments! 😀
