Sushi is a beloved Japanese dish known for its combination of vinegared rice, fresh seafood, and vegetables. However, making sushi at home can be intimidating, especially if you don’t have all the traditional tools. In this innovative recipe, we’ll show you how to make sushi using an ice cube tray, making it easier and more accessible for home cooks. This creative approach allows you to enjoy sushi flavors and ingredients in a fun and unconventional way.
Ingredients for Sushi Ice Cube Tray:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Nori sheets, cut into small squares
- Assorted fillings (e.g., cucumber, avocado, imitation crab, smoked salmon, cooked shrimp)
- Soy sauce, for serving
- Wasabi and pickled ginger, for serving (optional)
How to Make Sushi Ice Cube Tray:
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and place it in a medium saucepan.
- Add the water to the saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Microwave for 30 seconds, or until the sugar and salt dissolve. Stir the vinegar mixture into the cooked rice, fluffing the rice with a fork to evenly distribute the vinegar mixture. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
- Place a small square of nori in each compartment of the ice cube tray, pressing it against the bottom and sides.
- Fill each compartment with a spoonful of sushi rice, pressing it down gently to pack it.
- Add your choice of fillings to each compartment, such as cucumber, avocado, imitation crab, smoked salmon, or cooked shrimp.
- Top each compartment with more sushi rice, pressing it down gently to pack it.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap over the ice cube tray and place a flat, heavy object on top to compress the sushi. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the sushi to set.
- Once the sushi has set, remove the plastic wrap and gently pop the sushi cubes out of the ice cube tray. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Sushi Rice: Sushi rice, or “shari,” is a short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked. It’s seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to give it a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
- Nori: Nori is a type of seaweed that is used to wrap sushi rolls. It adds a salty flavor and a crispy texture to the sushi.
- Fillings: The fillings for sushi can vary widely and can include vegetables like cucumber and avocado, seafood like imitation crab, smoked salmon, or cooked shrimp, and even tofu or egg for vegetarian options. Choose your favorite fillings to customize your sushi cubes.
Enjoy this creative twist on traditional sushi, and impress your friends and family with these fun and flavorful sushi ice cube tray bites!
