How To Make Heart Shaped Sushi

March 02, 2010

Whether it's Valentines day or not, knowing how to make heart shaped sushi is a valuable skill to have in your arsenal for wooing the ones you love. Trust me, they'll be so impressed they might even love you more than the sushi itself - and that's saying something!

It you want to be really romantic, we've also added some tips to this recipe for making your sushi pink! 

You Will Need

• Nori Sheets
• Sushi Rice
• 2 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
• 1 Tsp Sugar
• 1 Tsp Salt
• Maki Roll Fillings of Choice - Tuna and Salmon are great as a pink filling, beetroot and Japanese pickles are a great pink veggie option.
• A Long Strip of Cardboard (cut it from a cereal packet for ease!)
• A Chopstick
• Rubber Bands
• Optional: Beetroot Juice

Method

• Start by making the sushi rice, cook as per the packet instructions, but the basic recipe calls for the sushi rice to be thoroughly washed when dry, then boiled until all the water has evaporated. Dress the rice in the mix of Rice wine vinegar, sugar and salt, then leave to cool completely.
• If you are going to make your rice pink, mix in 2-4 Tbsp of beetroot juice to the rice before it cools. This will slightly flavour it, so be mindful if you don't like beetroot!
• Now we will construct a basic maki roll. You'll need a bamboo rolling mat. (Remember, you can get all the sushi making ingredients and equipment you need in our Sushi Kits). Lay the nori sheet on top of the bamboo mat, then lay out a 1cm deep square of rice on top of that. Go right to the edges but leave a little at the top to seal it later.
• Now in a thin line, begin laying out your fillings about 1/3 of the way up the roll. If you're feeling real creative you can make heart shaped carrots and cucumbers for your maki roll by following this tutorial.
• Begin to roll your sushi - it's much like rolling a jam roly poly! Start by gently folding one edge, and ease the whole thing carefully into a roll. It might take some practice. Use the bamboo mat to tighten the roll and seal any open edges. Pack it quite tight.
• Now take a strip of cardboard about 3" wide and as long as your sushi roll. Fold it in half lengthways, then cover completely with clingfilm. Place your whole maki roll in the cardboard mould so the folded cardboard points upwards, then place a chopstick on top. Tighten it and secure with elastic bands until it looks like your sushi roll is somewhat heart shaped.
• Now place in the fridge for a few hours until serving. If you've fastened it tight enough, it should've done the trick!
• Enjoy your romantic meal!