How To Make Hand Rolls (Temaki Sushi Recipe)

Temaki sushi, also known as hand rolls, are a fun and easy type of rolled sushi that you can make right at home. Temaki sushi is made with sushi rice and nori seaweed, wrapped into a convenient cone shape that you can pick up and eat with your hands.

Unlike more complex sushi rolls, temaki sushi doesn’t require a bamboo rolling mat or extensive rolling skills. Their hand-held nature makes temaki sushi perfect for parties and casual gatherings with friends. Temaki also allows for endless creativity when it comes to fillings.

Here’s a quick overview of why temaki sushi is so enjoyable:

• Easy to make – no rolling mat required, just hands to shape the cone
• Fun to eat – temaki are meant to be picked up and eaten with your hands
• Endless fillings – get creative with proteins, veggies, sauces, etc.
• Portable – the hand-held cone shape makes them easy to transport
• Interactive – let guests assemble their own custom temaki creations

This guide will teach you how to make delicious temaki sushi at home, with step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and creative fillings ideas.

Ingredients

Making great temaki sushi starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s an overview of the temaki ingredients you’ll need:

Sushi Rice

• Uncooked short grain white rice – look for varieties labeled as sushi rice
• Rice vinegar – for seasoning the rice
• Sugar – to balance the vinegar
• Salt – for flavoring the rice

Perfectly cooked and seasoned sushi rice is key. Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch. Cook the rice just slightly firmer than normal. Gently fold the vinegar dressing into the hot rice. Refer to tips below for more rice advice.

Nori Seaweed Sheets

• Dried nori sheets – toasted seaweed sheets specially made for rolling sushi.

Look for sheets that are high-quality, thin, and crispy. Avoid thick or rubbery sheets that could overpower the other fillings. The standard size for temaki cones is quartered sheets (8×7 inches).

Fillings

Time for creativity! Some popular fillings include:

• Raw fish like salmon, tuna, yellowtail
• Crab sticks – imitation crab meat
• Cooked shrimp
• Avocado
• Cucumber
• Carrots
• Tempura fried items like shrimp or sweet potato
• Tamago – sweet Japanese omelette

Condiments

• Soy sauce – for dipping finished temaki or mixing into fillings
• Wasabi – spicy green paste, mix into soy sauce
• Pickled ginger – for palate cleansing between pieces
• Spicy mayo – for spreading on fillings or dipping
• Ponzu – citrusy soy sauce alternative

Now that you know the essential ingredients, let’s move on to actually making temaki sushi!

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to prepare the components and assemble perfect temaki sushi:

Cook the Rice

1. Rinse sushi rice in a strainer until the water runs clear.
2. Cook rice according to package instructions. Use a ratio of 1 cup rice to 1.25 cups water.
3. Once cooked, transfer hot rice to a large bowl or dish. Do not stir yet.

Make the Sushi Vinegar

1. In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt.
2. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve.

Season the Rice

1. Pour the sushi vinegar over the hot rice.
2. Use a slicing motion to gently fold the vinegar into the rice. Take care not to mash grains.
3. Allow rice to cool to room temperature before using for temaki.

Prepare Fillings

1. Slice fish, vegetables, omelettes, etc. into long strips.
2. Cook any raw proteins like shrimp or crab sticks.
3. Arrange desired fillings in strips on a platter.

Assemble the Temaki

1. Place a nori sheet on a flat surface, shiny side down.
2. Spread about 1/2 cup of rice in a thin line horizontally near the bottom third of the nori. Leave about 2 inches uncovered.
3. Layer desired fillings above the rice, in a vertical line. Don’t overfill.
4. Pick up the bottom uncovered portion of the nori and fold upwards to encase fillings.
5. Continue rolling into a cone shape and press gently to seal.

Serve and Enjoy!

• Garnish finished rolls with toppings like sesame seeds.
• Provide condiments like wasabi, soy sauce, and spicy mayo for dipping.
• Enjoy temaki sushi hand rolls while the nori is still crispy!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips for making the most delicious temaki sushi and creative ways to mix up the fillings:

• Use body temperature rice right after cooling – not cold from the fridge.
• Dip your fingers in water to help shape the nori cone.
• Don’t overfill temaki or they may fall apart. Less is more.
• Play with color pairings and textures when combining fillings.
• Mix up the proteins – shrimp, tuna, chicken, pork, beef, etc.
• Get creative with veggie fills – avocado, cucumber, mango, bell pepper, asparagus.
• Try fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and mango.
• Use spicy sauces or mixes like sriracha, chili powder, or Cajun seasoning.
• Top with fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or parsley.
• Swap in spinach or beet tortillas for a fun twist.
• Make dessert temaki with Nutella, bananas, and toasted coconut. Yum!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover rice?

Yes, you can use leftover rice if needed. Just be sure to gently mix in a bit of extra vinegar and/or water to refresh it. Freshly cooked rice is still ideal for best texture.

How do I store temaki sushi?

Keep assembled temaki sushi in the refrigerator, separated by parchment paper. Consume within 5-6 hours for best flavor and texture.

My temaki rolls won’t stay closed. Help!

Don’t overfill the cones, and press gently but firmly when shaping. Using body-temperature rice will also help them hold their shape better.

Where can I buy sushi-grade fish?

Check specialty Asian grocery stores or the seafood counter at higher-end grocery stores. Inform the seller that you need sushi-grade fish.

Conclusion

Making delicious temaki sushi is easy and fun. With this step-by-step guide, some creativity, and a little practice, you’ll be able to make restaurant-worthy temaki sushi at home. Impress your friends and family with hand rolls featuring your favorite fillings. The cone-shaped and hand-held nature makes temaki a great interactive meal. Now get rolling and enjoy making your own customized sushi creations!