Fresh. Artful. Made with American Seafood.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Soak Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 (makes about 24–30 pieces)
Ingredients:
For the Sushi Rice:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2¼ cups water
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1½ tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling (U.S.-Available Seafood):
- 8 oz sushi-grade tuna (e.g., yellowfin or ahi)
- 8 oz cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined)
- 8 oz cooked crab or imitation crab sticks (surimi)
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Optional: spicy mayo (sriracha + mayo), cream cheese
For Assembly:
- 6–8 sheets of nori (seaweed)
- Soy sauce (for dipping)
- Pickled ginger & wasabi (for serving)
- Bamboo sushi mat wrapped in plastic
- Small bowl of water with a splash of vinegar (to wet hands)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Rinse sushi rice in cold water until clear. Soak for 30 minutes, then drain. Cook rice in 2¼ cups of water (rice cooker or stovetop) until done. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently fold into warm rice. Let cool to room temperature.
2. Slice the Seafood & Veggies:
Cut tuna into long sashimi strips. Slice avocado and cucumber into thin matchsticks. If using cooked shrimp, butterfly them. Flake crab or separate surimi sticks.
3. Roll the Sushi:
Place a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on your bamboo mat. With wet hands, spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving 1 inch bare at the top. Lay seafood and veggies horizontally across the center. Roll firmly using the mat, sealing the edge with water.
4. Slice and Serve:
Use a wet, sharp knife to slice each roll into 6–8 pieces. Serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.
Chef Ed’s Notes:
- Use What’s Local: U.S.-based sushi chefs often use yellowfin tuna (ahi), wild Gulf shrimp, or sustainable blue crab.
- Stay Safe: Always use seafood labeled sushi-grade or previously frozen to FDA standards for raw consumption.
- Customize It: Try tempura shrimp, seared scallops, or smoked salmon if you’re not into raw fish.
Health Benefits for Athletes:
- Lean Protein: Tuna, shrimp, and crab provide essential amino acids for muscle growth.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados and fatty fish support joint and heart health.
- Clean Carbs: Sushi rice offers glucose replenishment post-training.
- Minerals: Seaweed is rich in iodine, iron, and magnesium for thyroid and metabolic support.
References:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Parasites in Fish and Fishery Products.
https://www.fda.gov/media/80637/download - Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. (2024). U.S. Sustainable Seafood Guide.
https://www.seafoodwatch.org - Serious Eats. (2022). How to Make Sushi at Home.
https://www.seriouseats.com/how-to-make-sushi-at-home-5119287 - USDA FoodData Central. (2024). Nutrition: Tuna, Shrimp, Crab.
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/ - Healthline. (2023). Is Sushi Healthy? Benefits and Risks Explained.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-sushi-healthy