Sushi is one of Japan’s most iconic culinary exports. While the word “sushi” may instantly bring to mind rolled seaweed, rice, and colorful fillings, there’s more to sushi than just the rolls.

In fact, Japan’s most traditional form of sushi is nigiri-sushi—a simple but elegant topping of raw fish placed on a small bed of hand-formed rice. In contrast, the rolled version, called maki-sushi (巻き寿司), means “rolled sushi,” and is especially popular overseas thanks to its colorful presentation and versatility.

🐟 Sushi Culture and Raw Fish

Raw fish can be intimidating for many people, especially in countries where fresh seafood is harder to access due to food safety concerns. But in Japan, freshness is everything. Sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish without rice) and sushi are treated with the utmost care to ensure safety and flavor.

These days, more and more foreign visitors come to Japan specifically to try authentic sushi, and they’re rarely disappointed. For first-timers, kaiten-zushi (回転寿司)—conveyor belt sushi—is a fun and affordable way to experience a wide range of sushi. These restaurants often provide menus with pictures and English translations, making it easy to explore. Pricing is simple too: the color of the plate tells you the price!

🧑‍🍳 Rolling Sushi at Home

After receiving so many requests from friends abroad who wanted to try sushi, I realized that making maki-sushi at home could be a fun and accessible way to share a bit of Japan—without needing fresh raw fish.

That’s how I started experimenting with vegetarian and meat-based maki-sushi. It’s a great option for anyone living outside of Japan who wants a taste of Japanese cuisine without sourcing raw seafood.

🥢 Ingredients (Makes 2 Rolls)

Basic:

1. 1 cup cooked rice
2. 2 sheets of nori (seaweed)
3. 3 tbsp vinegar (preferably rice vinegar)
4. 3 tbsp sugar
5. 200g spinach
6. ½ carrot
7. 2 eggs
8. 1 can of tuna
9. 2 tbsp mayonnaise

Optional Additions:

1. 200g sliced beef
2. 1 cucumber
3. 2 tbsp sesame oil
4. 2 tsp salt
5. 100g takuan (yellow pickled radish, also called danmuji in Korean)

🍳 How to Prepare

1. Prepare the Rice

Cook 1 cup of white rice.

In a small bowl, mix vinegar and sugar. Pour it over the cooked rice and gently fold to mix while fanning the rice to cool.

Korean-style Tip: Instead of vinegar and sugar, season the rice with sesame oil and a pinch of salt for a savory twist.

2. Prepare the Fillings

1. Spinach & Carrots: Boil lightly, julienne, and season with salt, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
2. Egg Roll (Tamagoyaki): Beat eggs with 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Cook in a rectangular pan to form a rolled omelet. Aim to match the width of the nori sheet.
3. Tuna Mayo: Mix drained canned tuna with 2 tbsp mayonnaise.
4. Optional Beef: Stir-fry beef slices with sugar, soy sauce, and (if available) mirin or sake. Cook until the beef absorbs the sauce and becomes glossy.

🍙 How to Roll Maki-Sushi

1. Place a sheet of nori on top of plastic wrap or a bamboo sushi mat.

2. Spread a thin, even layer of seasoned rice over the nori, leaving a 1 cm gap at the top edge.

3. About 2–3 cm from the bottom edge, layer your fillings horizontally—start with spinach, carrots, tamagoyaki, tuna mayo, and beef if desired.

4. Using your fingers, lift the edge of the mat or plastic wrap and begin rolling the sushi over the fillings. Apply gentle but firm pressure to shape the roll.

5. Once rolled, let the sushi sit wrapped for about 10 minutes to hold its shape.

6. Slice into 3–4 cm pieces using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean with a damp cloth between cuts for neat slices.

🍽️ Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange your sushi on a plate, serve with soy sauce, pickled ginger, or a dab of wasabi—and say, Meshiagare! (Bon appétit!)

🇯🇵 Final Thoughts

Making maki-sushi at home is not only fun but also a delightful way to connect with Japanese culture, wherever you are in the world. Whether you're rolling with vegetables, tuna mayo, or even bulgogi-style beef, each bite brings you closer to Japan’s culinary heart.

So the next time someone says they’ve never tried sushi—invite them over and roll your own. It’s easier than it looks, and it just might become your new favorite home-cooked dish.