Sep 04 2026
RestaurantsHaiku SushiSushi Entree Recipe

Sushi Entree Recipe

Inspired by Haiku Sushi
Time1h
Serves4

Make Sushi Entree Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Sushi Rice

Method

Sushi Rice

  1. 1

    Rinse the rice

    Place 2 cups short-grain sushi rice in a fine-mesh sieve or bowl. Rinse under cold running water, stirring with your hand, until the water runs almost clear (about 3–4 rinses). Drain thoroughly for 15–30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Cook the rice

    Combine rinsed rice and 2.25 cups water in a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid (or rice cooker). Let stand 30 minutes if time allows. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes (or follow rice cooker instructions) until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Prepare sushi vinegar

    While rice cooks, combine 4 tbs rice vinegar, 2 tsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp fine sea salt in a small bowl. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve.

  4. 4

    Season the rice

    Transfer hot cooked rice to a large shallow bowl (hangiri ideal). Gently fold in the sushi vinegar with a rice paddle using cutting and fanning motions to cool the rice quickly and evenly. Fan the rice while folding to give a glossy finish. Aim for slightly warm rice. Cover with a damp cloth until ready to assemble (do not refrigerate).

Fillings & Toppings

  1. 5

    Prepare fish and vegetables

    Using a very sharp knife, slice 8 oz sushi-grade fish into long, thin strips about 1/4 inch thick and 1/2 inch wide. Julienne 1/2 cup cucumber and thinly slice 1 cup avocado. Keep all chilled until assembly.

  2. 6

    Prepare nori and mat

    Place a bamboo rolling mat on a flat surface and wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent sticking. Place one full nori sheet shiny side down on the mat.

  3. 7

    Spread rice on nori

    Wet your hands with water (and a little rice vinegar to prevent sticking). Take about 3/4 to 1 cup of sushi rice and evenly spread it over the nori, leaving a 1-inch strip at the far edge without rice. Press lightly — rice should be firm but not crushed.

  4. 8

    Add fillings

    Along the near edge of the rice (closest to you), line up fish strips, a few cucumber julienne, and a couple avocado slices. Add a sprinkle of thinly sliced scallions if using. For inside-out rolls (uramaki), place fillings on rice and flip later; for traditional maki, place fillings on nori before rice.

  5. 9

    Roll the sushi

    Lift the near edge of the mat and roll away from you, tucking the filling in with your fingers. Use the mat to press and form a tight cylinder, rolling until the seam meets. For inside-out rolls, invert the roll so rice is on the outside by placing another sheet of plastic over the nori and flipping before rolling.

  6. 10

    Finish and slice

    With a very sharp, dampened knife, trim the ends of the roll and slice into 6–8 pieces. Clean the knife between cuts with a damp cloth to keep slices neat. Arrange on a platter.

  7. 11

    Plate and garnish

    Top or garnish each piece with optional spicy mayo, a drizzle of eel sauce, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of furikake as desired. Serve with pickled ginger, wasabi paste and soy sauce on the side.

Optional Garnishes & Sauces

  1. 12

    Make spicy mayo (optional)

    Mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1–2 tsp Sriracha (adjust to heat preference) until smooth. Transfer to a squeeze bottle for neat application.

  2. 13

    Warm eel sauce (optional)

    If using bottled eel sauce, warm 2 tbs briefly in microwave or saucepan to thin slightly for drizzling.

  3. 14

    Garnish

    Sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds and 1 tsp furikake over rolls. Serve immediately so rice remains at ideal texture.

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