Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Kemuri›Nigiri Hotategai Recipe

Nigiri Hotategai Recipe

Inspired by Kemuri
Time1h
Serves4

Make Nigiri Hotategai 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

Hotategai (Scallops)

Garnish

Method

Preparing Sushi Rice

  1. 1

    Rinse the Rice

    Place the sushi rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.

  2. 2

    Cook the Rice

    In a rice cooker or pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2.5 cups of water. Cook according to rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 18-20 minutes until the water is absorbed.

  3. 3

    Season the Rice

    Once cooked, transfer the rice to a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Pour over the rice and gently fold to combine; let cool to room temperature.

Preparing Scallops

  1. 4

    Clean the Scallops

    Rinse the scallops gently under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

  2. 5

    Sear the Scallops

    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season scallops with salt and black pepper. Once the oil is hot, add scallops and sear for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

  3. 6

    Finish with Lemon Juice

    Remove the scallops from the heat and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.

Assembling Nigiri

  1. 7

    Shape the Rice

    Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take a small amount of sushi rice (about 2 tablespoons) and mold it into an oval shape.

  2. 8

    Top with Scallops

    Place a seared scallop on top of each rice oval, pressing gently to adhere.

  3. 9

    Garnish and Serve

    Serve the nigiri with a dollop of wasabi, a small dish of soy sauce, and garnish with microgreens or fresh herbs.

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