Temari sushi is a delightful bite-sized sushi, characterized by its small, round shape and colorful toppings. These perfectly formed balls of vinegared rice are adorned with an array of ingredients, from fresh seafood to vibrant vegetables. The name “Temari” comes from its resemblance to a traditional and decorative Japanese handball, and due to its elegant appearance, this style of sushi is particularly popular at special occasions, festivals, and holidays.
Mushizushi refers to sushi where Barazushi (mixed sushi with cooked vegetables) is placed in a steamer and served warm. In winter, the steam rising from the steamer placed outside sushi restaurants in Kyoto and elsewhere has been known as a seasonal tradition in the Kansai region (western Japan). By warming it up, the sourness of the vinegar becomes milder, resulting in a gentle taste. The rice also becomes plump and flavorful. While traditional Barazushi is always delicious, steamed sushi offers a unique flavor experience.
The Spicy Tuna Roll is a type of Sushi Roll (Makizushi or Makimono) that features sashimi-grade raw tuna seasoned with a spicy sauce and other seasonings. It is then rolled up with Sushi Rice and Nori (roasted seaweed). This roll represents a fusion creation that combines traditional Japanese sushi elements with American preferences for bold flavors, including spiciness. It is an American-born sushi roll, and nearly all Japanese restaurants in the U.S. offer the dish. The Spicy Tuna Roll has become so popular that it is deeply rooted in American food culture today and can be found not only in Japanese restaurants but also in many local supermarkets.
In our mini-series of Japanese Cooking 101 in Kyoto, we are going to different stores from traditional to trendy, and show you a glimpse of the culinary scene of Kyoto in 2023. After we tasted delicious food at stores, we tried to recreate those dishes, not exactly but more in our own way, at home in Kyoto. We hope you enjoy our Japanese Cooking 101 food in a little different setting from our regular videos.
This episode is Salmon Sushi. Raw salmon has become more popular than ever today in Japan. But Salmon was not supposed to be eaten raw there only a couple of decades ago because of concerns over parasites. As technology has moved forward and appropriate kinds of imported salmon are now available, raw salmon has become a popular ingredient in the Sushi industry, especially at revolving Sushi shops. Now salmon Sushi is everyone’s favorite, and ours!
Kanpyo Sushi Roll is a skinny Sushi roll which has Kanpyo, cooked gourd, inside and Nori, roasted seaweed, outside. The strips of dried gourd are cooked in a sweet and salty sauce until very tender. The sweet taste of cooked Kanpyo matches very well with tangy Sushi rice. Kanpyo Roll is more well known inside Japan, especially the Tokyo area, but it is not as common in the US. Kanpyo Roll may be hard to find on the menu at Japanese restaurants outside Japan, but they might be able to fix it if you ask. This casual Sushi is a great appetizer and good light lunch.
Soba Sushi (そば寿司) is rolled Sushi made with cooked Soba inside instead of Sushi rice. The soba is seasoned with rice vinegar just like Sushi rice. This interesting and refreshing taste of a Soba dish may not be an everyday dinner, but it is a wonderful appetizer for special gatherings.
Inari Sushi or Inarizushi (いなり寿司) is a kind of sushi or rice ball. Sushi rice is stuffed in seasoned Aburaage tofu pouches. This recipe is an upgraded version with pretty garnish for festive spring occasions. (If you are looking for regular Inari, this is the one.)
Chirashi Sushi (Chirashizushi) is a kind of Sushi dish with thinly sliced Sashimi raw fish placed over a bed of Sushi Rice, instead of single pieces (Nigiri Sushi) or rolls (Maki Sushi). Chirashi Sushi is sometimes mixed up with Barazushi which doesn’t contain much raw fish other than decoration. While Barazushi is mostly vegetable Sushi and more home cooking Sushi, Chirashi Sushi is a more elaborate Sushi dish that you often see at Sushi restaurants.
Tamago Sushi (卵寿司) is Sushi Rice topped with sliced cooked egg and wrapped around with a strip of Nori seaweed. It is suppose to be a very popular kind of Sushi among kids and people who don’t eat raw fish, but really, this sweet Tamago Sushi is loved by almost everyone.
Spicy Tuna Hand Roll is a Sushi hand roll filled with chopped raw tuna seasoned with hot sauce. It is more of an American-style Sushi than traditional Japanese Sushi, yet it has become one of everyone’s favorites and a staple item on the menu at Japanese restaurants in the US today.