Sushi with Tuna and Cucumber

This sushi recipe combines the delicious flavors of fresh tuna and crisp cucumber to create a delightful homemade sushi experience. Known for its simplicity and freshness, this dish is perfect for those new to sushi-making. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate the clean, oceanic taste of sushi at home. The tender vinegared rice wonderfully complements the rich tuna and the refreshing cucumber slices. Proper preparation of the rice is key to achieving the perfect texture, while the rolling technique ensures a beautifully presented sushi roll. It's a great choice for a light lunch or dinner, offering a balance between protein and carbs. This sushi can be customized easily, allowing for various fillings to suit different preferences. Not only is it a healthy choice, but it's also an enjoyable cooking process that brings a touch of creativity to the kitchen. Serve it alongside some traditional accompaniments for the full sushi experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

500 g sushi rice
1 liter water
10 sushi nori sheets

Spices and Sauces

3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling

150 g fresh tuna
1/4 fresh cucumber (long variety)

For Serving

Wasabi paste
Pickled ginger
Sushi & sashimi soy sauce

Preparation Time

Total: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cool running water until the water runs clear. Place the rice in a bowl and cover it with cold water, letting it soak for 20 minutes. Drain the water and transfer the rice to a cooking pot.
Add 1 liter of water to the rice, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until all the water is absorbed. Monitor closely to prevent burning. A rice cooker can be used for convenience.
Once cooked, allow the rice to cool to room temperature. In a separate bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the rice using a spatula.
Prepare the nori sheets by cutting a strip of about 1.5 inches off one edge. Place a nori sheet on a bamboo mat, shiny side down. For ease, cover the bamboo mat with plastic wrap.
Wet your fingers and spread a layer of rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 2 cm border at the top edge uncovered.
For the filling, finely chop the tuna and use a fork to mash it if necessary. Peel and slice the cucumber into thin strips.
At the bottom edge of the nori, layer the tuna and cucumber strips as the filling.
To roll, lift the bamboo mat with your thumbs while holding the filling with your fingers. Roll the sushi towards the top edge, ensuring the closest edge of the nori sheet goes over the filling.
Use the bamboo mat to shape the sushi into a firm, square shape by gently squeezing as needed. For a round roll, avoid pressing too hard.
With a sharp knife, cut the sushi into 6-8 equal pieces. Discard the end pieces or save them for snacking.
Arrange the sushi on a plate and serve with naturally brewed soy sauce, wasabi paste, and pickled ginger.
Enjoy your homemade sushi creation!

Tips

Use short-grain sushi rice for the best texture.
A sharp knife dipped in water can prevent rice from sticking while slicing.
Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 15g
Fats: 5g
Carbohydrates: 65g

Variations

Substitute the tuna with salmon for a different flavor.
Add avocado or carrots for extra texture and nutrients.
Use quinoa instead of rice for a low-carb option.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with miso soup for a traditional Japanese meal.
Add a side of seaweed salad for added freshness.
Serve with a chilled glass of sake or green tea.

Best Places

Sushi Dai - Renowned for its fresh and authentic sushi. Location: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan.
Jiro Sushi - Famous for its high-quality sushi offerings. Location: 4 Chome-2-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan.
Umegaoka Sushi no Midori - Popular for its generous portions and excellent flavors. Location: 1 Chome-12-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan.
Sushisamba - A fusion of Asian and South American influences. Location: 110 Bishopsgate, London, UK.
Ichiban Sushi - Known for a contemporary twist on traditional sushi. Location: 4th Floor, World Square Mall, George Street, Sydney, Australia.
Nobu - Luxuriously crafted sushi. Location: 227 East 58th Street, New York, USA.
Sushi Zo - Offers a unique sushi tasting menu experience. Location: 9824 National Blvd, Los Angeles, USA.
Sasaki - Modern dining experience with a focus on sushi. Location: 47 Kensington St, Chippendale, Sydney, Australia.
Masa - High-end sushi dining with an exquisite menu. Location: 10 Columbus Cir, New York, USA.
Sushi Nakazawa - Offers expertly prepared sushi in a stylish setting. Location: 23 Commerce St, New York, USA.