Temari Sushi - Japanese Sushi Balls
Beautiful & Delightful Sushi Balls
Hinamatsuri is the Japanese celebration of girls' health and happiness and it brings forth a delightful culinary tradition: Temari sushi. These visually appealing and tasty sushi balls have become synonymous with this special occasion. In this blog post, we will guide you through a simple and enjoyable recipe for creating your own Temari sushi. From preparing the sushi rice to beautifully shaping and decorating the sushi balls, you'll discover the art of making these exquisite treats.
RECIPE
Servings: 6-8 balls
Time: 30 min
Ingredients:
Sushi rice:
1 cup cooked rice
1 tbsp sugar
1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
1 pinch salt
Toppings:
1/4 pc cucumber - thin sliced, salted
2 pcs red radish - thin sliced, salted
1 slice renkon - 1 pc Renkon to thin slice, cooked in 2 tbsp sugar, 4 tbsp vinegar
6-8 pcs edamame beans - boil
1-2 pcs carrot - boiled with a pinch of salt, shaped into flower
1 pc egg - made into a crepe, thin cut
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sushi Rice
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sushi rice with sugar, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Gently mix until the sugar has dissolved and the rice is evenly coated. Set aside and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Toppings
Cucumber: Slice the cucumber lengthwise into thin, even strips.
Red Radish: Slice the radishes thinly to create delicate rounds.
Edamame: Boil the edamame until tender, then remove the beans from the pods.
Carrot: Boil the sliced carrots for 10-15 minutes or until soft. Once cooked, use a flower-shaped cutter to create decorative flower pieces.
Egg Crepe: Beat the eggs and heat a nonstick pan. Pour a thin layer of the egg mixture into the pan and cook until just set. Let the crepe cool, then slice it into thin strips.
Renkon (Lotus Root): Peel and slice the renkon into thin rounds. Soak them in water for 10-15 minutes to remove any bitterness. In a small pot, warm a mixture of sugar and vinegar, then add the renkon and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
3. Shape the Sushi Balls & Decorate
Lay a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Place your chosen toppings in the center, making sure the most attractive side is facing down (this will become the top of the sushi ball).
Add a tablespoon of the cooled sushi rice on top of the toppings.
Gather the edges of the plastic wrap and twist it tightly around the rice and toppings to form a ball. Use the palm of your hand to gently shape the sushi into a firm round ball.
Let the wrapped sushi balls rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the toppings and rice to stick together nicely.
Unwrap and serve!
