How to Make Cucumber Rolls

Many types of sushi have a rich flavor, thanks in large part to the character of fish that you use. From eel to salmon to tuna, the subtle flavors from the many rolls that you make may start to mix together if you eat multiple types of sushi, depriving you of the optimal chance to enjoy each one. You can make cucumber rolls to cleanse your palette with a refreshing taste.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cucumber
• Sushi rice
• Nori
• Bamboo sushi mat

1. Turn a sheet of nori so that it is longer than it is wide. Slice the sheet of nori in half. Set one half of the sheet aside. You can use it to make a second cucumber roll.
2. Place the piece of nori shiny side down and turn it so that it is now wider than it is tall. Add a thin layer of sushi rice on top of the nori. Be sure to leave a thin strip of the nori uncovered so that you will be able to seal the rolls.
3. Place the nori and rice along the edge of your bamboo sushi mat that is closest to you. Along the edge of nori closest to you, increase the height of the rice to make a wall. This will make it easier for you to close the cucumber roll.
4. Insert julienne slices of cucumber across the rice. You should place the slices halfway up the layer of rice. This will leave enough room on both sides of the cucumber to envelop it completely.
5. Support the cucumber strips with your fingers while you place your thumbs under the edge of the sushi mat closest to you. Use your thumbs to curl the sushi mat around the cucumber, bringing the wall of rice toward the uncovered strip of nori.
6. Lift the sushi mat away from the wall of rice as it connects with the uncovered nori. After they meet to complete the roll, apply pressure to seal the cucumber roll.
7. Cut the cucumber roll into multiple pieces with a wet knife. This will ensure that the nori is sliced rather than torn when you slice through it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to keep your bamboo sushi mat clean, you can place a layer of plastic wrap over it before placing the nori, rice and cucumber on top of it. For other sushi rolls in which the rice is on the outside of the roll, this step is essential to preserving the life of your sushi mat.