step 1
Put a bamboo mat in a storage zipper bag, or wrap it with plastic foil.
step 2
Fold the Nori Sheets (4) into half. Make sure that you cut in the right direction because nori is not usually square (20×19 cm, 8x7.5-inches). Cut the long side of nori in half with scissors.
step 3
Cut Cucumber (1) into 8 thin strips about 18 cm (7-inches) long. Halve the Avocado (1) and cut each half into 6-8 slices. Tear the thickness of the Imitation Crab (4 pieces) into half.
step 4
Prepare Rice Vinegar (3 Tbsp) mixed with Water (1/3 cup), Wasabi Paste (to taste), Sushi Rice (2 1/2 cups), Avocado, Cucumber, Imitation Crab, Japanese Kewpie Mayonnaise (to taste), and Sesame Seeds (to taste).
step 5
Place the nori on the bamboo mat. Make sure the coarse side of the nori faces up. And prepare the wet towel next to you.
step 6
Soak your right fingertips a little bit in vinegar water and let the water spread over your palm.
step 7
Then, take up the 110 g sushi rice.
step 8
Roll the sushi rice into an oval shape. This way it is easy to handle the rice.
step 9
Start spreading the rice from the left side of the nori. Cover the nori completely.
step 10
Using both hands, spread the rice evenly over the nori. Cover the entire nori with rice without leaving any space.
step 11
Sprinkle sesame seeds or tobiko fish roe on the rice as decoration.
step 12
Flip the nori over so that the nori is on top, and the rice is on the bottom.
step 13
If you are using mayonnaise put it on the centerline first.
step 14
Place the filling evenly on top of the mayonnaise.
step 15
Align the nori with the line in front of the bamboo mat, lift the mat up and start rolling it up.
step 16
While rolling, hold the ingredients in with your fingers. If you don’t do it, the filling will push away, and the roll will not close well in the end.
step 17
Once you’ve rolled halfway, keep the end of the bamboo mat close to the filling and make sure that the upper space of nori is still visible. This space is important to close the roll properly.
step 18
Then turn 90 degrees again and shape the roll again.
step 19
Lightly tap both ends of the roll with hands to make the ends straight.
step 20
Transfer the roll to the cutting board. Make sure to place the end of the roll facing down on the cutting board. If the end of the roll is facing up, it will open up while cutting.
step 21
Wipe it with a damp towel and cut the roll in half.
step 22
Clean the knife with a wet cloth again and quickly cut it into 6 or 8 equal pieces.
step 23
Transfer the pieces onto a plate. Put Pickled Ginger (to taste) and wasabi on the right-hand side of the plate and serve with Soy Sauce (to taste).
