What ingredients to use for sushi ?

You would like to make your own sushi ? Or you would like to know a little more about the essential ingredients that you would need to pick up during your next visit at your favorite MITO counter at IGA ?

No problem. To help you along, here is our easy-to-follow list of ingredients to make delicious sushi !

The unavoidables

To start us off, here is a list of base ingredients for making sushi:

1. Calrose sushi rice

Without a doubt, rice is the most important ingredient when making sushi. It’s the base, the essence. It is not without cause that ‘sushi’ means ‘vinegar infused rice’ (see our definition of the word sushi).

If you’re thinking about making your own sushi, make sure to use a Japanese medium grain rice. Here at MITO, we offer Calrose sushi rice which is recognized for its high quality.

2. Nori sheets (algae leaves)

You would like to make makis (sushi rolls) ? Then, you need to have toasted seaweed sheets (nori sheets) !

However, if you want to make nigiris (balls of rice with a slice of fish rested on top) – you won’t need nori sheets.

3. Sushi rice vinegar

Sushi rice vinegar is a very mild vinegar. It is essential for the preparation of sushi. We generally use it during cooking to give sushi rice it’s well known flavor.

4. Fish, seafood, proteins and/or vegetables

To accompany your rice, you must also think about selecting some raw fish, seafood, proteins (tofu, chicken, beef, etc.) and a few fruits/vegetables. These will vary depending on the type of sushi you are creating.

Here s a list of ingredients we often find accompanying rice in sushi:

• Tuna
• Salmon
• Avocado (think about buying these a few days in advance so they have time to ripen. There’s nothing more frustrating than hard avocados on the day you planned making sushi.)
• Shrimp (size 21/25)
• Pollocks
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Mangoes
• Tofu or textured vegetarian protein (for vegetarians)
• Protein of your choice (chicken, porc, beef, etc.)
• Etc.

A little precaution concerning fish:

Please always use fresh fish to avoid food intoxication.

If you aren’t certain about what fish to buy to make your sushi, we recommend purchasing frozen fish that you could then serve raw. Because if you didn’t know, freezing fish is a way of killing of certain potential parasites. But not all.

If not, look to buy tuna or Atlantic fish. Their flesh is considered to be less favorable to the proliferation of parasites. In need – ask your fish expert (at the IGA fish counter) to help you with your selection.

Other ingredients in sushi

Here is a suggested list of ingredients to accompany your sushi.

Naturally, this will vary depending on the type of sushi you are making.

1. Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds can be sprinkled on the outside face or inside of your makis. Before sprinkling, make sure to dry grill them in a frying pan.

Psst! If you don’t want to go through the hassle of grilling sesame seed at home, check out MITO’s sesame seeds. We grilled them for you, you’re welcome.

2. Pickled ginger

Pickled ginger is chock full of amazing virtues. On top of its great taste, it helps digestion and has antiseptic traits. Plus, it is a great way to freshen your pallet so that you can enjoy the varied flavors of the sushi you purchased or fabricated.

Here’s a little secret: according to ancient beliefs, some would say that pickled ginger also has aphrodisiac qualities. We’re not promising anything but it’s worth a try…

3. Wasabi

Wasabi hides an intense but refreshing taste that can also refreshen your pallet. However, for some it can be quite overpowering so try and stay on the side of a little dab.

4. Ready-to-serve tempura

A great way to add a little crunch to your sushi is with our ready-to-serve tempura.

5. Masago

Similar to sesame seeds, masago (smelt caviar) can be used on the inside or outside face of your sushi.

It is loved for its slightly crunchy texture and for adding a bright red color.

6. Panko and tempura mix

Nothing is more comforting than a little crunch – for dragon eyes or maki tempura sushi – consider having a pack of panko  or tempura mix on hand.

Sauces to accompany sushi

1. Soy or sushi sauce

Having a good soy sauce or sushi sauce is a must for accompanying your sushi.

2. Spicy mayo

If you like a little heat, nothing is better than MITO’s spicy mayo to have get your taste buds dancing.

3. Kami sauce

Slightly sweet and creamy, MITO’s kami sauce is great for those who have a sweet tooth and can rapidly become a staple for your sushi nights.

Accessories

Here is a list of two accessories that will assist in your homemade sushi experience:

1. Bamboo mat

A bamboo mat can help you roll our makis-sushi. If you’re a greenhorn and want to avoid unnecessary catastrophe, it’s a good idea to have a mat handy for the critical rolling step.

2. Chopsticks

To enjoy your sushi with pride and avoid the temptation of using a fork.

If you don’t know how to properly hold chopsticks, we have a handy guide for you here (French only).

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So, we think you’re ready!

You now have in hand THE list of must have ingredients to prepare fabulous sushi. Don’t forget to pick up your products and ingredients during your next stop at a MITO counter in your local IGA.