Do you want to hear the saddest little story (and see the most epic photo montage?)
Not once during the entire 4 months I was a camp counselor in Japan did a sumptuous piece of sushi ever cross my lips.
Sushi. In Japan. Where it was freakingĀ invented.
I could smack my little 19 year old self in the face! What were you thinking? I’d like to ask her! How could you sit at all those conveyor belt restaurants and let the freshest sushi on the planet whiz right past you while you ordered…Miso Soup?!
(source)
How could you nearly barf after learning your roommate was savoring raw salmon from what you now recognize as the most delectable looking sashimi platter you have ever seen?
Luckily I came to my senses somewhere around 21, and enjoyed a healthy amount of briny, sweet, fresh, melt-in-your-mouth sushi when my Mom and I returned for an unforgettable Mother/Daughter trip a few years later.
I’ve had a love affair going with all things raw and rolled ever sense.
I used to make sushi all the time a couple years ago, but fell out of the habit because, let’s be real, it’s kind of a pain in the butt.
Pressing out the rice for the inside of the rolls is super sticky, and I find myself not even hungry by the time I get a platter all ready to go, since I’ve eaten all the ends and mistakes along the way.
This weekend I randomly got a craving to give it another go, though.
Knowing I wouldn’t have the patience to spend time churning out rolls on a weeknight, I transformed my standard recipe for a California Roll into a California Roll WRAP!
I started by rinsing 1 cup sushi rice in water,
then cooked it according to package directions.
Into the hot rice, I drizzled 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 heaping Tablespoon sugar and a dash of salt that I had nuked in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Sushi rice is tre delicate so I mixed it up by making big “X’s” in the cooked grains with a wooden spoon.
Folding it every now and again to get it all mixed up.
I poured the hot rice on a platter to cool down, then got to work cutting up the rest of my California Roll Wrap ingredients:
Cucumber, imitation crab, avocado,
toasted sesame seeds,
and sliced nori.
I have found nori (the outside of a sushi roll) everywhere from Dahl’s to Super Walmart and specialty Asian Stores. I think it’s key to getting that classic, sushi flavor. :)
To assemble the California Roll Wraps I started with a large lettuce leaf. Any kind’ll do.
I spooned on some sticky, seasoned rice,
then layered on cucumber,
crab,
avocado,
sliced nori and sesame seeds.
(millions of less disturbing pieces, anyone?)
Drizzled with a little soy sauce,
wrapped,
and devoured!
Enjoyed with a side of laughter. :lol:
I think I inhaled some sesame seeds – HACK!!!
Ohhh, good times. :)
Totally loved this din-din. Less hassle, but all the classic flavors of that smooth and creamy California Roll. It’s great for sushi beginners too because there’s no raw fish!
Jess 08.23.2011
I’m going to try to make this into a salad!!!
dawn 08.23.2011
I would tell my 19 year old self to SLOW DOWN…. don’t be in such a hurry!!!
You can get really great seaweed at Trader Joes.. Ah hem!!!!!
Daisy 08.23.2011
travel more! I’ve been eating sushi since I was 12 but would have NEVER traveled to Japan at age 19 (what was I thinking?!) So, you know, it goes both ways. ;)
AJ 08.23.2011
If I could tell my 19 yr old self anything, I would tell her – Think, really think, about what you want from this life. Go get it! Forget about what other people want you to do and what you “should do.”
Kelly 08.23.2011
Wow! Love the simple-sushi idea! And you’ve eliminated the pain of rolling up the goods. Love the dinner!
Hmmm. At 19 – I am not sure I would’ve changed anything. I was at college, trying new things, making mistakes, getting over my first love/heartbreak, and was living large every day. Sure, I could’ve done things differently, but then I would not be where I am at today. I studied abroad in Ireland for a semester, and I would not have taken a job teaching English in Japan right after college if I things were different. And that was just friggin cool!
Caitlin in MD 08.23.2011
I’d tell my 19-year old self…
You’re younger than you feel. You have an entire lifetime ahead of you. Stop being so afraid. Make things happen.
Allison 08.23.2011
GREAT idea! There have been many coupon deals lately for sushi classes- I’ve debated buying one but doubt I could/ would actually make sushi at home :/ And if I knew how to make the delicious ooey, gooey, rice like they do in the restaurant, I fear that I will turn into a rice ball [so good]!
Hope 08.23.2011
I love california rolls. I always end up ordering that along with some other type of vegetarian roll when I go out for sushi. I love the idea of a california wrap! So clever! :)
Whitney 08.23.2011
This looks great! Easy modifiable. Hubs would need some beef in his!
I think I’d tell my 19 year old self to KEEP GOING. It all works together for GREAT in the end. Even if relationships suck. Keep working on friendships and keep having fun!
Presley @ Run Pretty 08.23.2011
YUM! Your blog always reminds me that I can make things at home in a simpler, and probably more delicious, way.
I would definitely tell myself to quit playing beer pong… hello germfest. Aaand to actually pay attention in class.
anna 08.22.2011
I love this idea! I’ve never had luck making my own rolls so I do sushi bowls now. Just all your roll ingredients but deconstructed into a bowl instead of rolled up!
anna 08.23.2011
When I make the rice I just stir the sesame seeds into that. I suppose it all ends up the same. :)
Charis 08.22.2011
What is imitation crab?
anna 08.23.2011
Wiki says: Crab sticks (imitation crab meat, seafood sticks, krab) are a form of kamaboko, a processed seafood made of finely pulverized white fish flesh (surimi), shaped and cured to resemble crab leg meat
anna 08.23.2011
You could use real crab or a different fish but it wouldn’t be a “California roll” without crab or krab
Martha Brown 08.22.2011
ugh what i would do to go back to 19 with perspective. i would tell myself that life is more than a boyfriend, and to pay attention in class instead of coasting by. i would also have tried to get out of my comfort zone more. sushi looks great. i have recently gone vegetarian, i would love to see a few more vegetarian recipes in your blog i love it!
Lesley 08.22.2011
That dinner looks YUM. I would tell my 19 year old self a lot of things, but I’d start with telling myself to get help and not be ashamed of it. I had serious problems with depression, anxiety, and OCD. It cost me the ability to function in college, but I just didn’t want to admit to myself how bad it was. Thankfully, I wised up, got treatment, and learned how to thrive in spite of it! :)
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio 08.22.2011
I would tell her “STOP EATING, love yourself, and that a real man will love you for who you are”.
Leslie Means 08.22.2011
LOL – my 19-year-old self. How *almost* 30 really isn’t THAT old – and that even though you think you’re having fun now, it’s nothing compared to how awesome your life will be in 10 years with two girls and a fantastic husband. Enjoy your blog – just found it a few days ago! Good to see someone else represent the midwest in a positive light!!
Ali 08.22.2011
I would tell my 19 year old self that the guy I liked was an ass and totally not worth it. I would also say that everything will end up how it’s supposed to. And wow…. that meals looks splendid:)
Kelly F 08.22.2011
I LOVE Bravo… but Most Eligible Dallas is horrendous. Maybe it’s because I’m from Dallas, and I went to high school with the girl Neill on there… but I find myself shaking my head and laughing for most of it!
Brittnie 08.22.2011
Great idea for the sushi. Honestly I have never even tried to make sushi since it looks so complex (and honestly I prob never will try) but this recipe I will totally try.
Fun fact: I went to college with Courtney Kerr from Most Eligible Dallas. She was my big sister in our social club (name a Christian school gives sororities). SO WEIRD to see her on TV. I pulled out my pictures from when I pledged and there are a ton of me & her, so crazy that she is on tv.
If I could tell my 19 year old self something it would be “stop playing the comparison game. You are beautiful just the way God made you!”
dana @ my little celebration 08.22.2011
If I could tell my 19 year old self something it would be, “PUT SOME CLOTHES ON.”
Love sushi. Love this idea. Will be making it STAT.