For many years, I’ve convinced myself that I didn’t really like sushi. I think I made that snap judgement as a teenager after I tasted my first California Maki Roll from a fastfood place. Not a great place to start learning the art of eating sushi. But yes, after that, I didn’t venture much in to sushi eating.
Early this year though, I made the decision to give sushi another try. And, I’m so glad I did. Now, I have another source of great food enjoyment.
In fact, I liked sushi so much, I ended up wanting to learn how to make them at home. And, one of the first step-by-step instruction that I found was this from Coconut and Lime: How to Make Maki Sushi. But, before I got the chance to try that one out, I found this kit from the local grocery store that I go to:
It’s the Obento Sushi Kit.
And, it contains the following inside one box:
- a packet of sushi rice
- Nori (seaweed sheet)
- vinegar mixing powder (for the sushi rice)
- a small bottle of soy sauce (for dipping)
- a small packet of wasabi
- a bamboo mat (for rolling the sushi)
- an instruction booklet
So, basically, all you need really is to buy whatever sushi filling you want to put in. So far, I’ve been going for either seasoned tuna + cucumber combo or chicken teriyaki + avocado combo or the freshly seasoned shrimp + avocado or cucumber combo.
Using the kit, I’ve managed to replicate the sushi flavour that I like. So, the Obento Sushi Kit does come recommended if you’re a newbie wannabe sushi maker like me.
Now, my next challenge is to learn how to improve my sushi making skills. And - try to explore other ways of making sushi. Even if it means just changing the fillings that I’m used to!
I mean, look at this Papaya Shikai Maki and the intricate way that they’re rolled. I even heard some people can make mini sculptures with their sushi. Not sure how that works out - but definitely way out of my league. 
Do YOU like sushi? What are your favourite types of sushi? Have you tried to make your own sushi yet?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Dexie 11.14.08 at 9:56 pm
Congrats on making your sushi :). I love sushi and I love making my own at home too. I did a step-by-step in foodblog if you want to check it out for an idea on your next sushi -making day
As for favorites, I love salmon, tuna, cuttle fish….
PS : Hope you don’t mind the links Shai.
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Shai Coggins reply on November 23rd, 2008:
Thanks, Dexie! That’s fantastic. And, you’re welcome to link away here any time.
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witsandnuts 11.14.08 at 11:23 pm
Thanks for sharing. I love Sushi!
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Shai Coggins reply on November 23rd, 2008:
@witsandnuts Yay. You’re part of the sushi loving club. Hope you get to start making them too.
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Kari 11.15.08 at 2:46 am
I rolled my first sushi roll back in 2005 I think. I’ve been a sushi lover for as long as I can remember, though there was a dry period when I moved back to my hometown to finish school. The sushi scene is non-existent there and I went through major withdraws!
So during the time in ‘05 I found an Asian grocer er online and ordered all the supplies in addition to some shitake mushrooms and miso for making soup. While my sushi did taste yummy, I’ve never been able to roll it tight enough on my bamboo mat. Maybe I need to try a different one?
Now it’s not such a problem because there is a great sushi following in Tulsa and several choices for dining. In fact I’m going out for sushi tonight which is a good thing since all this talk has me craving it! LOL!
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Shai Coggins reply on November 23rd, 2008:
@kari Wow - very impressive.
Glad you don’t need to make your own, as you have an abundant supply there. Hope you had a great sushi evening!
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jen 11.15.08 at 1:02 pm
I love sushi and have tried making it once. I’m sure it gets easier with time but I found it quite fiddly and I’d cooked far too much rice which was cumbersome. Despite that, and despite not rolling things properly it tasted quite good. I love salmon in mine!
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Shai Coggins reply on November 23rd, 2008:
@Jen Yes, very fiddly things they are. But, I do enjoy a homemade sushi, so I keep trying when I get the urge.
Do you have any recommended sushi places here in Adelaide?
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Melissa W 11.16.08 at 8:14 am
I love making my own sushi. I am ultra germ phobic so I can’t trust the stuff sold in food courts etc (not stored at the correct temperature is my main worry.)
I love simple canned tuna sushi the most but if I can be bothered I love BBQ chicken and hot sauce sushi as well. Like jen (above) though I can roll mine tight enough so things tend to get a bit messy after a while.
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Shai Coggins reply on November 23rd, 2008:
@Melissa - Well, at least you can make your own.
One thing I do like about homemade sushi is that I get to fill it with whatever I like. And I like the sound of BBQ chicken sushi. Maybe next time! Mine gets messy at times too. 
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Nenette 11.17.08 at 12:33 am
I was so proud of you when you mentioned earlier this year that you were venturing into the sushi world!!! It’s so tasty, healthy, and so very addictive!
Last night, my girlfriends and I went out for our monthly sushi outing. It was awesome… as usual! I started with miso soup, then a salad, and finally moved on to my favourite salmon and tuna sashimi with assorted nigiri and maki. Heavenly!
I haven’t tried making it at home yet. I need to get going with that!
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Shai Coggins reply on November 23rd, 2008:
@Nenette - You definitely help inspire my sushi cravings!
Sooo cool that you get to go out for a monthly sushi outing with your girlfriends. Gotta put a sushi club like that together, esp since my hubby’s not a big fan. Hope you get to try making your own sushi at home too!
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Sadao 11.27.08 at 4:10 am
I love sushi, but I’ve been too lazy to make one for myself. You inspired me to give it a try. It might be fun thing to do with my friends. Thanks.
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