The holidays are fast approaching and I can’t wait! There’s nothing I love more than getting together with friends and family, sharing a meal, and doing something fun. One of my favorite ways to entertain guests of all ages is by preparing a big sushi feast at home. It can be as simple or elaborate as you want, its completely customizable! Rolling your own sushi (maki rolls) might look intimidating, but it’s actually very easy to do, and a more affordable option than ordering out for sushi. With all the preparation and minimal cooking, I can have everything set up in under an hour!
I love that hosting a sushi party is more than just the food — it’s a hands-on culinary experience for everyone. I arrange all of the sushi ingredients at the center of the table, and everyone takes part in creating their own meal. For the kids, I pan fry the fish in a little unagi (eel) sauce or soy sauce, then make bite size maki rolls with avocado and rice for them to easily grab and eat. Adults can be creative and choose interesting filling combinations. The kids can also take part by helping to add toppings and even with rolling maki (see Sushi Dishes for other delicious ways to use the sushi ingredients).
The key to a great sushi party is buying high quality sushi-grade fish from most Asian supermarkets (like H Mart) and even at some local supermarkets (I’ve been able to find it at Wegmans). You can also pick up other specialty ingredients like masago (fish roe), nori (dried seaweed), pickled ginger, and wasabi (Japanese horseradish). For drinks, I like to serve hot matcha tea, sake (rice wine), and Sapporo beer. I also like to pick up mochi ice cream and Taiyaki ice cream serve for dessert. Some other menu items you can include are miso soup, tempura shrimp and vegetables, edamame (young soybeans), salad with ginger dressing, seaweed salad, and kani salad (crab and cucumber salad).
Want to throw your own Sushi party? Keep reading to see my full party planning guide below!
INGREDIENTS
My basic shopping list can be found here, but you can add to or remove ingredients as needed – it’s all up to you! If you’re short on time, you can turn your sushi party into a sushi potluck by suggesting these drinks, desserts, and appetizers for guests to bring.
PREPARATION
Sushi Rice
Rinse and cook your rice by following the directions on the bag (or your rice cooker’s instructions). When the rice is finished cooking and is still hot, add 5 tablespoons of Sushi Seasoning to every 4 cups of cooked rice. Gently stir to combine.
Spicy Mayo
Mix 4 tablespoons of Japanese mayonnaise (I use Kewpie brand) with 4 teaspoons of Sriracha.
Raw Fish
For sashimi and chirashi bowls, cut your sushi-grade fish into ¼” slices.
For maki and hand rolls, cut your sushi-grade fish into ¼”x 4” sticks.
Octopus
Cut the octopus into 1/8” slices.
Frozen Eel
Cook frozen eel in the oven for 10 minutes at 400°F, then cut it into 1” slices.
Avocado
Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Using a large spoon, scoop the avocado out then cut it into 1/8” slices.
English Cucumber
Cut off the ends of the cucumber and discard them. Cut the rest of the cucumber into 4” length pieces, then cut each piece in half. Scoop the seeds out with a spoon, then cut into 1/8” sticks.
SUSHI DISHES
Sashimi
The easiest way to eat your fish – simply dip your fish into soy sauce and eat.
Hand Roll
This is my favorite way of eating sushi at home because it’s so easy to make, doesn’t require any tools needed, and it all fits nicely in your hand. To make it, use half a sheet of nori (8″x9″) and spread a scoop of sushi rice into an even layer on the left half of the nori. Add your toppings on a diagonal from top left to bottom right on top of the rice. Roll it into a cone by lifting the bottom left corner up to the middle and continue rolling until the nori is completely wrapped around itself.
Maki Roll
If you prefer bite size pieces, you can make maki rolls by using a bamboo rolling mat. Place a whole sheet of nori on the mat and cover 2/3 of it with sushi rice. Add your ingredients in a horizontal line on top of the rice in the center of the nori. Using the bamboo rolling mat, start from the bottom and roll the nori sheet and ingredients towards the top, while keeping the roll tight. Cut the roll into 6-8 pieces.
Chirashi Bowl
If you prefer keeping your hands clean, you can make a chirashi bowl. Put rice into a bowl and arrange your fish on top. You can add other toppings, then drizzle soy sauce on top before mixing and eating.
What are your favorite sushi combinations?
