Cooking a meal for a loved one is the culinary equivalent to rolling out the red carpet for your nearest and dearest.
This weekend roll up your sleeves and roll out your sushi mats for a romantic evening at home. And if your loved one is a fan of seafood, then you have hit the jackpot. Surimi, also known as seafood sticks or crab sticks, is perfect for making delicious sushi at home. Seafood sticks are tasty, low in fat and high in protein, and bring an authentic sushi flavour to the table.
Why sushi and why Surimi?
The California roll is both popular and easy to prepare, and using VICI Surimi Royale makes it even better:
- It’s interactive: Making California rolls together is a fun and engaging experience. You’ll laugh, you might struggle a bit but, most importantly, you’ll create something delicious together. A shared activity is a fantastic way to connect.
- It’s customisable: While we’re highlighting Surimi Royale, you can still customise your California rolls with other fillings you enjoy, catering to both of your tastes.
- Surimi is budget-friendly and easy to find: This makes your sushi night both special and affordable, perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
- It’s already cooked! No need to worry about handling raw fish, making Surimi a perfect choice for beginners and those who prefer cooked seafood. This takes the stress out of preparing the meal.
California rolls – getting started
Before you dive into the world of California roll-making, you’ll need to gather your ingredients and supplies. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Sushi rice: This is the foundation of any good sushi roll. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully to achieve the perfect texture.
- Nori sheets: These are the seaweed sheets that hold your sushi together.
- Surimi Royale (Seafood Sticks): The star of our show! You can find these pre-packaged in most supermarkets.
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Other fillings (optional but recommended): Get creative! Some popular and complementary options include:
- Avocado: Creamy and delicious.
- Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch.
- Carrots (julienned or thinly sliced): For a bit of sweetness and colour.
- Mango: A tropical twist!
- Seasonings: Don’t forget the essentials like rice vinegar, soy sauce, wasabi (if you like it hot!), and ginger (pickled).
- Tools: You’ll need a sushi mat, which are inexpensive and easily available online, to help you roll your sushi, a sharp knife to slice it, and a bowl of water to keep your hands from sticking to the rice.
The sushi-making process
Now for the fun part! Here’s a basic step-by-step guide to making Surimi California rolls:
Prepare the rice: Cook the sushi rice according to the package directions. Once it’s cooked, mix it with rice vinegar and let it cool.
Lay out the nori: Place a sheet of nori on your sushi mat.
Add rice: Spread a thin, even layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small space at the top.
Add the fillings: Arrange your Surimi sticks and any other chosen fillings (avocado, cucumber, etc.) in the centre of the rice.
Roll it up: Use the sushi mat to roll the nori tightly around the fillings. Start by tucking the edge of the nori under the fillings and then continue rolling firmly.
Slice and serve: Use a sharp, wet knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Wiping the blade between slices helps prevent sticking. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger.
Tips for success
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: While Surimi Royale is a great, tasty base, which is low in fat and high in protein, feel free to try different combinations of fillings. Get creative and have fun with it! You can see more recipes here.
- Practice makes perfect: Your first few rolls might not be perfect, but don’t get discouraged. Keep practising and you’ll be a sushi master in no time.
- Make it a date: Put on some music, light some candles, and enjoy the process of making sushi together. It’s a great way to bond and create lasting memories.
A sweet ending
No meal is complete without dessert. After you’ve enjoyed your delicious California Rolls with Surimi Royale, treat yourselves to some mochi ice cream or a decadent chocolate dessert.
Embrace the art of sushi-making with the easy and delicious addition of Surimi. It’s a fun, romantic, and affordable way to celebrate your love. And who knows, you might just discover a hidden talent for sushi-making! Enjoy!
