| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 10g | 4g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 6g | 7g | 0.4g |
While I undeniably reside in a world of crisp fried chicken and flakey biscuits, I’ve recently found myself in the thrall of a vegetable-based, culturally diverse epicurean delight: the Sea Grapes Sushi Roll. All the way from Japan to our Southern shores, this enticing roll marries the flavors of the East with the freshness of the sea.
A Mariner’s Delight
Blessed with the bounty of the ocean, we Southerners are no strangers to fresh seafood. The ingredient that gives this sushi its name, sea grapes, are something that caught my curiosity. Sea grapes, or Umi-budo as they’re known in Japan, are a kind of sea vegetable that lend a unique briny zest to this roll. They’re also packed with beneficial nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, and calcium, making this sushi healthier than it seems.
Fusion of Flavors
Deliciously furthering this culinary fusion are the tropical fruits – mango, avocado, and papaya. Each brings its unique sweetness, creaminess, and vibrancy to the roll while also offering a bounty of health benefits such as Vitamins C & E, dietary fibre and powerful antioxidants. The sneaky hint of cream cheese gives it that Southern comfort food vibe, making it feel strangely familiar yet exotic.
Don’t forget the pop of toasted sesame seeds and the classic sushi accompaniments of pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce. Although each ingredient shines on its own, together they create a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply moreish. If you’re a fan of California rolls or tropical fruit sushi, this will be a delightful addition to your repertoire. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a light rice wine or a refreshing jasmine green tea.
What I love about this Sea Grapes Sushi Roll recipe is not just its taste and the health benefits it offers, but the culinary adventure it allows. It might be a detour from the typical Southern fare, but isn’t that the beauty of food? It has the power to whisk us away on a journey across oceans, right from our dining tables. And my humble Southern kitchen? It’s my starting point to explore and fall in love with global culinary treats, one recipe at a time.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of sushi rice
- 3.5 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 6 sheets of sushi-grade nori
- 1 cup of fresh sea grapes
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and sliced into strips
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and sliced into strips
- 1 ripe papaya, peeled and sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds, toasted (optional)
- 1 bottle of soy sauce, for dipping
- Pickled ginger, for serving
- Wasabi, for serving
Method
Step One
Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Place the rice and water in a rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have a rice cooker, you can cook it on the stove top as well.
Step Two
While the rice is cooking, make the sushi vinegar by combining the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar and salt have dissolved. Once the rice is done, transfer it to a large bowl and while it is still hot, pour the sushi vinegar over it, gently folding it to combine and to cool it down.
Step Three
Place a sushi mat on a clean surface and put a sheet of nori on the mat. With wet hands, spread an even layer of sushi rice over the nori, letting it cover about 3/4 of the nori leaving about 2 inches at the top. Sprinkle some sesame seeds over the rice, if using.
Step Four
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the rice, then arrange strips of mango, avocado, papaya, and a generous amount of sea grapes along the center of the rice.
Step Five
Pick up the edge of the sushi mat closest to you and tightly roll the sushi away from you, using the mat to keep the sushi compact. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces.
Step Six
Transfer the cut sushi to a serving platter, and repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
Step Seven
When ready to serve, provide soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side. Enjoy your Sea Grapes Sushi Roll immediately as it does not keep very well in the fridge.
