Blending Japanese-American traditions is most obvious in my painting, but expands often to other facets. I make some tried and true traditional Japanese dishes, but I enjoy the freedom in home-cooking - there are endless opportunities to explore!
I’m calling this hapa sushi because this isn’t a traditional Japanese ingredient combo, but I follow some traditional methods like using a bamboo rice mixing bowl (oke) and a fan, adding sweet vinegar to rice, etc.
I rarely eat sushi out in the states because while it is possible to get traditional Japanese sushi, the quality:price ratio is unmatched. Instead I make it at home on occasion and eat heaps every time I go to Japan.
Growing up, California rolls were what I remember “helping” make when we had friends over. Unfortunately for my mom I was a poor assistant - I squished, overfilled, etc. Now they’re still never perfect, but they’re pretty forgiving so don’t worry!
That said, sushi tacos (AKA hand rolls) with seaweed are a completely acceptable adaption so you don’t have to roll anything. They’re very common in Japan too.
I hope this 7-ingredient recipe helps you make and enjoy it at home easily!
Spicy Tuna Recipe
Fills 2 rolls = 1 hearty portion:
1/4 lb sashimi-grade raw tuna, chopped*
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp chili garlic sauce (or sriracha)
1/2 tsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp mayo
1 whole green onion, minced
Mix well! That’s it.
*I recommend buying and eating the fish on the same day since it’s raw.
How to eat by effort level:
Level 0: Spoon-eat it from the bowl
Level 1: Canapé(-ish) on slices of cucumber or thin rice crackers
Level 2: Poke bowl over rice with avocado, cucumber, pickled ginger, sesame seeds
Level 3: Sushi or hand rolls with seasoned sushi rice, avocado & cucumber
FAQ:
Substitutions? This recipe is flexible so you can do common substitutions like soy sauce/coconut aminos, store-bought mayo/homemade mayo, etc.
Where to buy sashimi-grade tuna? Any big Japanese grocery store nationwide, but specifically in the East Bay my sources are Berkeley Bowl, Tokyo Fish, Lunardi’s, Ranch 99.
What’s sushi rice? Short/medium grain + sweet and salty rice vinegar. See method here.
What’s traditional Japanese sushi? There are many but one common kind is nigiri like what I painted last year when day-dreaming about the sushi I ate a few months prior in Japan.
