Save Whimsical sushi boats crafted with fresh fish, sushi rice, and crisp vegetables, perfect for a playful appetizer or party platter.
Ingredients
- Sushi Rice: 1 cup sushi rice, 1 1/4 cups water, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt
- Fillings & Toppings: 100 g fresh sushi grade salmon thinly sliced, 100 g fresh sushi grade tuna thinly sliced, 1/2 avocado thinly sliced, 1/2 cucumber seeds removed thinly sliced, 4 sheets nori (seaweed) cut in half, 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
- Garnishes & Sail Materials: 8 thin slices daikon radish or carrot (for sails), 8 small bamboo skewers or toothpicks, 1 tbsp pickled ginger, 1 tbsp wasabi, 2 tbsp soy sauce (gluten free if needed)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold into the cooked rice. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
- Step 3:
- Lay a half sheet of nori shiny side down. With wet hands, shape a small log (about 2 tbsp) of sushi rice and place it lengthwise on the nori.
- Step 4:
- Top each rice log with slices of salmon, tuna, avocado, and cucumber as desired. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Step 5:
- Roll the nori around the rice and toppings, leaving the top open to resemble a boat.
- Step 6:
- To make sails, thread a daikon or carrot slice onto a bamboo skewer or toothpick and insert upright into each sushi boat.
- Step 7:
- Arrange sushi sailboats on a platter. Garnish with pickled ginger and serve with wasabi and soy sauce on the side.
Save Required Tools
Rice cooker or pot with lid, Sharp knife, Bamboo skewers or toothpicks, Rolling mat (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains fish (salmon, tuna) and soy (soy sauce). Some ingredients may contain sesame. Check all labels for gluten if required.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 105, Total Fat: 2.5 g, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Protein: 5 g (per boat)
Save A delightful twist on traditional sushi that will impress guests and make any occasion special.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prepare the sushi rice properly?
Rinse sushi rice until water is clear, then cook with water, cover and simmer for 18 minutes. Let it stand covered for 10 minutes before seasoning with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- → What fish works best for the sailboats?
Fresh, sushi-grade salmon and tuna sliced thinly work best for tender texture and flavor balance.
- → Can I make these sushi sailboats gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce to maintain the gluten-free option.
- → How do I create the decorative sails?
Thread thin slices of daikon radish or carrot onto bamboo skewers or toothpicks, then insert upright into each sushi boat.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for the fillings?
Substitute fish with extra avocado, mango, or marinated tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.