We have prepared the perfect article for those who are interested in Japanese culture and food but have not had the opportunity to visit Japan, or for those who want to enjoy Japanese food at home in a casual way. The theme of this issue is Temakizushi! This Japanese food is perfect for parties and family gatherings and can be enjoyed by everyone. For you, the Dutch resident and Japan lover, we bring you a thorough guide to the appeal of Japanese food and how to enjoy Temakizushi at home.
**What is Temakizushi? **
Temakizushi, as the name suggests, is a type of sushi where you roll the seaweed and ingredients with your own hands. In Japan, it is often eaten at parties, family gatherings and celebrations. Temakizushi is very popular because it is fun and tasty, with everyone sitting around a table and rolling up the ingredients of their choice.
**The appeal of hand-rolled sushi**.
The appeal of hand-rolled sushi is its freedom and variety. You can use as many ingredients as you like, so you can enjoy your own personalised combinations. The use of a variety of ingredients such as seaweed, rice, fresh seafood and vegetables also makes it a nutritionally well-balanced and healthy meal.
**History of Temakizushi**.
Temakizushi is said to have originated in the mid-Edo period. It is believed to have started when fishermen of the time ate fish, seaweed and vinegared rice together to make it easier to eat on the boat. Later, as Edo-mae sushi became popular, temakizushi also spread among the general public and has now become a much-loved dish throughout Japan.
**How can I get Japanese ingredients in the Netherlands? **
As a Japan lover living in the Netherlands, you may find it a little difficult to get hold of Japanese ingredients. But don't worry, there is no need to worry! These days, there are plenty of Asian supermarkets and online shops that sell Japanese ingredients. At Asian supermarkets, you can find basic ingredients such as seaweed, rice for sushi rice and soy sauce, as well as fresh seafood and vegetables. Online shops also offer a greater variety of ingredients directly imported from Japan, as well as popular Japanese condiments and snacks.
**Basic preparation: nori and shari**.
Nori and rice are the basics of making hand-rolled sushi.
- **Nori**: grilled or seasoned nori is often used for hand-rolled sushi. Grilled nori has a nice savoury texture, while seasoned nori is recommended for children and people who don't like nori.
- **Shari**: Shari, also known as sushi rice, is the star of the hand-rolled sushi. To make a fluffy and tasty rice, the first thing to do is to choose the right rice. If Japanese rice is available, we recommend specialised sushi rice or short-grain rice. If not, glutinous rice or other types of rice can be substituted. After grinding and soaking the rice in water, cook it in a rice cooker. Once cooked, turn the rice into a mixture of sushi vinegar (or rice vinegar), salt and sugar, mix it in as if cutting it, fan it out and allow it to cool.
**The choice of ingredients is important! **
The most enjoyable part of Temakizushi is choosing the ingredients. The best part of hand-rolled sushi is being able to choose what you like, but here are some recommended combinations and ingredients that children will enjoy.
- **Seafood**: fresh seafood is an essential ingredient for hand-rolled sushi. Salmon, tuna, prawns, squid and octopus are classic and popular ingredients.
- **Vegetables**: include plenty of vegetables. Cucumber and avocado are classic and provide a crunchy texture. For children, shredded carrots and stewed pumpkin are also recommended.
- **Egg**: omelet or thinly fried egg is another popular ingredient for temakizushi. The sweet seasoning goes well with rice.
- **Fried foods**: Deep-fried foods such as tempura and fried foods can also be used as ingredients for Temakizushi. Shrimp tempura, fried squid and fried chicken are popular with children.
- **Other**: Natto (fermented soy beans), grated yam, tuna mayonnaise and cheese can also be used as ingredients for hand-rolled sushi. Feel free to combine whatever you like!
**Enjoy hand roll sushi at parties and events**.
Temakizushi can be enjoyed by everyone, making it perfect for parties and events. Here are some tips for enjoying hand roll sushi at a party.
- **Preparation**: Preparation in advance is important at a party. Cut the ingredients into bite-size pieces and arrange them in small plates or bowls. Nori and rice should be prepared just before eating.
- **Table setting**: At the table for a hand-rolled sushi party, arrange the ingredients in the middle and place plates, chopsticks and soy sauce dishes around them so that everyone can easily share. Nori and rice should be placed in a corner of the table so that each person can roll their own.
- **Drinks**: Drinks should include beer, sake and green tea. Soft drinks and cocktails can also be prepared at the party for those who cannot drink.
- **Decorations**: Don't forget decorations to add to the party atmosphere. Decorations made from origami and small items such as paper lanterns are a great way to create a Japanese atmosphere.
**Tips for enjoying Temakizushi even more**.
Finally, here are some tips to help you enjoy your Temakizushi even more.
- **Try your hand at creative hand-rolled sushi**: The standard ingredients are good, but sometimes you need to be adventurous. Unexpected combinations such as fruit, nuts and cream cheese can be a delicious discovery.
- **Try new ways of eating**: Temakizushi is usually eaten by hand-rolling the nori (seaweed), but we also recommend gunkanmaki, where the ingredients are placed on top of the rice without the nori, or triangular eating, where the nori is folded into a triangular shape.
- **Using leftover rice**: leftover rice can be wrapped in triangles with nori and made into ‘onigiri’. It is also recommended to fry the rice and make fried rice or fry it in oil to make ‘sushi balls’.
**Consolidated**.
Temakizushi is a Japanese dish that can be easily enjoyed at home. The freedom to roll up and eat the ingredients of your choice and the fact that it can be enjoyed by everyone is its charm. If you live in the Netherlands and love Japan, you should definitely make temakizushi and enjoy the charm of Japanese food to the fullest.
**FAQ**.
1. **Q. Can one person enjoy Temakizushi? **
A. Of course! Temakizushi can be enjoyed by one person. You can use as many ingredients as you like and find your own favourite combination.
2.**Q. Are there any recommended ingredients if I don't like fish? **
A. For those who do not like fish, we recommend egg rolls, thinly fried eggs, fried chicken and vegetable tempura. Temakizushi with only vegetables is also nutritionally balanced and tasty.
3.** Q. What should I do with the uneaten ingredients of the hand-rolled sushi? **
A. Store uneaten ingredients in the refrigerator and eat them the next day. You can also stir-fry them with rice and make fried rice or deep-fry them in oil to make ‘sushi balls’.
4.** Q. Can I get Japanese ingredients in the Netherlands? **
A. Yes. There are many Asian supermarkets and online shops in the Netherlands where you can get Japanese foodstuffs. Fresh seafood, vegetables and basic seasonings can be found in Asian supermarkets, while a greater variety of products can be found in online shops.
5. **Q. Can I enjoy Temakizushi outside of parties? **
A. Of course! Temakizushi can be enjoyed at family gatherings, celebrations and as an everyday meal. It is easy to make and everyone can enjoy it together, so it can be used in a variety of situations.