Ritz Carlton DIFC, Arabic Sushi, Recipe, Chef Ron and Majde

Fancy trying your hand at some delectable sushi to impress your friends this Ramadan? Chefs Ron and Majde from The Ritz-Carlton DIFC share a recipe that is just right. Happy rolling…

ARABIC SUSHI

Serves 4-6 | Preparation time: 40 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups Japanese rice (preferably Nishiki or Carlose)
  • 3/4 cup of water
  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar
  • 3tbsp sugar
  • 1tsp salt
  • 8 pieces nori sheets
  • Assorted Middle Eastern fillings (See suggestions below)

 

Fillings

Shawarma Maki:

  • shawarma chicken
  • cos lettuce
  • hummus
  • garlic mayonnaise
  • arabic pickle
  • tomato

Falafel Maki:

  • falafel
  • Cucumber
  • tomato
  • tahina
  • pickle
  • sesame seed

 

Beetroot Maki:

  • beetroot murtable
  • roasted beetroot baton
  • black sesame seeds
  • Daikon julienne

 

Tabbouleh Maki:

  • tabbouleh
  • tomato julienne
  • lollo rosa lettuce
  • cucumber julienne
  • preserved lemon
  • mayonnaise

 

Method:

  1. Rinse the rice, and repeat six to eight times until water becomes clear. Drain the rice in a colander and set aside for 20 minutes. Place the rice in a rice cooker and add water.
  2. When the rice is cooked, let it stand for around 15 minutes.
  3. Prepare sushi vinegar by mixing rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a saucepan. Put the pan on low heat and heat until the sugar dissolves. Cool.
  4. Spread the hot steamed rice onto a large plate or a large bowl. Sprinkle the vinegar mixture over the rice and place to the side.

 

Maxi Rolling:

  1. Centre one sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat and wet your hands.
  2. Using your hands, spread a thin layer of rice on the sheet of nori, and press into a thin layer
  3. Arrange the ingredients of your choice in a line down the centre of the rice.
  4. Lift the end of the mat, and gently roll it over the ingredients, pressing gently. Roll it forward to make a complete roll. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

 

Chef’s Tips:

  • Hand rolls take a bit of practice. Start with this method until you are comfortable before trying more elaborate styles of maki rolling. 
  • Fillings are just suggestions, let your creativity take over and the possibilities are limitless.