How to Create The Best Sushi in Singapore

Sushi isn’t just food; it’s an art form. From the delicate balance of flavors to the mastery of technique, sushi is a culinary experience that has captured hearts worldwide. But creating outstanding sushi isn’t reserved for professional chefs at high-end restaurants. With the right tools, fresh ingredients, and proper method, you, too, can create sushi masterpieces right here in Singapore. Whether you’re an aspiring home chef or a sushi enthusiast, this guide will walk you through the essentials of making sushi that rivals some of the best sushi Singapore.

What Sets Great Sushi Apart?

Before we jump into the how-to, it’s important to know what makes sushi exceptional. Great sushi combines three key elements:

• Freshness: The star of any sushi is its ingredients. Fresh seafood, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice are non-negotiable.
• Balance: Sushi is the perfect marriage of flavors and textures, from the umami-rich fish to the delicate seasoning of rice.
• Presentation: Eating sushi is an experience, and presentation is a big part of it. Think clean lines, vibrant colors, and impeccable technique.

Now that you know what you’re aiming for, let’s roll out the steps to crafting the best sushi in Singapore.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Amazing Sushi

1. Start with the Best Ingredients

When it comes to sushi, your ingredients are everything. Here’s how to choose the best:

• Seafood: With Singapore being a cultural hub, you have access to both local wet markets and high-end grocery stores stocked with fresh seafood. Visit spots like Tekka Market or stores like Meidi-Ya to source sushi-grade fish like salmon, tuna, and scallops. Always ensure the seafood is labeled “sashimi-grade” or “sushi-grade” to ensure safety when consuming raw fish.
• Nori (seaweed sheets): Choose high-quality, dark-green nori that doesn’t tear easily. The texture of the wrap is just as important as the taste.
• Vegetables: Look for the freshest cucumbers, avocados, and carrots to add crunch and flavor burst to your sushi rolls.
• Rice: Use short-grain Japanese rice, such as Nishiki or Calrose, for its sticky texture that’s perfect for sushi.
• Seasonings: Sushi rice calls for rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for that perfect balance of tangy and sweet. You’ll also need soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger to complement your sushi creations.

2. Perfect the Sushi Rice

The rice is the foundation of sushi, so getting it right is crucial. Here’s how:

1. Rinse your rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch to prevent the rice from being overly sticky.
2. Cook the rice in a rice cooker or pot-to-steam method, following package instructions for water-to-rice ratio.
3. While the rice is hot, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Avoid mashing the rice as you mix.
4. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature. Never refrigerate sushi rice as it changes the texture.

3. Learn Proper Knife Techniques

The right slicing technique can make or break your sushi. A razor-sharp knife is essential to maintain clean cuts and preserve the texture of fish and vegetables. Some basic knife tips include:

• Always cut fish against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Keep your knife wet to prevent it from sticking to the fish or rice.
• Practice cutting vegetables into uniform, thin strips for even texture.

4. Rolling Your Sushi Like a Pro

One of the most iconic types of sushi is the maki roll. To perfect it, invest in a bamboo sushi mat (makisu) and follow these simple steps:

1. Place a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on the bamboo mat.
2. Spread an even layer of sushi rice over two-thirds of the nori, leaving the top third uncovered.
3. Add your fillings—think sliced fish, julienned vegetables, or cream cheese—in a horizontal line at the center of the rice.
4. Use the bamboo mat to roll the sushi tightly, applying gentle pressure to secure it. A firm roll ensures your sushi doesn’t fall apart when sliced.
5. Slice the roll into bite-sized rounds using a sharp knife, cleaning the blade after every cut.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try uramaki (inside-out sushi rolls) or temaki (hand rolls) for variety.

5. Experiment with Different Styles of Sushi

Expand your repertoire by learning and experimenting with other sushi styles:

• Nigiri: A small mound of rice topped with a slice of raw fish or other ingredients like shrimp or tamago (sweet egg omelette).
• Sashimi: Simply sliced raw fish, served without rice. Think of it as the purest expression of seafood.
• Chirashi (sushi bowl): A beautifully arranged bowl of sushi rice topped with a medley of fish, vegetables, and garnishes.

6. Master the Art of Presentation

Remember, we eat with our eyes first. When plating your sushi, take cues from Japanese aesthetics by focusing on simplicity and harmony. Use vibrant garnishes like sesame seeds, edible flowers, or thinly sliced veggies for added appeal.

Pro tip: Serve sushi on wooden platters or ceramic plates to replicate the authentic sushi dining experience from high-end Japanese restaurants.

Tips for Crafting Sushi in Singapore

Leverage Singapore’s Culinary Scene

Singapore’s melting pot of cuisines offers plenty of inspiration, just like at En Sushi. For example, you can incorporate local flavors into your sushi, like sambal chili mayo as a dip or wrapping ingredients like otah inside your roll.

Stay Sustainable

With worldwide concerns about overfishing, opt for sustainable seafood whenever possible. Visit stores that are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or purchase from trusted vendors who source responsibly.

Where to Find Specialty Ingredients in Singapore

• Meidi-Ya (Great World City) for premium Japanese ingredients.
• Don Don Donki for affordable Japanese essentials.
• Tekka Market or Fukushima Fish Market for fresh seafood at reasonable prices.

Enjoy the Process

Making sushi is as much about the experience as it is the result. Dedicate some time to explore new techniques, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, have fun.

Take Your Sushi-making to the Next Level

Becoming a sushi master doesn’t happen overnight, but with these tips, you can create sushi that not only tastes amazing but immerses you in the art of Japanese cuisine.

Have we whetted your appetite for sushi-making? Share your creations by tagging us on Instagram or leave a comment with your sushi-making tips. Sushi crafting is all about community, and we’d love to see your take on it!