Gunkan Maki

Dive into the delicate artistry of Japanese cuisine with Gunkan Maki, a sushi-lover’s dream that combines the umami-rich flavors of ikura (salmon roe) and uni (sea urchin). This elegant recipe features fluffy, perfectly seasoned sushi rice wrapped in crispy nori sheets, forming a vessel for your choice of luxurious toppings. The gently sweet and tangy rice, infused with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, serves as the perfect balance to the oceanic flavors of the toppings. Quick to prepare in just 50 minutes and beautifully customizable, Gunkan Maki is an eye-catching appetizer or main dish that will impress any crowd. Serve this sushi delight with soy sauce, a touch of wasabi, and watch as your taste buds are transported to Japan with every bite. Perfect for sushi night at home or special occasions, this recipe showcases the simplicity and sophistication of Japanese culinary art.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 pieces nori sheets
• 100 grams ikura (salmon roe)
• 100 grams uni (sea urchin)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon wasabi

Directions

Step 1

Rinse 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will help remove excess starch.

Step 2

Cook the rice according to your rice cooker’s instructions or bring 2 cups of water to boil, add the rice, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, combine 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, then remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 4

Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold the vinegar mixture into the rice using a wooden spatula or rice paddle. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 5

Cut each nori sheet into strips approximately 1.5 inches wide and 7 inches long. You can get about 4 strips per nori sheet.

Step 6

Wet your hands to prevent sticking, and form the cooled rice into oblong shapes about the size of a small egg.

Step 7

Take one strip of nori and wrap it around the rice ball, leaving about half an inch of nori sticking up above the rice. Press gently to secure the nori to the rice.

Step 8

Fill each gunkan maki with a spoonful of either ikura or uni. For variety, divide the servings evenly.

Step 9

Arrange them on a serving platter and serve with soy sauce and a dab of wasabi on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	711.8 grams (711.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1139

Total Fat 25.20g	32%
Saturated Fat 5.70g	29%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 788mg	263%
Sodium 4862mg	211%
Total Carbohydrate 162.80g	59%
Dietary Fiber 4.90g	18%
Total Sugars 26.80g
Protein 58.00g	116%

Vitamin D 232IU	1160%
Calcium 393mg	30%
Iron 16mg	90%
Potassium 1002mg	21%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.4%

Protein: 20.9%

Carbs: 58.7%