Recipe Note
What is Shiso Leaf?
Shiso is a Japanese herb belonging to the mint family, known for its distinct, slightly spicy flavor with hints of cinnamon and basil. It's commonly used in Japanese cuisine, particularly in sushi and sashimi, to add a refreshing and aromatic touch. For this hand roll recipe, shiso leaf can be used as a flavorful addition, either wrapped around the fish or chopped and mixed with the other toppings.
What is Nori?
Nori is a type of edible seaweed that is dried and pressed into thin sheets. It has a slightly salty, umami flavor and is a staple in Japanese cuisine, commonly used to wrap sushi rolls and hand rolls. Nori provides a delightful texture and taste, making it an essential component for this hand roll recipe.
Hand Roll vs. Sushi Roll vs. Sashimi vs. Sushi:
Hand Roll (Temaki): A hand roll is a cone-shaped piece of nori filled with sushi rice, fish, and various toppings. It’s rolled by hand and eaten like a taco, making it a fun and casual way to enjoy sushi ingredients.
Sushi Roll (Maki): A sushi roll consists of sushi rice, fish, and other ingredients rolled tightly in a sheet of nori, then sliced into bite-sized pieces. Common types include maki (rolled with nori on the outside) and uramaki (rolled with rice on the outside).
Sashimi: Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish or seafood served without rice. It's typically garnished with daikon radish and served with soy sauce and wasabi for dipping, highlighting the pure flavor of the fish.
Sushi: Sushi is a broad term encompassing various types of vinegared rice dishes topped or combined with fish, seafood, vegetables, and other ingredients. It includes nigiri (a slice of fish on top of a small ball of rice), maki (rolls), and temaki (hand rolls), among others.
