Sushi equipment

Types of sushi equipment

Sushi equipment refers to the tools and appliances used to prepare, cook, and store sushi. Sushi equipment is essential for making different kinds of sushi, such as nigiri, maki, and sashimi, and it helps ensure that the sushi is made with fresh ingredients, is properly cooked, and is presented appealingly. The sushi equipment includes various tools, from knives for precise fish filleting to rice cookers that guarantee perfectly cooked rice, which is crucial for all forms of sushi.

• Cutting equipment

  One of the most important sushi-making tools is the sushi knife, also known as a hocho. There are different types of knives, with each being suitable for a particular purpose. For instance, the usuba is a vegetable knife used to cut thin slices of vegetables to make the garnishes and fillings. Another example is the yanagiba, a long blade used for filleting fish for nigiri and sashimi. Sushi knives need to be sharp and well-maintained to cut cleanly through delicate ingredients.

• Cooking equipment

  While some sushi is cooked, others are not, and this depends on the kind of sushi being prepared. For the types that are cooked, having some essential cooking equipment is necessary, such as pots and pans, among others. One of the most important cooking tools for any type of sushi is the rice cooker. It simplifies the process of making sushi rice, which is the foundation of many sushi dishes. Some rice cookers have advanced features like fuzzy logic technology that automatically adjusts cooking parameters for different types of rice.

• Rolling mats and molds

  Sushi mats, known as makisu, are used to roll maki sushi. These mats are made from woven bamboo and help create tight and even rolls. Some sushi equipment includes molds and presses for shaping sushi into consistent sizes. These tools are especially helpful for making nigiri balls and onigiri rice balls.

• Storage and display

  Freshness is vital for making good sushi; hence, having adequate storage equipment is important. Sushi refrigerators are designed to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels for keeping fish and other perishable items fresh. These refrigerators have features like glass doors for easy viewing and display of products. Sushi cases and displays are used to showcase finished sushi in restaurants or at buffets. These cases often have sliding doors or lids for convenient access.

• Miscellaneous tools

  There are some other sushi-making tools that help the process be more efficient and effective. For instance, bamboo spoons, known as shamoji, are used to handle and season sushi rice. Fish scales and other tools are used to clean fish for those who make fish sushi, while vegetable slicers and graters are used to prepare the vegetables.

Design of sushi equipment

• Sushi Mats

  Available in bamboo, plastic, or silicone, the sushi mats are designed to roll the sushi easily and uniformly. They have a grid pattern of thin sticks or a smooth surface for different rolling styles. Bamboo mats offer a traditional touch, while the silicone mats provide non-stick and easy-to-clean features. They come in various sizes to accommodate small rolls (hosomaki) or large rolls (uramaki).

• Sushi Knives

  These are specialized knives designed for the precise cutting and preparation of sushi. They have a sharp blade, usually made from high-quality stainless steel or carbon steel, to make clean cuts through fish, vegetables, and rice. The blade may be single or double-beveled, depending on the type of knife, and it often features a wooden or composite material handle for comfort and grip. Different knives serve various purposes in sushi making, including slicing fish, chopping vegetables, or cutting the finished rolls.

• Rice Cookers

  Many updated models of rice cookers have been designed explicitly for making sushi rice. They can have features like fuzzy logic technology for perfect rice cooking, a keep-warm function to maintain the ideal temperature for sushi rice, and various cooking settings to achieve the desired texture.

• Sushi display cases

  These are designed to showcase sushi while keeping it fresh. They usually have glass doors or panels for customers to see the sushi from all angles. The base may be curved or straight, and the edges are often embellished with wood or metal for an elegant look. They can have features like adjustable shelving to display different types of sushi, ambient lighting to highlight the colors and textures of the sushi, and humidity controls to keep the sushi fresh.

Scenarios for sushi equipment

Sushi equipment is widely used in different settings. They use it to make various types of sushi. Some common scenarios are as follows.

• Restaurants

  Restaurants use sushi tools to prepare and serve sushi to customers. They use high-end sushi equipment to prepare the sushi in the kitchen and serve it on elegant platters. The chefs use sushi knives to make the fish and vegetables and rolling mats to form the rolls. They also use rice cookers to make the sushi rice.

• Sushi Bars

  Sushi bars focus on serving different kinds of sushi. They use sushi tools like sushi knives, shakers, and molds to make different kinds of nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls. They also have a sushi display fridge where customers can see and choose fresh sushi.

• Sushi Catering

  Sushi catering companies bring the sushi-making process to events. They use portable sushi equipment like bamboo mats and knives to make sushi on-site for weddings, parties, or corporate events. The equipment allows them to make fresh sushi for guests anywhere.

• Sushi Cooking Classes

  Sushi cooking classes teach people how to make sushi at home. They use sushi tools like knives, mats, and molds to teach students how to prepare sushi rice, fish, and vegetables and roll and shape different kinds of sushi.

• Home Kitchens

  Many people who love sushi buy sushi equipment for their home kitchens. They use rice cookers to make sushi rice and sushi knives to prepare fish and vegetables. Then they use rolling mats to form the sushi rolls and molds to shape the nigiri. With the right tools, sushi lovers can make various kinds of sushi at home.

How to choose sushi equipment

When choosing sushi equipment, there are some important factors to consider to ensure that the right tools and materials are selected for making sushi.

• Purpose and scale:

  First, think about what sushi equipment is for and how much sushi will be made. If only a small amount of sushi will be made at home, simpler tools such as sushi mats, knives, and rice cookers are enough. However, if a restaurant-level operation is planned, more professional-grade sushi-making machines, large rice cookers, and display fridges for freshness may be required. The equipment needed for making sushi should match the level at which it is being produced.

• Quality and materials:

  It is very important to select sushi equipment that is of good quality and made from suitable materials. For example, when choosing sushi knives, look for ones that are crafted from high-carbon stainless steel since this will keep the blade sharp for longer periods of time. Bamboo mats should be tightly woven so they can withstand repeated use without damage. Good quality tools will work better and last longer, providing better value in the long run.

• Ease of use and maintenance:

  When choosing sushi equipment, consider how easy it is to use and care for. Check if the tools are user-friendly and do not require complicated techniques to operate them properly. Additionally, look at what needs to be done to maintain the equipment. Opt for items that are simple to clean and look after, as this will save time and effort in the long run. If the maintenance requirements are too high, it may not be worthwhile to choose such sushi-making machines for home use.

• Cost and budget:

  Cost is also an important factor to consider when selecting sushi equipment. There are a wide variety of sushi tools available, ranging from expensive professional-grade ones to cheaper basic home-use options. People should compare prices while considering the equipment's quality and performance. It is advisable not to buy very low-priced items just because they are cheaper, as this may indicate lower quality and shorter lifespans. Instead, choose the equipment that offers the best value for money.

• Research and recommendations:

  Before making a final decision, do some research on sushi equipment. Read reviews and seek recommendations from experienced sushi makers or professionals in the field. Their insights can provide valuable information on the performance, durability, and overall satisfaction of different sushi equipment options.

Q&A

Q1: What equipment is needed to make sushi?

A1: The essential sushi equipment includes a bamboo mat, a sharp knife, and a rice cooker.

Q2: How can one roll sushi without a bamboo mat?

A2: One can use a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to roll sushi in place of a bamboo mat.

Q3: Why is a sharp knife vital for making sushi?

A3: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing fish and other ingredients cleanly, thereby retaining the texture of the food.

Q4: What should be considered when buying sushi equipment?

A4: When purchasing sushi equipment, the quality, material, and ease of use of the tools should be considered.

Q5: How can one roll sushi without wasabi?

A5: One can use horseradish or mustard as substitutes for wasabi when rolling sushi.