tempura shrimp

Tropical Maki

[HDR-IMG]A few weeks ago, Son got some pineapple from his mom. We like to use random ingredients like that when we get them, (since we don't get pineapple very often), so we decided to use it in some sushi. Yum yum yum! If you have some pineapple, definitely try this one. Sweet, salty and refreshing, it's a little bite of paradise.

Summer Breeze Sushi

[HDR-IMG]This is a very pretty roll, with the alternating stripes of cucumber and avocado. You might like to keep the tails of the shrimp on for decoration (like we did), just make sure that you don't eat them!

Godzilla Roll

[HDR-IMG]This is a very simple roll, but still interesting due to the flavors of the teriyaki sauce and hot sauce. You can also use hoisin sauce in place of the teriyaki sauce if you don't have any teriyaki sauce, and it will still taste good! :)

Glossary

Aburaáge Fried tofu pouches prepared by cooking in sweet cooking sake, soy sauce, and water. Can be found at most Japanese supermarkets, such as Mitsuwa or Marukai. I use aburaáge in Inari-Zushi and Fried Rice Inari. Avocado An egg-shaped fruit about the size of a fist, with dark bumpy skin. The edible center is bright […]

Japan Day 8: Bowls the size of your head!

On the eigth day of our Japan trip, my true love gave to me... cookbooks, udon, and sushiiii!!! (Sorry, now that Thanksgiving is past, I'm in a bit of a Christmas-y mood!) So. Day 8. This was a hot, hot day! Our eighth day in Japan started out like this. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7534835564_6234d6ccc3_z.jpg" alt="Itch cream"/> If, like us, your legs get attacked by crazy biting bugs <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2012/10/15/japan-day-5-amazing-kate/">when you're out late at a park</a>, then you'll want to acquire some of this apparently fairly popular cream at a pharmacy. Luckily for us, Rachael knew just what we needed. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7534837440_674f22dda1_z.jpg" alt="Itch cream"/> We had decided on sushi for lunch that day, since it was eight days into our trip and we hadn't had a single sushi meal yet. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8149914951_725b996596_z.jpg" alt="Outside the train station in Shibuya"/> So off we headed to Shibuya, Rachael's old stomping grounds. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8149943730_4280490a1d_z.jpg" alt="Walking past the train station in Shibuya"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8149945920_3ae60c0fe3_z.jpg" alt="Japanese police car"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8149921735_ed624d4443_z.jpg" alt="JR Station in Shibuya"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8149949920_135b6ebe7f_z.jpg" alt="Crossing the street"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8149952478_ac9f3a3f38_c.jpg" alt="A canal"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8149928261_136b320fbf_c.jpg" alt="Line outside a restaurant"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8149957256_4035b16b9e_z.jpg" alt="Construction"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8149958402_f995486709_c.jpg" alt="Combini"/> We went to a kaiten sushi restaurant ("conveyer belt" sushi) that she liked. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8149960992_6a3886fd60_z.jpg" alt="Kaiten sushi"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8326/8149963700_e93b634057_c.jpg" alt="Man cooking the rice"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8149939509_f253d10e85_z.jpg" alt="Sushi chef"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/8018286442_3551c211de_o.jpg" alt="Sushi chef"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8149941703_ac19f9ebb7_z.jpg" alt="Salmon with mayo and lettuce"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8149969936_fb066027e4_z.jpg" alt="Maki sushi"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8149971370_b865eb5d1f_z.jpg" alt="Ebi sushi"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8149973178_23cf1943c8_z.jpg" alt="Salmon nigiri with mayo and lettuce"/> (Kaiten sushi, or “conveyer belt” sushi, is a type of sushi bar where the sushi chef(s) stand in the center and make the sushi, and then place each plate on a conveyer belt that revolves around them. The customers sit at a bar around them, and take a plate off the conveyer belt anytime they see something they want to eat. You pay by plate (sometimes they color-code the plates; here all the plates cost the same amount, except for a few specially-marked ones) so at the end of the meal they just tally it up for you.) <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8149975402_962ea36f1b_z.jpg" alt="Maguro sushi"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8194/8149951165_a2eec22af2_z.jpg" alt="Octopus sushi"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8149979330_80ae8ccb2f_z.jpg" alt="Ebi sushi"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8149954689_67e70e974a_z.jpg" alt="Gunkan maki"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8149983120_fe14d25f7b_z.jpg" alt="Nigiri sushi"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8149984434_214a3f11bf_z.jpg" alt="Mango pudding"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7534825418_e9432e7f2f_z.jpg" alt="Mango pudding"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7534826950_d961162136_z.jpg" alt="Stack of plates"/> We ate our fill, for a fairly reasonable price - just 1560 yen (about $19) total, for Son and I to eat our fill of sushi and each have an incredibly refreshing mango pudding for dessert. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8149986688_b8c716de9b_z.jpg" alt="Outside of kaiten sushi restaurant"/> After lunch, we headed back to the other side of the Shibuya JR Station, past the famed Shibuya crossing. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8049/8149961959_3c1f251755_z.jpg" alt="Walking back towards Shibuya Station"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8149990716_2a1e1d4361_c.jpg" alt="Building in Shibuya"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8149966819_758e24d837_z.jpg" alt="Shibuya crossing"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8149969937_575a2486b5_z.jpg" alt="Starbucks overlooking Shibuya crossing"/> We were headed to a store known as Tokyu Hands - a Japanese homegoods store that seems to have pretty much everything. We got some cooking utensils there - silicone saibashi, and a rice paddle. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8174560578_702b9b0ebc_z.jpg" alt="Octopus statue"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8174528157_c616cf8679_z.jpg" alt="Japanese clothing"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8174564214_66148b6b7a_z.jpg" alt="Japanese fans"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8174565762_becb4a3d63_z.jpg" alt="Leaving Tokyu Hands"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8174567714_efa8d1c6a4_z.jpg" alt="Shibuya"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8174535119_42ba71d08a_c.jpg" alt="Shibuya"/> After taking some time to browse Tokyu Hands, we stopped at a combini and had ice cream in a pouch - it tasted like a Ramune slushie, and was exactly what we needed in the middle of that sweltering day. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/7534827246_0bbf7d39f3_z.jpg" alt="Coolish"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8174537263_4e6f6b76f9_c.jpg" alt="Shibuya"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8174539145_9b28ed5fc4_z.jpg" alt="Shibuya"/> After that, we took a train to Roppongi Hills, for the second thing we wanted to do that day. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8177238518_68754fb3d9_z.jpg" alt="Shibuya JR Station"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8177241690_c7839c139f_z.jpg" alt="Train station mosaic"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8177213899_e4d7e1ec44_z.jpg" alt="Train tracks"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8177249178_320f01245f_z.jpg" alt="Bakery inside train station"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8177252984_3c0a3c757e_z.jpg" alt="Exiting the train station"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8177224769_4b940e7122_c.jpg" alt="Building in Roppongi Hills"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8177228741_eddb33035e_c.jpg" alt="Spider statue in Roppongi Hills"/> It was terribly windy in Roppongi Hills. We nearly got blown away while the girls were running around beneath the spider statue! <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8177231239_610fa0392d_z.jpg" alt="Beneath the spider statue"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/8018286584_ae74a31ed3_o.jpg" alt="Rachael's girls running around beneath the spider statue"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7534829804_db735b4d12_z.jpg" alt="Spider statue"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8177234825_6e9291c8c5_c.jpg" alt="A building in Roppongi Hills"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8177238575_6e0b54af25_z.jpg" alt="Car demo at Roppongi Hills"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8177242983_10aa3c8b77_z.jpg" alt="Roppongi Hills"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8177279252_96d4dd57df_z.jpg" alt="A small park in Roppongi Hills"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8177252079_ae91ed821d_z.jpg" alt="A small park in Roppongi Hills"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8177287330_882099efb2_z.jpg" alt="Roppongi Hills"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8177259605_417910f0b9_z.jpg" alt="Roppongi Hills"/> After walking around Roppongi Hills for a bit, we headed to the Tsutaya bookstore - I really wanted some Japanese cookbooks, but needed Rachael's help picking them out. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8177263591_57a8acc2d8_z.jpg" alt="Starbucks inside the bookstore"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8177269275_dd16f370fd_z.jpg" alt="Bookstore"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8177274473_fdcc8fabfa_z.jpg" alt="Bookstore"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8177277597_363e6f873c_c.jpg" alt="Outside the bookstore"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8177313720_5218bc4682_c.jpg" alt="Leaving the bookstore"/> As you can see from a photo I took later that evening, we ended up with quite a haul of cookbooks, design books, and a hiragana/katakana for beginners book! <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7534837872_640f1afb38_z.jpg" alt="Cookbooks"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8177316710_c4300fcda8_z.jpg" alt="Allison"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8177320856_1b5ac91caf_z.jpg" alt="Bug with an ant"/> Rachael and her family had a dinner with her husband's work at a super expensive place, so we decided to pass up the invitation to join them, and instead take Rachael’s recommendation to go to her favorite udon place. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8177292993_299148709d_z.jpg" alt="McDonalds in Roppongi Hills"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8177296783_f54b6080fc_z.jpg" alt="Roppongi"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8177331192_ee3f665256_z.jpg" alt="Roppongi"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8180961794_65e74fb494_z.jpg" alt="Tour bus"/> As Rachael describes it, "the bowls are the size of your head." <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8180929101_c675bf6d0e_z.jpg" alt="Display bowls of udon"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8180966954_898254ac29_c.jpg" alt="Roppongi"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8180969806_94ba0ac8f7_c.jpg" alt="Roppongi"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8180972746_73a6ea48a0_c.jpg" alt="Udon restaurant"/> The place is called Tsurutontan, and there are apparently several locations around Tokyo. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8180975592_0e1a329895_z.jpg" alt="Display bowls of udon"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8180941563_758db13ec9_c.jpg" alt="Menu at udon restaurant"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8180944727_7354d04e69_z.jpg" alt="Allison in udon restaurant"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8180983740_06039d49fb_z.jpg" alt="Menu at udon restaurant"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8180951309_bb48511d30_z.jpg" alt="Menu"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8180989764_caf19169d1_z.jpg" alt="Menu"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8180955959_612512ffc7_z.jpg" alt="Son's nabeyaki udon"/> Seriously, Rachael wasn't kidding about the size of the bowls. I could've taken a bath in mine! <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8180960747_f73ec76a5a_c.jpg" alt="Allison with her curry udon"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/7534832946_d388c80cae_z.jpg" alt="Son taking a picture"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8180999900_981d510367_z.jpg" alt="Curry udon"/> I got curry udon, and Son got nabeyaki udon. Both were delicious, but I think the consensus was that mine was better. The meal was about $40, but totally worth it. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8180967437_d704f66e72_z.jpg" alt="Nabeyaki udon"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/8018286764_60cbef9f2e_o.jpg" alt="Allison eating"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8181006362_5671ec7fd5_z.jpg" alt="Shrimp tempura in curry udon"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8180974457_d632935144_z.jpg" alt="Kitchen"/> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8181012474_eb5d3c74e5_z.jpg" alt="Allison outside the curry restaurant"/> Happy and full, we wandered Roppongi a bit, stopping in another bookstore for a few minutes on the way to the train station, and then at the magazine stand back in Shiodome where we got a few more cooking magazines. Then it was back to our hotel room, to pack, rest, and eat vanilla ice cream topped with blueberry sauce. You know, priorities. Only one more day in Tokyo - stay tuned for our next post, where we visit Kappabashi street, and then head off to Kyoto! <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8220413156_659b9c558b_z.jpg" alt="Kajitsu blueberry ice cream"/>

Vegan Sushi

<img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/6373523533_4b6270fd01_b.jpg" alt="Vegetarian sushi"/> I love to cook for others. Like, really, really love making sushi for other people. In a perfect world, I'd be allowed to experiment and have as much freedom coming up with new rolls as I do here on Sushi Day. But this isn't a perfect world, and not everyone will eat all the random rolls I put together (and, to be honest, not everything I attempt comes out well...). And I'm okay with that. These days, there are a lot of things you have to take into account when making sushi for other people, like if you're going to a potluck. While my <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/07/23/spicy-shrimp-inari/">Spicy Shrimp Inari</a> is always a crowd pleaser, you know there are always a few picky eaters: "I don't eat seafood... at all." (Hence my <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2011/09/23/man-sushi/">Man Sushi</a>... trust me, that'll convince any meat eater that sushi's actually delicious!) Then there are those with allergies - gluten-free? Just stay away from tempura. (And bring some wheat-free tamari soy sauce... did you know that most normal soy sauce actually has wheat products in it?) Dairy-free? Okay, no rolls with cream-cheese. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6393897989_e62969fa5a_b.jpg" alt="Sushi for the potluck"/> And, of course, you have those with other dietary restrictions, like vegetarians and vegans. At the most recent potluck I went to, I knew we'd have a few vegetarian/vegan attendees. So in addition to the <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/07/23/spicy-shrimp-inari/">other</a> <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2009/04/05/kyoto-roll/">sushi</a> <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2010/11/11/arctic-char-and-cream-cheese-wontons/">dishes</a> that I brought, I decided to come up with a vegetarian roll. Obviously, I was going to use primarily vegetables in the roll. I considered using tofu, but decided against it since I didn't think there would be a quick, easy way to make tofu taste good in sushi. (I needed something that wouldn't be too time-consuming, since I was making four dishes that morning for the potluck.) I also couldn't resort to tempura-frying the veggies, since tempura isn't vegan - the batter uses egg. For the same reason, no mayonnaise is allowed either. But it had to be a delicious, somehow interesting roll. It just wouldn't be right to make delicious rolls for my meat-eating friends, and then bring a boring, "blah" roll for my vegan friends. So I had to come up with something so good even the meat-eaters would love it. "Asparagus... roasted. Obviously. I love roasted asparagus." "Onions... sauteed? Nah, I want a texture contrast. How about fried? Yeah, I'll need to heat up oil to fry the <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2010/11/11/arctic-char-and-cream-cheese-wontons/">Arctic Char and Cream Cheese Wontons</a>, so I can just fry up a bunch of thinly-sliced onions before I start the wontons." "What else... what would go well with asparagus and onions? Hm. How about carrots? Yeah, carrots would be good. But I don't want to just roast them. I'm already roasting the asparagus; another plain roasted vegetable would be boring. Oooh, what if I glaze them with a little maple syrup? That would add a nice sweetness that should round out the roll." So how did it turn out? According to my veg(etari)an (as well as my omnivorous) friends, this fish-less, meat-less roll was a grand success. So much so, that it has definitely earned a place in my regular potluck menu. ^_^ <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6373525161_7f24e66fa4_b.jpg" alt="Vegetarian sushi"/>

Man Sushi

<img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5960263730_bcb960b17d_b.jpg" alt="Tempura vegetables"/> Question: What do you do when you're tasked with making sushi for a group of friends, but one of your male friends has never eaten sushi and refuses to try raw fish? Easy: MAN SUSHI. (Just imagine I'm saying that in a deep, "manly" voice.) <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5960265082_dd20630680_b.jpg" alt="Putting the roll together"/> But what on earth is "Man Sushi"? Well, what sort of food does your stereotypical man love? That's an easy one: beef, and anything battered and fried. Of course. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/5959707009_4ec74a12aa_b.jpg" alt="Adding mayonnaise"/> All you have to do is put grilled beef teriyaki and tempura-fried vegetables in a sushi roll, (and throw in some spicy mayonnaise for good measure), and you'll have a roll that your man will not only try, but will still be talking about a year later. <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5959705893_da32eee316_b.jpg" alt=""/> MAN SUSHI! <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540w_18640000_75___farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5959703561_10715e766b_b.jpg" alt=""/>

Refugee from Reality Roll

<img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/2997764407_bf9d704298_b.jpg" alt="Refugee from Reality Roll"/> Ever since I was very young, I have been an avid reader. In first grade, I began reading the Boxcar Children series (we must have at least 100 of those books!) and Little House on the Prairie. (Although my all-time favorite book when I was young was Norma Jean, Jumping Bean.) In middle school, I graduated to the Wheel of Time series, the Golden Compass trilogy, and Harry Potter. Later, it was the Sword of Truth series, and of course, Twilight. I've always loved escaping into the worlds in my books, but what I didn't know is that there was an even better way to get my, uh, "high". It's been almost a year since I discovered two <a href="http://menwithpens.ca/">amazing men</a>. Their blog has the most amazing community I've ever seen online, but they are so much more than just a blogging duo. For the longest time I was intimidated by both of them - James is super confident, and quite the go-getter; Harry is mysterious, but the kind of guy that everyone and their mother wants to be friends with. And me, well, I'm easily intimidated. Just over five months ago, I began to get to know the both of them much better when I joined their RPG - <a href="http://escapingreality.ca/boards/index.php">Escaping Reality</a>. Like I said before, it's an even cooler way to get the escape I get from reading - I get to have my very own character who I get to write into the story. It's very awesome. So I've gotten to know these two men to the point where I would consider them to both be good friends. And, well, I've found out certain things about them. Like how James has never had sushi. And won't eat raw fish. And for the longest time refused to even consider eating sushi, because he thought it was all raw fish. (<a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2006/11/04/crunchy-shrimp-roll/">But</a> <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/02/08/tuna-sea-chicken-sushi/">it</a> <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/02/26/crazy-tempura-california-roll/">definitely</a> <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/07/23/spicy-shrimp-inari/">isn't!</a>) (Don't worry, I'll convert him someday. Somehow.) On the other hand, I've found out that Harry loves sushi. Specifically that of the salmon variety. If it includes some sort of roe... even better. When I discover that someone I find incredibly awesome loves sushi, well, I like to create a sushi specifically for them. Thus I present you with the Refugee from Reality Roll. It involves not only salmon sashimi, but also smoked salmon, and obviously roe. Added to that is some cucumber and avocado, and a bit of spicy mayonnaise to add a little kick. I've got to say... my dear friend Harry is apparently a bit of a sushi genius, because this roll was amazingly good. I'm not kidding, you have to try it. (And if I can ever convince James to try sushi, don't worry, I'll make him a roll too!) <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/2997762719_5148c5d2f2_b.jpg" alt="Refugee from Reality Roll"/>

Happy 2nd Birthday, Sushi Day

<a class="bigPic" href="http://sushiday.com/store/" title="Life without sushi..."> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/1812633193_d67d38411c_o.jpg" alt="Life without sushi..."/> </a> Two years ago today, <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2006/11/01/happy-sushi-day/">Sushi Day was introduced to the world</a>. On only our second day live, <a href="http://lifehacker.com/software/cooking/roll-your-own-maki-sushi-212070.php">we got a very warm welcoming</a>, and significantly more traffic than we had ever expected. From there, things only got better. A year ago, we began <a href="http://sushiday.com/store/">selling shirts</a>, and <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/09/15/a-look-into-my-fridgg/">just a month ago I introduced you to</a> <a href="http://fridgg.com/blog/">my new food blog</a>. In celebration of two years of fun, crazy, delicious sushi, I decided that I would highlight some of my favorite sushi I've made in the last couple of years. These are all must-try recipes that I've made and loved. Do you have a favorite roll on Sushi Day? Or maybe your own creation that you love to make at home? Tell me all about it in the comments! <a class="bigPic" id=CrunchyShrimp href="#CrunchyShrimp" title="Crunchy Shrimp Roll"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm1.static.flickr.com/120/282011043_676f7b7675_b.jpg" alt="Crunchy Shrimp Roll"/> </a> Of all the rolls I have ever made on Sushi Day, the <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2006/11/04/crunchy-shrimp-roll/">Crunchy Shrimp Roll</a> is the most popular. Not only is it incredibly simple to make, it's also quite difficult to find anyone who doesn't like these ingredients! This roll has made an appearance at my family's New Years celebration ever since I launched Sushi Day, and probably will for many years to come! <a class="bigPic" id="Inari" href="#Inari" title="Inari Sushi"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm1.static.flickr.com/102/294376933_3dc6ae5963_b.jpg" alt="Inari Sushi"/> </a> For me, <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2006/11/11/inari-zushi/">Inari Sushi</a> is a classic. This was the first sushi I ever ate, and I've loved it since I was a small child. It's a little sweet and a little salty, and even picky kids will eat it - believe me, I was among the pickiest as a child! <a class="bigPic" id="Caterpillar" href="#Caterpillar" title="Caterpillar Roll"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm1.static.flickr.com/142/330690971_86b54b47db_b.jpg" alt="Caterpillar Roll"/> </a> The <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2006/12/23/caterpillar-roll/">Caterpillar Roll</a> was the first inside-out roll with some sort of topping that I ever made, and I was surprised at how nicely it turned out! Sure, sushi topped with avocado or other toppings seem intimidating to make, but they're really not very difficult at all. <a class="bigPic" id="Monkey" href="#Monkey" title="Monkey Maki"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm1.static.flickr.com/178/377296742_55326826b1_b.jpg" alt="Monkey Maki"/> </a> Dear <a href="http://feistyfoodie.blogspot.com/">Yvo</a>, one of the first commenters on Sushi Day and definitely the one who has stuck around the longest, came up with the idea for <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/02/02/monkey-tempura-banana-maki/">Monkey Maki</a>. This was my first time ever tempura-frying anything... who knew you could tempura-fry a banana? And who knew it would be so yummy? <a class="bigPic" id="TunaSalad" href="#TunaSalad" title="Tuna Salad Sushi"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm1.static.flickr.com/141/383508017_0244342096_b.jpg" alt="Tuna Salad Sushi"/> </a> <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/02/08/tuna-sea-chicken-sushi/">Tuna Salad Sushi</a> is another of my favorites. I had tried tuna salad sushi from Bristol Farms before, so I already knew it would be a winner. Making it at home - just as amazing. Plus, you can make the tuna salad however you like it. <a class="bigPic" id="SpicyTunaSalad" href="#SpicyTunaSalad" title="Spicy Tuna Salad Roll"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm2.static.flickr.com/1244/527304097_3c4565ce8a_b.jpg" alt="Spicy Tuna Salad Roll"/> </a> Living with Son, it's hard to completely avoid spicy foods, so it wasn't long before spice began to make it's way into my sushi. Hence the <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/06/02/spicy-tuna-salad-roll/">Spicy Tuna Salad Roll</a> - so similar to the non-spicy one, but with the extra kick of Sriracha sauce. <a class="bigPic" id="CrazyCalifornia" href="#CrazyCalifornia" title="Crazy California Roll"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm1.static.flickr.com/153/403178855_cd5646b580_b.jpg" alt="Crazy California Roll"/> </a> The <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/02/26/crazy-tempura-california-roll/">Crazy California Roll</a> was a roll I had first tried on my eighteenth birthday, when Son took me to a local sushi restaurant. Ever since then I would always get this roll whenever we went back, and I was happily surprised when it tasted just as great when I made it at home. <a class="bigPic" id="BanhMi" href="#BanhMi" title="Banh Mi Sushi"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm1.static.flickr.com/191/507159153_600679bc1a_b.jpg" alt="Banh Mi Sushi"/> </a> Throughout college, I lived only a few minutes away from a banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) restaurant. Inspired by those sandwiches I love so much (and crave so often), the <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/05/20/banh-mi-sushi/">Banh Mi Sushi</a> became another favorite of mine. It takes a lot of work, but oh my goodness is it worth it. <a class="bigPic" id="Spam" href="#Spam" title="Spam Musubi"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm2.static.flickr.com/1324/543637624_7e392c036f_b.jpg" alt="Spam Musubi"/> </a> Oh, SPAM. What a poor, misunderstood product. So many people bash it just on principle, but if only they had one taste of <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/06/13/spam-musubi/">Spam Musubi</a>, I'm certain they would change their mind. Although my favorite way to eat SPAM is still scrambled in eggs, Spam Musubi comes in at a close second. <a class="bigPic" id="BeefBroccoli" href="#BeefBroccoli" title="\"Beef\" and Broccoli Maki"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm2.static.flickr.com/1228/874236619_9d8e7cf85b_b.jpg" alt="\"Beef\" and Broccoli Maki"/> </a> I know I have many vegetarian or vegan readers, who just can't eat most of the sushi I post because, well, fish? Yeah, not so much. Lucky for them, I have made quite a few vegetarian and even completely vegan (I think) sushi. Take my <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/07/22/fake-beef-and-broccoli-maki/">"Beef" and Broccoli Maki</a>, for example. It's not really made with beef - the "beef" is actually fried tofu, marinated in a teriyaki sauce, then sauteéd with broccoli. Inspired by <a href="http://www.wheelofliferestaurant.com/">my favorite vegetarian Thai restaurant</a>, this sushi is vegetarian-friendly, and amazingly delicious. <a class="bigPic" id="MangoSalsa" href="#MangoSalsa" title="Mango Salsa Sushi"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm2.static.flickr.com/1298/948409173_fec74e7c70_b.jpg" alt="Mango Salsa Sushi"/> </a> The <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/07/30/mango-salsa-sushi/">Mango Salsa Sushi</a> is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful rolls on Sushi Day. The alternating yellow and green of the mango and avocado, not to mention the purple and pink from the red onion and shrimp, result in a very beautiful (and delicious) roll. <a class="bigPic" id="SomenSalad" href="#SomenSalad" title="Stuffed Somen Salad"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/1145422369_e50014198a_b.jpg" alt="Stuffed Somen Salad"/> </a> <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/08/17/stuffed-somen-salad/">Stuffed Somen Salad</a> is another beloved dish from my childhood. My great-aunts used to make stuffed somen salad every year for our family Christmas party, and my grandmother would sometimes stuff inari packets with the somen salad. Amazingly delicious. And, if you leave out the imitation crab (which we do because my mom is allergic), vegetarian! <a class="bigPic" id="Kristen" href="#Kristen" title="Kristen Maki"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm2.static.flickr.com/1361/1246459234_9b3d4d64ef_b.jpg" alt="Kristen Maki"/> </a> My sister has been a great source of ideas for sushi. Every now and then she'll message me with, "hey, I'm coming home... want to make me sushi? I think you should make me sushi with these ingredients..." Since she came up with this amazingly delicious (unorthodox, yes, but delicious nonetheless) roll, I thought it only fitting to name it after her. Thus, the <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/08/26/kristen-maki/">Kristen Maki</a>. <a class="bigPic" id="BaconCrunchyShrimp" href="#BaconCrunchyShrimp" title="Bacon Crunchy Shrimp Roll"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm2.static.flickr.com/1405/1327449552_244ace3e1b_b.jpg" alt="Bacon Crunchy Shrimp Roll"/> </a> The <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/09/08/bacon-crunchy-shrimp-roll/">Bacon Crunchy Shrimp Roll</a>. Because bacon makes everything better, and this was no exception. <a class="bigPic" id="SuperCalifornia" href="#SuperCalifornia" title="Super California Roll"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm3.static.flickr.com/2143/2092639966_fac34acd5c_b.jpg" alt="Super California Roll"/> </a> Unagi = yum. <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2006/10/31/california-roll/">California Roll</a> = yum. Unagi + California Roll = <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2007/12/07/super-california-roll/">Super California Roll</a> = yum². <a class="bigPic" id="MaguroKarakuchi" href="#MaguroKarakuchi" title="Maguro Karakuchi Spicy Tuna"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/2208939366_0fbc1e29de_b.jpg" alt="Maguro Karakuchi Spicy Tuna"/> </a> The <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/01/20/maguro-karakuchi-spicy-tuna/">Maguro Karakuchi Spicy Tuna</a> is another favorite of mine. The sauce in this roll is nothing short of amazing. In fact, I use it not only for sushi, but also as a spread, mixed into tuna and egg salad, and to dip sashimi in. Seriously. Amazing. <a class="bigPic" id="SpicyHamachi" href="#SpicyHamachi" title="Spicy Hamachi Gunkan"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/2457809525_cb34b149ab_b.jpg" alt="Spicy Hamachi Gunkan"/> </a> What? I told you I love this sauce. Of course I had to use it for my <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/05/08/spicy-hamachi-gunkan/">Spicy Hamachi Gunkan</a>. <a class="bigPic" id="MangoTuna" href="#MangoTuna" title="Mango Tuna Tango"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2607891055_e21eaa853c_b.jpg" alt="Mango Tuna Tango"/> </a> Sometimes, simplicity can be amazing. Such was the case for the <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/06/27/mango-tuna-tango/">Mango Tuna Tango</a>. Nothing more than tuna, mango, and a little Sriracha sauce go into this roll, but they all combine to create an explosion of flavor in your mouth. <a class="bigPic" id="SpicyShrimpInari" href="#SpicyShrimpInari" title="Spicy Shrimp Inari"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2675715265_95889885c2_b.jpg" alt="Spicy Shrimp Inari"/> </a> When I first tried <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/07/23/spicy-shrimp-inari/">Spicy Shrimp Inari</a> from Whole Foods, I knew I had to recreate it at home. I didn't think anything could make my classic favorite any better, but man was I wrong. This is probably the sushi that Son and I eat the most - any time we feel like sushi I make this because heck, it's so dang easy! <a class="bigPic" id="SantaBarbara" href="#SantaBarbara" title="Santa Barbara Roll"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2813777370_6ee03789ab_b.jpg" alt="Santa Barbara Roll"/> </a> Hotate (scallop) has quickly become my favorite type of sashimi, as was in evidence on my <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/09/30/mitchs-fish-market-honolulu-hawaii/">Hawaii trip</a>. My first attempt at using hotate in a roll was when I made the <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/09/04/santa-barbara-roll/">Santa Barbara Roll</a>, and my goodness was this a success. Amazing, amazing, amazing all around. <a class="bigPic" id="Hotate" href="#Hotate" title="Hotate Special"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2813778054_530f9eb045_b.jpg" alt="Hotate Special"/> </a> My first encounter with hotate was <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/07/31/seto-japanese-cuisine/">in Sunnyvale</a>, when I tried the <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/08/31/hotate-special/">Hotate Special</a>. This was one of those rolls that I knew I would have to recreate at home, and it didn't fail to live up to my expectations when I made it at home. <a class="bigPic" id="CheeseAge" href="#CheeseAge" title="Cheese Age"> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/2227430012_7bb274d9f9_b.jpg" alt="Cheese Age"/> </a> My last must-try recipe is not a sushi recipe, but it's amazing just the same. <a href="http://sushiday.com/archives/2008/02/01/cheese-age/">Cheese Age</a> are wontons filled with cheese and jalapeño, then deep fried until crispy. They are incredibly addictive, and although quite spicy, it's hard to stop at just one. <a class="bigPic" href="http://sushiday.com/store/" title="... scary, I know."> <img src="http://img.fridgg.com/540we_186400_75___farm3.static.flickr.com/2041/1812614427_86f6e04772_o.jpg" alt="... scary, I know."/> </a> So thank you for sharing two years of sushi with me, and here's to many more!

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