DIY Sushi Rolls: Delicious Brown Rice Edition

Sushi rolls are a popular dish that boasts delicious and distinctive flavors, making them renowned worldwide. They are also considered a healthy and nutritious meal as they often include ingredients packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins, proteins, and minerals. However, traditional sushi rolls are usually made with white rice, which is not as nutritious as brown rice. Luckily, many chefs have come up with the idea of using brown rice as a healthier alternative to white rice in sushi rolls. In this article, we will show you how to prepare DIY sushi rolls using delicious brown rice.

What is Brown Rice?

Brown rice is a whole grain rice that retains its natural fibers, minerals, and vitamins. Unlike white rice, brown rice is less processed, thus containing all its wholesome grains. Brown rice is packed with nutrients such as magnesium, manganese, selenium, and vitamins B1, B3, and B6. As a result, brown rice has numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

How to Prepare Brown Rice for Sushi Rolls?

Preparing brown rice for sushi rolls is neither complicated nor time-consuming. Below are the steps to make delicious brown rice:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of brown rice
• 2 1/2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse the brown rice in a fine-mesh strainer under running water until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, add the rinsed brown rice and water.
3. Turn the heat to high, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook for 45-50 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, add rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar and salt dissolve.
7. Pour the rice vinegar mixture over the cooked brown rice and mix it well.

With the brown rice ready let’s dive into making the sushi rolls!

How to Make Brown Rice Sushi Rolls

Ingredients:

• 4 Nori sheets
• 2 cups of cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of imitation crab meat (or any filling of your choice)
• 1/2 cup of peeled and sliced cucumber
• 1/2 cup of avocado sliced

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt thoroughly.
2. Spread a piece of plastic wrap over the sushi mat to prevent the rice from sticking to the mat.
3. Place nori sheets on top of the plastic wrap with the shiny side facing down.
4. Dip your fingers into a bowl of water, then scoop a handful of brown rice and spread it across the nori sheet, leaving a 1-inch gap on the top edge.
5. Pour a little of the rice vinegar mixture over the rice.
6. Add your filling of choice to the middle of the rice.
7. Lift the edge of the sushi mat closest to you and roll it tightly with your fingers, not forgetting to tuck the filling in.
8. Press down gently on the roll with your fingers and lift the sushi mat to roll the nori sheet until it reaches the top edge.
9. Squeeze gently to secure the roll and remove the sushi mat.
10. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into equal pieces, and voila!
11. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi on the side.

Why Brown Rice Sushi Rolls are Better than White Rice Sushi Rolls

Brown rice sushi rolls have several advantages over white rice sushi rolls, some of which are discussed below.

• Nutritional Value: As already mentioned, brown rice is a whole grain rice that retains all its wholesome goodness such as fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
• Maintains Blood Sugar Levels: With its high fiber content, brown rice slows down the digestive process, thus allowing the body to maintain its blood sugar levels.
• Weight Management: Dietary fiber helps you feel full and satisfied for a longer period, promoting weight management.
• Improves Digestive Health: Brown rice has been proven to reduce the risk of colon cancer, keep digestive issues at bay, and aid in bowel movements due to its soluble fiber content.
• Boosts Heart Health: Brown rice is packed with magnesium, which helps prevent heart disease.

Conclusion:

Brown rice sushi rolls are a healthy and delicious option for sushi lovers. With brown rice, you’re getting all the nutritional perks without compromising on taste or flavor. Now that you know how to make them, experiment with different fillings to design the roll to your liking. Remember to enjoy them reasonably, and soon enough, homemade brown rice sushi rolls will become your new favorite meal!