Sushi cones, or temaki sushi, are one of the easiest and most fun ways to enjoy sushi at home. Unlike traditional sushi rolls that require precise rolling techniques, sushi cones are hand-rolled, making them perfect for beginners. Whether you’re hosting a sushi night or just craving a fresh, homemade sushi experience, making temaki is a rewarding and delicious activity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about crafting the perfect homemade sushi cones.
What is Temaki Sushi?
Temaki sushi is a hand-rolled sushi that consists of a sheet of nori (seaweed) wrapped around seasoned sushi rice and fillings of your choice. It forms a cone shape, making it easy to hold and eat. Unlike traditional sushi rolls (maki), which require a bamboo mat (makisu), temaki can be assembled by hand in just minutes.
Essential Ingredients for Sushi Cones
To make delicious sushi cones at home, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:
1. Sushi Rice
The base of any good sushi is well-seasoned rice. You’ll need:
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 ½ cups water
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop with the measured water.
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, then gently fold it into the cooked rice while it’s still warm. Let the rice cool to room temperature before using.
2. Nori (Seaweed Sheets)
Use high-quality roasted nori sheets. These are typically sold in square sheets, but for temaki, you’ll cut them in half to create a more manageable size for rolling.
3. Fillings (Customize to Your Taste!)
The beauty of sushi cones is that you can mix and match your favorite ingredients. Here are some classic filling ideas:
- Fish & Seafood: Fresh tuna, salmon, cooked shrimp, imitation crab (kani), or spicy tuna.
- Vegetables: Cucumber, avocado, radish sprouts, carrots, or lettuce.
- Extras: Tobiko (flying fish roe), sesame seeds, spicy mayo, or tempura flakes for crunch.
4. Sauces for Extra Flavor
- Soy Sauce: For dipping.
- Spicy Mayo: Mix 2 tablespoons of mayo with 1 teaspoon of sriracha.
- Eel Sauce: A sweet, soy-based sauce that adds depth to seafood fillings.
How to Roll the Perfect Sushi Cone
Step 1: Prepare the Nori
- Lay a sheet of nori on a clean surface and cut it in half to form two rectangular pieces.
Step 2: Spread the Sushi Rice
- Wet your hands to prevent the rice from sticking.
- Take a small handful of rice (about ¼ cup) and gently press it onto one side of the nori, leaving some space at the edges.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
- Place your chosen fillings diagonally across the rice. Avoid overstuffing, as it will be harder to roll.
Step 4: Roll into a Cone Shape
- Starting from the bottom left corner, fold the nori over the fillings and begin rolling diagonally to create a cone shape.
- Seal the edge with a few grains of rice or a drop of water to keep it in place.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side.
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Sushi Cones
- Use fresh ingredients – The fresher the fish and vegetables, the better the flavor.
- Keep your hands wet – Wetting your hands prevents rice from sticking when handling it.
- Cut ingredients thinly – This helps them fit neatly into the cone and roll evenly.
- Eat immediately – Temaki sushi is best enjoyed fresh while the nori is still crisp.
Creative Sushi Cone Variations
Want to get creative? Here are some fun variations to try:
1. Spicy Tuna Temaki
- Sushi rice
- Spicy tuna mix (tuna + spicy mayo + sesame oil)
- Avocado slices
- Cucumber sticks
- Sesame seeds
2. California Roll Temaki
- Sushi rice
- Imitation crab (kani)
- Avocado
- Cucumber
- Tobiko (fish roe)
3. Vegan Temaki
- Sushi rice
- Avocado
- Cucumber
- Carrot
- Tofu or tempeh
- Sriracha mayo for extra heat
4. Tempura Shrimp Temaki
- Sushi rice
- Crispy tempura shrimp
- Avocado
- Cucumber
- Eel sauce drizzle