Pin Whimsical sushi boats crafted with fresh fish, sushi rice, and crisp vegetables, perfect for a playful appetizer or party platter.
Ingredients
- Sushi Rice: 1 cup sushi rice, 1 1/4 cups water, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt
- Fillings & Toppings: 100 g fresh sushi-grade salmon, thinly sliced, 100 g fresh sushi-grade tuna, thinly sliced, 1/2 avocado, thinly sliced, 1/2 cucumber, seeds removed, thinly sliced, 4 sheets nori (seaweed), cut in half, 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
- Garnishes & Sail Materials: 8 thin slices daikon radish or carrot (for sails), 8 small bamboo skewers or toothpicks, 1 tbsp pickled ginger, 1 tbsp wasabi, 2 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold into the cooked rice. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
- Step 3:
- Lay a half-sheet of nori shiny side down. With wet hands, shape a small log (about 2 tbsp) of sushi rice and place it lengthwise on the nori.
- Step 4:
- Top each rice log with slices of salmon, tuna, avocado, and cucumber as desired. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Step 5:
- Roll the nori around the rice and toppings, leaving the top open to resemble a boat.
- Step 6:
- To make sails, thread a daikon or carrot slice onto a bamboo skewer or toothpick and insert upright into each sushi boat.
- Step 7:
- Arrange sushi sailboats on a platter. Garnish with pickled ginger and serve with wasabi and soy sauce on the side.
Pin 
Pin Recipe FAQ
- → What type of rice is best for sushi sailboats?
Sushi rice with a sticky texture is ideal to hold the shape and support toppings effectively.
- → Can I substitute fish for a vegetarian option?
Yes, replace fish with extra avocado, mango, or marinated tofu to maintain flavor and texture.
- → How do I make the sails for the sushi boats?
Thin slices of daikon radish or carrot are threaded onto bamboo skewers to create delicate sails.
- → What are good dipping sauces to serve with these boats?
Gluten-free soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger complement the fresh ingredients beautifully.
- → How can I ensure the nori stays crisp?
Serve sushi sailboats shortly after assembly and keep nori away from moisture to maintain crispness.