These Hosomaki – Thin Sushi Rolls with smelt are great as an appetizer. They are smaller and lighter with a slightly spicy and minty flavor from the shiso.
Siblings can be so similar and yet so different. This is true also of maki (sushi rolls). You have met Futomaki, the fat younger brother. Today, you will get to meet the thinner elder brother, Hosomaki. They both have the same nori (seaweed) wrapping on the outside and a layer of vinegared rice on the inside but one is plump and juicy while the other is slim and willowy.
Futomaki can be showy with several types of filling surrounded by a generous band of pearly white rice. As such you cannot have too many on your plate. Hosomaki, on the other hand has strength in numbers as they are usually clustered together. They stand tall and elegant with a single distinct filling.
However, do not underestimated Hosomaki as its seeming simplicity is a delight in itself. One really gets to taste and savor that single filling. The thin layer of rice is sufficient to complement and not over-power the filling. Furthermore, a piece of hosomaki is just the right size for a mouthful without having to compromise one’s lady-like poise by having to contort the mouth to accomodate Futo-Chang and earn an “enduring” scowl from the otherwise zen-like sushi chef.
Smelt is a late spring and summer fish. Fortunately, I get to buy dressed smelt (without heads) at my local grocery store at this time of the year. They are slim salt water fishes about six inches in length and are usually fried or grilled and eaten whole. The Japanese variety can be found year round in the frozen section of the Korean markets here in the Twin Cities. Korean markets fill the niche for Japanese products since there are no Japanese markets here.
Perilla or shiso has a slightly spicy and minty taste. It combines really well with smelt. When rolled around the smelt, it provides a nice contrast with the white sushi rice. The Korean sesame leaves have a similar flavor and may be used in place of shiso.
Recipes with kombu usually have it added to the vinegar while being heated to melt the sugar and salt. I prefer to add the kombu to the rice while it is being cooked as the vinegar tends to over-power the kombu’s subtle taste. I do not heat my vinegar as stirring it is sufficient to melt the sugar and salt.
Hosomaki uses only half a sheet of nori (seaweed). The layer of sushi rice should be thin and even and the filling slim and neat.
Hosomaki – Thin Sushi Rolls
Ingredients
Sushi Rice
- 1½ cups medium grain rice (300g)
- 2 cups water (480m)
- 1 piece kombu (wiped with damp paper towel) (about 2-in x 2-in square)
Vinegar Mixture
- 5 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry smelt with paper towels. Lightly sprinkle with some salt. Add oil to a non-stick pan and fry smelt about 4 minutes on each side until cooked. Alternatively, place smelt on a parchment lined pan. Drizzle with oil and broil in a toaster oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Time may vary depending on the oven.
- When smelt is cool enough to handle, split fish into half lengthwise. Remove center bone. Set aside.
Sushi Rice
- Wash and drain rice 4 to 5 times in rice cooker pot insert. Cover washed rice with water and allow it to soak for 20 minutes. Drain.
- Pour water into rice cooker insert until it reaches the 2 cups level or approximately 2 cups (480ml) water. Wipe the outside of the pot insert dry and place into cooker. Drop in the kombu and press the cook button. Just as water is about to boil, remove kombu. Place the lid back on and allow rice to continue cooking. When rice is cooked, unplug the cooker and allow rice to sit for 10 minutes before handling.
- Combine vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve.
- Transfer rice to a moistened sushi tub or large shallow bowl. Pour vinegar mixture evenly over the rice. Gently mix in the vinegar mixture with a rice paddle in a cutting motion. Do not mash.
- Turn the rice with a paddle and fan as you go along. This will help the rice absorb the vinegar and give it a glossy look.
Making the rolls and serving
- Place a sushi mat on your work surface. Then place half sheet nori with shiny side down onto mat, lining with the edge of the mat closest to you.
- Moistened your hands and spread a thin layer of vinegared rice with the help of a rice paddle onto nori, leaving about 1 inch of nori at the far end. Create a thin ridge at the far end to prevent filling from spilling forward when rolled.
- Place 2 shiso leaves overlapping each other on work surface. Place 2 halves of smelt on the leaves. Roll the leaves tightly over the fish. If smelt is too thick, you may have to trim it down a little.
- Line up fish and shiso roll in the center of the rice.
- Holding down the filling with your fingers, lift the mat with your thumbs, rolling forward until the edge of the mat touches the top of the ridge. Firmly squeeze the mat and continue rolling forward while retracting the mat backwards so that the seam of the nori is at the bottom.
- Finally, place the top portion of the mat firmly over the roll, curl fingers and squeeze mat to compact the roll. Repeat until all rice is used up.
- Moistenend knife and slice each sushi roll into 5 thick slices.
- Serve with soy sauce, a small dollop of wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Nutrition
I was able to make eight rolls with the amount of rice cooked. I kept one roll (uncut) wrapped in plastic shrink wrap for Ro-Ri San’s bento. Not shown here were the instant miso soup and dessert.
Enjoy…..and have a wonderful day! 😎
Susan says
Hi Biren, would like to ask where you bought the sushi barrel? Your sushi looks good.
Biren says
Hi Susan! My hubby bought the sushi barrel for me from Japan. I am not sure where you live but I have seen it being sold in Japanese markets here in the US or you can also buy it on-line.
Ann@Anncoo Journal says
Another interesting roll! I love sushi but never learned the difference. Thanks for sharing, Biren 🙂
Biren says
This roll with smelt and shiso is a summertime treat when I can easily buy smelt at my local grocery store. You are most welcomed, Ann! 🙂
denise @ singapore shiok says
Hi Biren, I love smelt, such a tasty and under appreciated fish, which is quite good actually, as this makes them cheap!! Shiso leaf is wonderfully fragrant and one of my favourite herbs, so I know I would really enjoy this combination.Your rolls are beautiful and your pics are gorgeous!
Biren says
It truly is an under appreciated fish. Hubby likes it very much. Good thing I can buy it all dressed as cleaning fish is not my favorite thing to do. Love the combination of smelt, shiso, and soy sauce….so tasty! Aw…thanks for the compliments! 🙂
Susan says
Thanks Biren for letting me know where you got your sushi tub. I live in Singapore and I think a Japanese products store, Meida, may have the tubs. Anyway shall pay the store a visit and check it out.
Biren says
You are most welcomed Susan. I hope you find the tub at Meida. Otherwise, just use a large bowl. 🙂
Ramona says
In Sri Lanka we deep fry the smelts whole (headless) and eat the it too. I have never seen these leaves… so I am curious what they taste like. I love how beautiful the sushi looks. Nice to meet the tall skinny brother. 🙂
Biren says
Shiso has a slightly minty taste. I want to say it is like lemon balm. Skinny brother is glad to meet you too. 🙂
Jeannie says
Hi Biren, your interesting to learn the different types of sushi, look so neat! Your son is very lucky to have a mummy to prepare such a lovely bento for him:)
Biren says
I guess we never stop learning. 😉 Thanks Jeannie for your kind words. 🙂
mjskit says
Another beautiful sushi roll! I’ve never had a roll inside a roll, plus I’ve never had smelt in a roll. I guess I need to order it next we go for sushi. 🙂 You’re such a good mom!!!!
Biren says
I am not sure if you will find this combination of sushi at the restaurant but it sure is tasty. 😉
mycookinghut says
Oh wow.. looks really nice and I love the choice of filling!
Biren says
Thanks Lee Mei!
Raymund says
Another sushi! I’m loving this.
Biren says
Thanks Raymund!
kitchenriffs says
What a great use for smelt! They’re perfect for this dish. I’m really enjoying your sushi series – I’m learning so much. Thank you.
Biren says
Thank you always for your kind words and support. It is much appreciated!
kitchen flavours says
Looks wonderful! Wish I could have some!
Biren says
Common over! I will gladly share some with you. 🙂
Katherine Martinelli says
These are truly picture perfect Biren!! Thanks for the step-by-step instructions and photos, you make it look so doable 🙂
Biren says
Thanks Katherine! They really are not that difficult to make. Just needs a little practice.
Kitchen Belleicious says
LOL! I got so confused right at first because I knew I had commented on the thick sushi rolls about how i loved them and getting full off sushi can be hard and then i saw the title to this and thought for a moment- wait- did i misread the last post but this is a new one! LOL! anyway, love both the thin and the thick ideas!
Sonia says
Thanks for sharing the difference, and your sushi look so yummy and it look like those served in Japanese restaurant. Oh, you even have the sushi barrel.