How to Make Delicious Sea Urchin Sushi with Soy Paper: A Unique Twist

by Oleg Nikitenko November 13, 2024

Sea Urchin Sushi with Soy Paper: Recipe

Sea urchin, or uni, is beloved for its creamy texture and sweet, briny taste. Wrapping sea urchin sushi in soy paper offers a fresh take on traditional sushi, adding a pop of color and a subtle flavor that complements uni’s delicacy. Unlike traditional nori, soy paper is mild and allows the flavor of the uni to shine through. This guide will walk you through everything you need to make the perfect sea urchin sushi roll with soy paper, including tips on ingredient selection, rolling techniques, and flavor-enhancing garnishes.

For more sushi techniques and ideas, visit the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel .

Why Use Soy Paper for Sea Urchin Sushi?

Soy paper, a colorful and mild alternative to nori, is ideal for sushi lovers who prefer a lighter flavor or simply want a visually appealing twist. Soy paper complements uni’s creamy, rich taste without the stronger ocean flavor of nori. It’s also popular for adding color and texture, as it comes in a variety of hues that can make your sushi roll more vibrant and visually appealing.

“Soy paper sushi is a perfect choice for enhancing delicate flavors like uni, allowing the ingredients to shine without overpowering them,” says Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, a sushi chef known for his innovative techniques.

For high-quality uni that pairs beautifully with soy paper, check out Sea Urchin Uni at Global Seafoods.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Sea Urchin Sushi with Soy Paper

Creating the perfect sea urchin sushi roll with soy paper starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Fresh Sea Urchin (Uni): The star ingredient, offering a sweet, creamy texture.
  • Soy Paper: A mild, colorful wrapper that lets the uni flavor take center stage.
  • Sushi Rice: Lightly seasoned with rice vinegar for a balanced flavor.
  • Cucumber or Avocado: Adds a fresh crunch and balances the richness of the uni.
  • Ponzu or Light Soy Sauce: Complements the uni without overpowering it.
  • Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of tobiko for added flavor and texture.

For additional seafood and sushi ingredients, explore our Live Seafood Collection .

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Sea Urchin Sushi with Soy Paper

Follow these instructions to create a delicious and visually stunning soy paper sushi roll featuring fresh sea urchin.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar
  • 4-5 pieces of fresh uni
  • 1 sheet soy paper (any color)
  • 1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 avocado, sliced thinly
  • Ponzu or light soy sauce, for dipping
  • Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, green onions, tobiko (fish roe)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Sushi Rice:
    Rinse the sushi rice until the water runs clear, then cook according to package instructions. Once done, season the rice with rice vinegar and let it cool to room temperature.

  2. Set Up Your Workstation:
    Lay a bamboo sushi mat on a flat surface and cover it with plastic wrap to prevent sticking. Place a sheet of soy paper on top of the mat.

  3. Spread the Rice:
    With wet hands, evenly spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the soy paper, leaving a small border at the top for sealing the roll.

  4. Add Uni and Vegetables:
    Arrange fresh uni, cucumber slices, and avocado in a horizontal line near the bottom of the soy paper. Ensure the uni is evenly distributed for consistent flavor in each bite.

  5. Roll the Sushi:
    Using the bamboo mat, carefully lift the edge of the soy paper and roll it over the fillings. Continue to roll tightly but gently, ensuring the ingredients stay in place.

  6. Slice and Serve:
    Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into even pieces. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for clean edges. Arrange the pieces on a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds or tobiko if desired.

  7. Serve with Dipping Sauce:
    Serve your soy paper sushi rolls with a side of ponzu or light soy sauce, which enhances the flavors without overwhelming the delicate uni.

For premium-grade sea urchin to make this recipe unforgettable, visit Sea Urchin Uni at Global Seafoods.

Tips for Perfect Sea Urchin Sushi Rolls with Soy Paper

Making sushi rolls with soy paper requires a slightly different approach than traditional nori. Here are a few expert tips to help you achieve the best results:

1. Handle Soy Paper Carefully

Soy paper is delicate and can tear more easily than nori. Use a gentle touch when spreading rice and rolling, and avoid overfilling to maintain structural integrity.

2. Use Fresh, High-Quality Uni

The quality of uni can make or break the sushi roll. Choose sushi-grade sea urchin for a clean, sweet flavor and creamy texture. Fresh uni elevates the roll’s taste, providing a luxurious touch.

3. Keep Your Hands Wet

Sushi rice is sticky, so keep a small bowl of water nearby to wet your hands as you handle the rice. This prevents it from clinging to your fingers and makes it easier to spread evenly.

“Fresh ingredients and gentle handling are key to achieving professional-quality sushi at home,” recommends Chef Masa Takayama, an acclaimed sushi master known for his precision.

For sustainably sourced sushi ingredients and fresh uni, explore our Sea Urchin Collection .

Enhancing Your Soy Paper Sushi Rolls with Flavorful Garnishes

Uni sushi rolls with soy paper can be further enhanced with simple garnishes and complementary ingredients. Here are some popular options:

1. Tobiko or Masago

Add a small sprinkle of tobiko (flying fish roe) or masago (capelin roe) on top of each roll. This adds texture and a slight brininess that complements the uni.

2. Light Dipping Sauces

  • Ponzu Sauce: A citrusy soy sauce that brings brightness to the uni’s creamy texture.
  • Yuzu Sauce: A hint of yuzu juice provides a refreshing, citrus note that enhances the richness of the uni.

3. Fresh Herbs and Greens

  • Thinly Sliced Green Onions: Add a bit of color and mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the sushi.
  • Microgreens or Shiso Leaf: These add a touch of freshness, balancing the uni’s rich taste.

For more ingredients to elevate your sushi night, explore Global Seafoods .

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make soy paper sushi without a bamboo mat?
Yes! While a bamboo mat helps keep the roll tight, you can also roll soy paper sushi by hand with gentle pressure, as soy paper is softer than nori.

Q2: Where can I buy fresh sea urchin for sushi?
For high-quality, sushi-grade sea urchin, visit Global Seafoods to ensure premium flavor and freshness.

Q3: Can I store leftover soy paper sushi rolls?
Soy paper sushi rolls are best eaten fresh. If you must store leftovers, wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to a day, but note that the texture may change.

Q4: What’s the best way to serve soy paper sushi?
Serve soy paper sushi with a light dipping sauce, such as ponzu or yuzu, to enhance the flavors without overpowering the delicate taste of uni.

Q5: Can I substitute nori for soy paper in this recipe?
Yes, nori can be used as an alternative if you prefer a traditional sushi roll. However, soy paper provides a mild flavor that allows the uni to stand out.

Back to Recipes
Go to full site