Crispy Sushi Rice

Pressed and fried sushi rice with dipping sauce and optional tuna and avocado.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Sushi Rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1 Kombu Leaf (optional)
• ⅓ cup Sushi Seasoning (Rice Wine Vinegar, Sugar, Salt)
• Vegetable Oil, for frying
• Kosher Salt, for seasoning
• TOPPING (OPTIONAL) — Chopped Tuna
• TOPPING (OPTIONAL) — Spicy Mayonnaise
• TOPPING (OPTIONAL) — Avocado, chopped
• TOPPING (OPTIONAL) — Fresh Lime Juice
• TOPPING (OPTIONAL) — Salt
• TOPPING (OPTIONAL) — Black Pepper
• DIPPING SAUCE — 3 Tbsp Warm Water
• DIPPING SAUCE — 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
• DIPPING SAUCE — 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
• DIPPING SAUCE — 1 tsp Rice Wine Vinegar
• DIPPING SAUCE — ½ tsp Sesame Oil
• DIPPING SAUCE — 1 Dash Chili Oil
• DIPPING SAUCE — 1 Tbsp Scallions, chopped

Method

1. SOAK THE RICE: Rinse the sushi rice 5–6 times in cold water until the water runs clear. Let the rice sit in clean water for about 30 minutes. Drain, then combine the rice with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Add the kombu leaf if using.
2. COOK THE RICE: Cover and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, keep covered, and cook for 12–13 minutes, until the rice has absorbed the water.
3. SEASON: Transfer the rice to a bowl that has been wiped with a damp cloth. Slice through the rice to release steam, then slowly add the sushi seasoning, gently folding until incorporated.
4. PRESS AND CHILL: Transfer the seasoned rice to a pan, press it in evenly, and smooth the top. Place a layer of parchment paper over the rice, then set a second pan on top and weigh it down with cans of food. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
5. CUT: Unmold the rice and use a sharp, long knife to cut into 1 to 1½ inch pieces. Wipe the knife with cold water as needed for clean cuts.
6. FRY: Heat vegetable oil to 365°F in a large pan. Fry the rice in small batches of 4–6 pieces. Between batches, allow the oil to return to at least 350°F.
7. DRAIN AND SEASON: Transfer the fried rice to a drip grate or paper towels and lightly season with salt.
8. OPTIONAL TOPPING: Top with chopped tuna mixed with spicy mayonnaise and chopped avocado seasoned with lime juice, salt, and pepper, if desired.
9. MAKE THE DIPPING SAUCE: To make the dipping sauce, whisk together all sauce ingredients until the sugar dissolves.