Japanese Temaki Recipe

Temaki is a Japanese sushi dish made of a cone-shaped roll of nori (seaweed) which is filled with sushi rice, seafood, vegetables, and topped with condiments such as wasabi and pickled ginger.

Temaki translates to ‘hand roll’ in English, referencing the method used to create its shape.

The rice used to make this dish should be sushi rice, a white short-grain rice which is stickier than other types of rice, allowing the seaweed wrap to stick to it and hold its shape.

Typical fillings for Temaki include salmon, yellowtail , tuna, scallops, avocado, cucumber and pickles. Although, a wide range of fillings are used to make this type of sushi.

Origin & Cultural Significance

While sushi itself dates back centuries, temaki originated during the Edo period (1603-1868).

In coastal regions, temaki often features fresh seafood such as tuna, salmon, or shrimp. Inland areas may incorporate locally sourced ingredients like vegetables or pickles.

Temaki is considered more of a fast food version of sushi, and is a popular choice at street food stalls across Japan. It is also often served at parties and gatherings, where guests usually serve themselves, rolling up their desired ingredients into cones of nori.

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