How to make sushi if I dont have a rolling mat?

Question

I am going to try to make sushi this weekend and am not sure where to find a rolling mat. So if I cant find one, anyone have a decent substitute? Suggestions?

Answer 1

Plastic wrap makes a good substitute... I know this sounds mundane and simple, but it actually works as long as you use the "big name-brand" stuff that coincidentally doesn't work well as plastic wrap, i.e. doesn't stick to *anything. ( I won't name brands that begin with the letter "S.")

The best option is to find a rolling mat and keep working with it until it actually does work for you. It may be hard to find in some areas and it may seem odd, but the rolling mats really do work best! In the meantime, feel free to practice with all the other suggestions here - wet towels, flexie cutting boards, whatever - but I promise you'll never make the perfect roll until you find the perfect rolling mat.

Best of luck to you, no matter what you decide on!

Answer 2

Rolling Sushi Without A Mat

Answer 3

To tell you the truth, I find those mats really annoying. I can roll them up just using the nori sheet underneath -- but then again, I've been making rolled sushi for many years.

A good substitute would be a clean, dry facecloth. If you have something that size in linen, that would be even better. It breathes so the moisture from the hot rice can escape, and it's flexible. Plastic wrap would do in a pinch or baking paper, but remove right away.

Oh, and once the sushi cools down a little, you can wrap them in two or three sheets of newspaper. This helps keep them fresh for longer, and they will be easier to cut if they rest awhile. I have to make some for tomorrow morning. I'll make them tonight, and then let them rest overnight. Tomorrow morning I'll cut them and put them in the lunch boxes.

Answer 4

There are many ways. You can try making them the original individual style, get a small lump of rice and squeeze it together just firm enough for it to not fall apart and then put the toppings on top.
If you must make a roll with out the mat, use double layer plastic wrap and they work almost better than the mat.

Answer 5

You could make nigiri sushi. Basically you make a small elongated lump of rice and put the finely sliced fish of choice on top.
http://www.sushifaq.com/homesushi/howtomakesushiathomesushi.htm
If you are set on rolls, you can use anything that is bendable like the bamboo mats. Just line the bottom with saran wrap when you roll. Mouse pad, kids plastic placemat.

Answer 6

Try rolling it without the mat. As long as you are rolling seaweed out type rolls, you should be able to pick up the edge of the nori and start rolling without the mat.

Answer 7

I hate those things. I have a few and they're not even opened. To make it easier, cut the nori in half short. Its so much easier to work with and/or you can make a hand rolll depending on what you are going to make. But I make California Rolls all the time with cutting them in half, easier to roll.

Answer 8

lot of different ones which names I can not recall at the moment. I like the California hand roll which looks like a mini bouquet of flowers.

Answer 9

I like the first answer. Although, there are asian markets everywhere these days. You should also be able to find them at places like Bed Bath and Beyond and even grocery stores.

Answer 10

you can use those flexable cutting boards too. Where I live, the Dollar Tree sells those in packs of 2, they're in the aisle with the kitchen bags, baggies, and that type of thing.