How To Cut Salmon For Sushi Rolls: Complete Guide

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Shari Mason

Creating sushi rolls at home brings immense joy. This delightful Japanese-style meal becomes a fun and artistic experience.

Cutting salmon is an important part of making sushi rolls, and getting the cuts right ensures that the sushi rolls are of the best quality. 

Let’s learn how to cut salmon for sushi rolls so you can make restaurant-quality sushi at home.

Steps On How To Cut Salmon For Sushi Rolls

1. Start by rinsing the salmon fillet under cold water. 
2. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. 
3. Place the salmon on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut thin slices of the salmon. 
4. Aim for uniform pieces of salmon that are about 1/8-inch thick. 
5. Place the salmon slices on a plate and cover them with plastic wrap. 
6. Refrigerate the salmon for at least 30 minutes. 
7. Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and place it on a cutting board. 
8. Use a sharp knife to cut the salmon into thin strips.
9. Aim for uniform strips that are about 1/4-inch wide. 
10. Place the strips on a plate and cover them with plastic wrap. 
11. Refrigerate the salmon strips until ready to use.

Read: How To Remove Skin From Salmon Without A Knife?

How To Cut Tuna For Sushi Rolls

To cut tuna for sushi rolls [1], it is important first to make sure you have a very sharp knife. Start by slicing the tuna into thin slices that are about 1/8 of an inch thick. 

“All fats do not behave the same way in your body, and certain fats, including the omega-3 fats in salmon and other fatty fish and the monounsaturated fats in nuts, virgin olive oil, and avocados, are integral to a healthy diet.”

– Harley Pasternak, Canadian Personal Trainer

You can make your slices as long or as short as you’d like, depending on your sushi roll size. Make sure to cut against the grain of the tuna so that it remains tender. 

Once the tuna is sliced, you can place the pieces on the nori sheet and start rolling your sushi.

Read: What Type Of Salmon Is Used For Sushi?

How To Cut Salmon For Sushi Nigiri

To cut salmon for sushi nigiri, begin by placing the salmon fillet on a cutting board and removing pin bones using kitchen tweezers. 

Slice the salmon into 6 to 8 even slices, making sure to keep the knife at a 45-degree angle. Use a sharp knife for clean, even slices, and aim for the thickness of a thumb. 

Finally, cut the slices into rectangles, making sure to keep the skin on the bottom side.

Read: Can You Eat Store-Bought Salmon Raw?

What Is The Best Cut Of Salmon For Sushi?

The best cut of salmon for sushi is the center cut, which is taken from the middle of the salmon’s back. This salmon cut is ideal for sushi because it has the perfect fat content and texture balance. 

It has a slightly sweet flavor and is rich in healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids. The center cut of salmon is also the most aesthetically pleasing cut, with its uniform shape and size. 

With its perfect combination of flavor, texture, and appearance, salmon’s center cut is the best sushi option.

Read: Is Sushi Kosher For Passover?

How To Roll Sushi

To roll sushi, first, gather all of the necessary ingredients. This includes sushi rice, nori seaweed, and any desired fillings (such as fish, avocado, cucumber, etc.). 

Place the nori on a rolling bamboo mat and spread the sushi rice evenly over the seaweed, leaving a ¼ inch border. 

Place the desired fillings in a line in the center of the rice. Begin rolling the sushi by lifting the edge of the mat closest to you and folding it over the filling. 

Use the mat to continue rolling until the filling is completely enclosed in the nori and rice. Gently press the roll together to ensure that it is tightly sealed. 

Finally, slice the roll into 6-8 pieces and serve. But how can you cut sushi rolls without breaking the rice?

How To Prepare Salmon For Sushi

To prepare salmon [2] for sushi, start by cutting the salmon into thin strips that are about 1/4-1/2 inches thick. 

Next, place the salmon strips in a shallow dish and lightly brush both sides of each piece with a mixture of soy sauce and sake. 

“With precision and finesse, we unlock the symphony of textures, unveiling the harmony of flavors that dance upon the palate, inviting us to indulge in a sushi masterpiece.”

Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

Once the salmon is marinated, place the strips on a plate and top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. 

Finally, chill the salmon in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

In Conclusion

Cutting salmon for sushi rolls is an easy and fun way to spruce up your sushi-making skills. 

You can produce delicious, high-quality sushi rolls with perfectly-cut salmon with a few simple steps. 

Whether a novice or an experienced sushi maker, cutting salmon for sushi rolls is a great way to add a special touch to your sushi-making.

References:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/24228/sushi-roll/
2. https://www.britannica.com/animal/salmon