Ingredients:
- 2 cups (370g) short-grain sushi rice
- 2 cups (480ml) water
- 3 tbsp (45ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp (12g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (6g) salt
- 4 oz (115g) smoked salmon, sliced into long strips
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 medium (150g) English cucumber, julienned
- 4 sheets (40g) nori
- 1 tsp (5ml) toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce
Instructions:
- Rinse the sushi rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a pot, bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 15 minutes.
- While the rice is hot, gently fold in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt using a slicing motion with a wooden paddle. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
- Cut the smoked salmon into uniform strips about 1/4 inch thick. Halve the cucumber lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and cut into thin matchsticks.
- Lay a sheet of nori on a plastic-wrapped bamboo mat, rough side up. Spread a thin, even layer of rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- In the center of the rice, lay a strip of cream cheese, followed by the smoked salmon and cucumber matchsticks.
- Using the mat, tuck the edge of the nori over the filling and roll tightly, applying firm, even pressure until the seam is sealed.
- Lightly moisten the blade of a sharp chef's knife with a damp cloth. Slice the roll in half, then into quarters.