How to Make Inari Sushi Pockets
Inari sushi, also known as ” pockets,” is a popular Japanese dish that features a savory filling enclosed in a crispy, deep-fried tofu pocket. This delightful treat is often filled with ingredients like rice, vegetables, and seafood, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal. If you’re interested in learning how to make inari sushi pockets at home, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process, from preparing the ingredients to assembling and enjoying your delicious inari sushi pockets.
Ingredients
Before you start making inari sushi pockets, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 block of firm tofu
– 1 cup of sushi rice
– 1 cup of water
– 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– Vegetables of your choice (e.g., carrots, cucumbers, avocado)
– Seafood of your choice (e.g., shrimp, salmon)
– Pickled ginger
– Soy sauce
– Mirin (optional)
– Sesame seeds (optional)
Preparation
1. Rinse the tofu block under cold water and pat it dry with a kitchen towel. Cut the tofu into half-inch slices and then into half-inch strips.
2. Prepare the sushi rice by boiling the water, then adding the rice, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Cook the rice according to package instructions, then let it cool.
3. While the rice is cooling, prepare your fillings. Chop the vegetables and seafood into bite-sized pieces. If using mirin, mix it with soy sauce to create a dipping sauce.
Assembling Inari Sushi Pockets
1. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tofu strips and cook until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside.
2. Once the rice has cooled, add the cooked tofu strips to the rice and mix well. You can also add the chopped vegetables and seafood to the rice mixture if desired.
3. Take a tofu strip and place a small amount of the rice mixture inside. Gently fold the tofu strip over the rice to form a pocket.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining tofu strips and rice mixture. You should have enough tofu strips to make about 8 inari sushi pockets.
5. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the inari sushi pockets for added texture and flavor.
Serving
Serve your inari sushi pockets with pickled ginger, soy sauce, and the dipping sauce you prepared earlier. Enjoy your homemade inari sushi pockets as a meal or as a delicious appetizer!
Now that you know how to make inari sushi pockets, you can impress your friends and family with this delightful Japanese dish. Experiment with different fillings and enjoy the process of creating your own unique inari sushi pockets. Happy cooking!
