While sushi can seem like a complicated meal, did you know that you can make your own sushi at home? Well, the best bamboo sushi mat can make your homemade sushi easy. Although some people may opt for a plastic wrap or a silicone version, bamboo mats are the best choice when it comes to sushi rolling.
Sushi is one of the most common meals in Asian countries like Japan. It boasts a combination of colorful ingredients, including seaweed and sticky rice, which make the sushi appealing to the eye. However, the way you roll your own sushi rolls is pretty important.
If you're interested in learning how to make authentic sushi rolls at home, then a bamboo mat is a good addition to your kitchen. In this guide, you will gain insights into buying factors that will help you figure out the ideal kit for you.
What Is A Bamboo Sushi Mat?
A bamboo sushi mat, also known as a sushi roll, is a mat woven using a cotton string used for making sushi. However, these mats can also be used to shape other meals and be used to squeeze liquid from food.
These flexible mats come in handy to shape and roll sushi. So, if you're looking for a sushi roll mat to help you make this irresistibly yummy treat, then here are the five best sushi mats for an amazing cooking experience.
What is Bamboo Sushi?
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1. BambooWorx Sushi Making Kit Deluxe 100% Bamboo - Includes 2 Rolling Mats
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Looking for an all-in-one bamboo sushi kit? The BambooWorx Sushi Making Kit Deluxe 100% Bamboo comes with everything you need for the perfect sushi roll. It features two full-size rolling mats each measuring 9.5” x 9.5”, a rice spreader, and a spoon.
Each of these items in the kit is made from top-quality bamboo material. Moreover, there is no unraveling of the stitching of the cotton stitch and no splinters. To extend the life of this kit, handwashing is recommended. You should also not expose the pieces to high heat and ensure all the pieces have dried thoroughly before storing them.
You can use the rice spoon to combine the vinegar and rice to perfection and the spreader to provide an even spread of rice on the nori. So whether you're a world-class professional sushi chef, a beginner sushi chef, or a culinary student, the BambooWorx Sushi Making Kit has everything you need to make your sushi rolls.
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2. BambooMN Deluxe Sushi Mat Kit 1x Green, 1x Natural Rolling Mat
- PREMIUM GRADE SUSHI MAKING ROLLING SET 1 Pack consist of 1x Green and 1x Natural Bamboo Roller Mats...
- EACH TOOL HELPS Roller mats are made from matchstick rods of bamboo woven with cotton string to roll...
- ECOFRIENDLY Everything in our sushi making kit is made from all natural bamboo, which is one of the...
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS For best results periodically rub knife with protective food safe oil, Hand Wash...
- 3 YEARS WARRANTY We're so confident our sushi maker rolling kit that if you manage to break...
The BambooMN Deluxe Sushi Mat Kit 1x Green, 1x Natural Rolling Mat is another sushi mat starter kit. The mats are made from some matchstick rods of bamboo that are woven together using a cotton string.
This kit features a rice paddle for the perfect mixture of seasoning and vinegar to the perfect sushi rice recipe. You can also use the rice spreader to achieve a perfectly even coat of rice on the sushi rolls.
Additionally, the kit includes a two-compartment sauce dish that helps in dipping the sushi rolls. Everything in this kit is made from natural bamboo material. Making sushi has never been this easy with the BambooMN Deluxe Sushi Mat Kit 1x Green, 1x Natural Rolling Mat
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3. JapanBargain 3675, Sushi Roller Kit Bamboo Mat
- Material: Natural Bamboo^Dimension: Bamboo mat:9.5in x 9.5in Rice Paddle: 8in Long^Both mat and...
The JapanBargain 3675 Sushi Roller Kit Bamboo Mat is a great choice to make rolling the fillings easier. The mat and paddle are made from a natural bamboo material which is a responsible resource and an eco-friendly material.
All the items in the kit are quite durable and sturdy, providing a perfect experience when cooking homemade sushi rolls. The bamboo mat measures 9.5 inches by 9.5 inches, and the rice paddle is 8 inches long. In addition, these items are easy to use and quite simple to clean.
Unlike other mats that are hard to roll, the JapanBargain 3675 Sushi Roller Kit Bamboo Mat is very easy and rolls perfectly. The mat is wrapped in plastic wrap to ensure it lasts longer.
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4. Joyce Chen Sushi Kit, One Size, Nat. Bamboo
- Includes: bamboo sushi mat, bamboo rice paddle, and complete instruction kit
- Bamboo is a renewable resource
- Great for any cook interested in learning how to make delicious, low fat rolled sushi (maki-zushi)
- Instruction booklet includes a number of recipes, instructions for making rolled sushi, and...
- Great gift!
If you are interested to learn how to cook sushi for the first time, then you will love this Joyce Chen Sushi Kit. This kit comes with a sushi rolling mat, a rice paddle, and also a complete instruction kit.
Both the rice paddle and the mat are made from bamboo, which is a great renewable resource. Customers have reviewed this effective and affordable kit as an essential tool in making good sushi rolls.
Additionally, this kit is a great gift for your loved ones. The instruction booklet comes with a number of recipes and instructions for making a rolled sushi. Moreover, the booklet also has information about sushi culture and etiquette.
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5. Bamboo Sushi Making Kit - Sushi Maker, Traditional Sushi Rolling Mats
The Bamboo Sushi Making Kit - Sushi Maker, Traditional Sushi Rolling Mats comes with all the necessities for that delicious sushi rice recipe. With this kit, you not only get one sushi rolling mat, but you also get an extra one so you can conveniently make sushi with a friend.
Unlike the standard sushi rolling mats, these mats offer a flat green side that makes the placing of ingredients and rolling easier. The kit also comes with a smoothing paddle, a rice spoon, and four sets of chopsticks to allow your family to eat sushi together.
You can never go wrong with this incredible sushi cooking kit and a great dinner addition that you and your family will enjoy.
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How To Use Your Bamboo Sushi Mat
Here are the steps on how to roll sushi at home using a bamboo mat;
- Place nori sheets (seaweed) on the mat, ensuring that the rough side is facing up.
- Spread the sticky rice on top to evenly cover an inch far from the edge and near the edge. Ensure your hands are wet while spreading the rice.
- Place other fillings in a line starting from the edge of the rice layer and ensure every ingredient is on its own line.
- Hold the edge of the mat and start with the edge that has the first ingredient. Next, lift up the nori, then fold it over the first ingredient.
- Ensure the ingredients stick together as you continue to roll. Additionally, remove the mat while rolling and slowly roll to ensure it's even.
- You can tighten the roll using the mat by rolling it back and forth to seal it more.
- Allow the sushi rolls to sit for a few minutes for the grains to moisten the nori and reduce the risk of tearing.
- Cut the roll using a sharp knife, then serve.
What Factors Do You Consider Before Buying the Best Bamboo Sushi Mat?
1. Shapes
Sushi-making kits come in a range of shapes to get your creative juices flowing. So, if you’re looking for versatility, then you should consider a mat that comes in different shapes, ranging from squares, hearts, and sometimes more.
2. Quality
While a rolling mat is a traditional tool, you still need to search for quality products. This is in terms of the ability of the mat to give precise length and width options that you find in renowned Japanese restaurants. The mat should also be sturdy and durable for long use and to withstand heavy use.
3. Extras
The sushi rolling mat may come with additional accessories that vary from one brand to another. These include soy sauce holders, knives, sushi rice, nigiri molds, etc. Along with a rolling mat, you will also find some essential service products like a rice paddle and spreader.
Some options may also include a bazooka which helps in making the perfect sushi roll or cucumber roll, and an avocado slicer to achieve perfectly even slices. While these additional accessories are great, most sushi claim that the glory lies in the stickiness and quality of the rice and not just the quality of the accessories or the fish.
4. Cleaning
When looking for a sushi rolling mat, it is always important to check if the mat is easy to clean. While traditional kits like bamboo rolling mats are not dishwasher-safe, there are some that are easier to clean than others. If you’re looking for a product that you can easily wash in the dishwasher, then you might want to consider the non-traditional options.
5. Price
Sushi mats come in a range of prices but note that, in most cases, as with everything else in life, you will get what you pay for. Therefore, you will notice that some very cheap ones will compromise durability. Since sushi-making can be highly technical, some options tend to cost more than others because of the additional accessories, for example, a recipe book. Find an option that is within your budget, but if you're a beginner, you might want to consider the more affordable options.
6. Construction
It is recommended to ensure that the sushi rolling mat is well crafted from all-natural materials, especially for people with skin festivities or allergies. When it comes to technology, the best bamboo sushi mat should have enough innovation for both beginner and professional hands to make sushi of great quality and with ease. Furthermore, the mat should come with an ergonomic design that is flexible enough to accommodate all hand sizes.
7. Skill Level
The skill level and knowledge you have when it comes to making sushi will help you determine the kind of mat you should buy. If you are a beginner, then you should consider mats that are designed for beginners. These mats should also come with tools that you will need to learn how to make sushi and about the different components that go into it. For a more skilled or professional sushi chef, then a deluxe kit may be a great option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Sushi Mats
1. Can you wash bamboo sushi mats?
Yes, you can. Cleaning your bamboo mats is possible using hot water and vinegar solution. This will help in getting rid of any germs or bacteria on the mat.
2. What do sushi-making kits contain?
Generally, most sushi kits have molds, bamboo or plastic rolling mats, an instruction book, a comprehensive recipe book, and a rice paddle. Others may include bowls, a chopping knife, some plates, and chopsticks. Depending on the brand, you could also come across different sauces, rice, as well as other goodies to keep the ball rolling. Note that different kits come with different accessories.
3. How do you clean a sushi-making MAT?
Check the category to which the sushi rolling mat belongs; non-traditional or traditional. The traditional options have been designed from wood or bamboo, and this means they are better-being hand washed with soap and warm water, then left out to completely dry. The non-traditional mats can be cleaned using a dishwasher, making them a more convenient option when it comes to cleaning.
