This size is actually the easiest for most people to roll because there is more diameter to "grip", but not too much to grip. And it also helps that there is a 2 1/2 inch bare nori strip at the farthest edge left to seal the roll, which is the most of any roll.
I don't know why, but the name reference of "Chumaki" to this medium sized rice inside nori roll is not used or found very often even on the internet even though this 2 or 3 ingredient roll is made thousands of times a day in sushi bars all across America.
Go figure...
Well, at least now you know.
Keep in mind that you can use this recipe to duplicate a sushi roll that you had at a sushi bar if it passes the chumaki roll test:
1. It was about 1 1/2 inches in diameter
2. It had 2 to 3 ingredients in it. Maybe even 4 if the diameter was still around 1 1/2 inches.
Just try to note what ingredients and condiments it had in it so you can duplicate it later.
And without further ado, let's see how to make this bad boy...
How to make a Chumaki Roll
IngredientsSushi Rice (this will yield 4 cups of rice and this recipe 4 rolls)
(Try to buy a high quality Japanese short grain white rice if you can)
Sushi Nori
Ingredients for filling
Condiment like imitation wasabi, real wasabi or Japanese mayonaisse
Supplies
Bamboo Sushi Mat
To demonstrate making a chumaki roll for this example we will be making a smoked salmon roll. It is more commonly known as a Philadelphia roll. The ingredients that we will be needed for this are:
1 - 8oz package of Philadelphia brand cream cheese sliced into 3/8 inch matchsticks
2 green onions finely minced
4 oz sushi grade cold smoked salmon (sliced into 3/8 matchsticks) (or regular salmon if you prefer or don't have the smoked salmon)
1 salt-scrubbed english, hot house or Japanese cucumber sliced into slivers
Preparation
1. This roll is made by laying a full 8 x 7 inch sheet on a bamboo sushi mat with the 8 inch side closest to you. Leave about 3 or 4 slats showing on the side closest to you to help you roll it better.
5. Spread your wasabi or a condiment across the center of the rice if you are using any.
7. Sprinkle cream cheese with green onions.
9. Now lay a row of slivered cucumber on the other side of the cream cheese on the side closest to you.
10. Lift the edge of the mat closest to you with both hands by putting your thumbs under the mat and while lifting up, use your fingers to hold the fillings in place.
13. Now, continue to roll until the exposed part of the nori has been rolled under. Hold it still for a little bit to allow the roll to seal.
Slap yourself on the back for a job well done!
Get some wasabi, ginger and some green tea or beer and enjoy.