The sushi burrito is a popular and relatively new culinary creation that has been gaining popularity recently. It is a hybrid of two cuisines, Japanese and Mexican, and combines the ingredients and flavours of sushi with a burrito’s convenient and portable nature.
The sushi burrito is a giant sushi roll wrapped in a seaweed sheet and shaped like a burrito. It typically contains a variety of ingredients, such as sushi rice, raw fish, vegetables, and sauces. The combination of flavours and textures in a sushi burrito makes for a delicious and filling meal that is both healthy and satisfying.
In this article, we will explore the origins of sushi burritos, their health benefits, and the various flavour combinations and fillings available.
We will also share tips for making your own sushi burrito at home and highlight some of Nigeria’s best sushi burrito restaurants. Whether you are a sushi lover or a burrito enthusiast, you won’t want to miss out on this exciting and innovative culinary trend.
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Ingredients for Sushi Burrito
- 150g sushi rice
- 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
- ½ cucumber cut into matchsticks
- 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 nori sheets
- 2 tsp wasabi paste
- 50g pickled ginger, finely chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 very ripe avocados, halved, stoned, peeled, and sliced
- 200g sushi-grade tuna steak, sliced
- A small pack of coriander, leaves picked
Instructions
- Put the rice in a bowl, cover it with cold water, and massage it to remove the starch. Drain and repeat until the water runs clear. Put the rice in a small saucepan, cover it with 2.5cm of water, and put on a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer on medium heat for 10 mins, then take off the heat (leaving the lid on) and steam for a further 15 mins. Stir in the vinegar, then cool completely.
- Toss the cucumber and carrot matchsticks in the soy and leave to marinate.
- Lay out a sushi mat and put a nori sheet, shiny side down, on top of it. Spread a quarter of the rice over the nori, leaving a 1cm border at the top. Mix the wasabi, ginger, and lime juice.
- Layer with the avocado, cucumber, carrot, and tuna. Top with the wasabi mix and coriander. Dampen the top border with a little water, fold in both sides of the nori sheet, and then use the sushi mat to help roll. Wrap in foil, slice in half, and serve.
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Tips for Preparing Your Homemade Sushi Burrito
- You can use any fillings you like, but be sure to choose ingredients that are small enough to fit inside the burrito and can be easily eaten with chopsticks or your hands.
- You can add sauces such as spicy mayo or eel sauce to your sushi burrito for extra flavour.
- Don’t overstuff your sushi burrito, or it will be difficult to roll and eat.
- Use a sushi mat to make it easier to roll the sushi burrito.
Health Benefits of Sushi Burrito.
1. Mood stability
Regular eating of sushi burritos will help maintain the moods of people with bipolar disorders and psychosis because of its richness in Omega-3 fish oils.
2. Prevention of obesity
Kombu, wakame, nori, etc., are seaweed commonly found in sushi burritos. These sea vegetables are rich in iodine. Iodine is useful in preventing low thyroid function or hypothyroidism, which, if not controlled, can result in obesity.
3. Brain food
Fish is the number one food for the brain. Almost all sushi burritos contain fish with Omega-3 fatty acids that repair and nourish the brain cells. Fish is also rich in protein, which helps retain energy, improves alertness, and increases concentration. All these benefits make a sushi burrito a perfect lunch for you.
4. Heart health
The body can’t make essential fats like Omega-3, so you have to eat foods that contain them, such as fish. Omega-3 reduces the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol levels, and inflammation. They lower triglycerides and maintain blood pressure and heart rhythm.
5. Memory booster
Also, omega-3 helps to boost memory and cognitive functions. In light of this, eating a sushi burrito is recommended for everyone.
Top Sushi Restaurant to Visit in Lagos
1. Izanagi
19B Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Located within The Blowfish Hotel on Victoria Island, Izanagi is one of the best restaurants in Lagos by some measure. Under the watchful eye of Emiliano Duenas, who was poached from his 10-year sushi gig in Lebanon, you’re in good company. The menu is extensive, caters to every sushi lover, and is not cheap. Welcome to “Little Tokyo” in Lagos.
2. Mayumi
Lagos Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki-Epe Express Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Mayumi is located within the Lagos Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island. Part of the unique experience at Mayumi is the teppanyaki-style dining, where the chef prepares the meal on the grill whilst entertaining folks around the square table. Great romantic spot with a view capturing the sunset over Five Cowrie Creek. Don’t get carried away. We are here for sushi.
3. Shogun Sushi Bar
1390 Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Most of the Sushi spots in Lagos are Hotels. Shogun Sushi Bar is no exception; it is located in Avenue Suites. We recommend making a reservation as the seating is limited.
4. Fusion at Lagoon
1C Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
Another spot for sushi is Fusion on Victoria Island, which is co-located with Churrasco at Lagoon. Easy to get confused at this spot, given the marketplace restaurant theme menu. Don’t be discouraged. Fusion gets fresh fish daily from the Atlantic Ocean, which is part of the reason it’s a favourite spot with both locals and ex-pats.
5. Sakura Lagos
2A Saka Jojo, Off Idejo Street, Victoria Island Lagos.
Sakura is now co-located with Double Four, a long-standing Lebanese restaurant in Lagos. Not much has changed, except now you can get Lebanese food and shawarma if you don’t want Japanese food without changing your seat.
Sakura still offers masterpieces ranging from Teppanyaki and Sushi to Tempura and Yaki Soba Noodles. This is also a great spot for a romantic date.
6. Shiro Lagos
Water Corporation Road, Near the Landmark Center, Oniru Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos
Shiro Lagos definitely adds diversity to the Lagos restaurant scene. Just the decor alone makes the point lavish and exquisite, featuring the Buddha and relief carving. You will like everything else about Shiro. The sushi menu is expensive but totally worth the experience and ambience.
Crab Sushi Burrito Recipe
Here’s a recipe for a delicious crab sushi burrito that you can try making at home:
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 sheets of seaweed (nori)
- 1 pound cooked crab meat, shredded
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- Soy sauce for dipping
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cooked sushi rice to a large bowl and pour the vinegar mixture over it. Mix well and set aside.
- Lay a sheet of seaweed on a clean surface, with the shiny side facing down.
- Spoon some of the prepared sushi rice onto the seaweed and spread it out evenly, leaving a small border at the top.
- Add the shredded crab meat, sliced avocado, cucumber, and julienned carrot to the centre of the rice.
- Sprinkle it with toasted sesame seeds.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha.
- Drizzle this over the filling. Fold the bottom edge of the seaweed over the filling, then tuck in the sides and roll up tightly.
- Repeat with the remaining seaweed and filling.
- Slice the sushi burritos in half with a sharp knife and serve with soy sauce for dipping.
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Salmon Sushi Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ pound salmon
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup prepared brown sushi rice
- 8 thin slices (⅛ inch) of Armenian cucumber
- 3 tablespoons grated carrot
- ½ avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon pickled ginger
- 4 sprigs cilantro
- 1 nori wrap
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How to make Salmon Suchi Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon prepared wasabi paste, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an ovenproof dish and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 10 minutes or until just firm. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature (you can then store in the fridge for up to 1 day if desired).
- When the salmon has cooled, lay the nori sheet on a large cutting board and place the sushi rice on top.
- Set a bowl of water next to the board, dip your fingers in the water, and begin to spread the rice evenly across the nori sheet, leaving a 1-inch border on the right side. You may need to dip your fingers regularly as you spread to keep the rice from sticking to your hands.
- Arrange the cucumber slices down the middle of the rice, then top with grated carrot, sliced avocado, and pickled ginger.
- Remove the skin from the salmon and flake apart the flesh, arranging it on top of the veggies.
- Place the cilantro sprigs on top of the salmon and carefully roll up the “burrito,” rolling as tightly as possible without breaking the nori.
- When you reach the 1-inch border, brush the nori with a little water to help seal shut the wrap.
- To make the sauce, simply whisk together the soy, rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and wasabi. Serve this as a dipping sauce, or pour down the centre of the “burrito” just before eating.
- Eat immediately or wrap it tightly in wax paper to keep it from falling apart on the go.
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Sushi Burrito Vegetarian Filling
Here are some ideas for fillings and ingredients to try:
Tofu
Tofu is a versatile and protein-rich ingredient that can be marinated and grilled to add a savoury flavour to your sushi burrito. Try using smoked or baked tofu for a heartier texture.
Avocado
Avocado is a popular ingredient in sushi rolls and sushi burritos. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a great substitute for fish. Plus, it’s packed with healthy fats and nutrients.
Vegetables
You can fill your sushi burrito with any variety of vegetables, such as cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, and sweet potato. These add crunch, texture, and nutrition to your burrito.
Seaweed Salad
Seaweed salad is a common ingredient in sushi restaurants and can add a unique flavour and texture to your sushi burrito. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a Korean fermented vegetable dish that adds a spicy kick to your sushi burrito. It’s also a good source of probiotics and other beneficial nutrients.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, sushi burritos are a fun and delicious fusion food combining Japanese and Mexican cuisine elements. With their large size and customizable fillings, sushi burritos offer a unique and flavorful dining experience that is both satisfying and convenient.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional sushi rolls or looking to try something new, sushi burritos are definitely worth a try.
With this recipe and others like it, you can even try making your own sushi burritos at home and enjoy the delicious flavours of this popular dish. As the popularity of sushi burritos continues to grow, it will be exciting to see the new flavour combinations and innovations that chefs come up with in the future.
FAQs
What is a sushi burrito made of?
Wrap, fish, rice
Ingredients generally used
Fish, sliced meat, nori, sliced vegetables, sauces
What are sushi burritos called?
Besides going by sushi burrito, they are also known as sushirrito and buredo. Both sushirrito and buredo are names of restaurants where it is their speciality.
What is the difference between a sushi burrito and a roll?
Size
One of the most obvious differences between sushi burritos and regular sushi rolls is their size. Sushi burritos are much larger and more substantial than regular sushi rolls, often being the size of a burrito or a large wrap.
Shape
While regular sushi rolls are cylindrical, sushi burritos are typically shaped like a burrito or wrap, with a cylindrical or rectangular shape.
Filling
Regular sushi rolls usually have a single type of filling, such as fish, vegetables, or egg. In contrast, sushi burritos often contain multiple fillings, similar to a burrito, such as rice, fish, vegetables, avocado, and other ingredients.
Why is it called sushi?
The term sushi literally means “sour-tasting”, as the overall dish has a sour and umami or savoury taste. The term comes from an antiquated し shi terminal-form conjugation, no longer used in other contexts, of the adjectival verb sui (酸い, “to be sour”), resulting in the term sushi (酸し).
Why is it called a burrito?
According to the story, Méndez rode around on a donkey and wrapped the food in large flour tortillas to keep it warm. The “food of the donkey” became very popular and earned the ingenious invention the name “burrito” (“little donkey” in Spanish)