Sushi rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make dish. To achieve a round and beautiful shape, bamboo mats are often used for rolling. However, if you don’t have bamboo mats, don’t worry! In this article, we will guide you on how to make sushi rolls without bamboo mats, while still maintaining their shape and beauty.
1 Use clean cloth/fabric instead of bamboo mats
Use clean cloth/fabric instead of bamboo mats
A thick cloth or clean fabric can serve as a substitute for bamboo mats. Not only does it help with rolling, but it also makes it easier to clean up any ingredients that fall off during the process. To ensure hygiene, we recommend placing an additional layer of plastic between the cloth and the seaweed sheet. Simply fold the ingredients onto the seaweed sheet, roll the sushi, and then trim off the ends to complete the roll.
2 Use a sushi and kimbap rolling machine
Use a sushi and kimbap rolling machine
A rolling machine is a highly effective and labor-saving option for creating beautiful and round sushi rolls. There are various models of sushi and kimbap rolling machines available, each with its own usage instructions. In general, you can place a sheet of seaweed in the machine, stack the ingredients on top, and follow the machine’s instructions to quickly create a beautiful sushi roll.
3 Use molds and tools for rolling kimbap
Use molds and tools for rolling kimbap
Similar to sushi and kimbap rolling machines, there are various molds and tools available for rolling sushi and kimbap. Each mold or tool has its own usage instructions. Typically, you would put rice and various fillings into the mold or tool to shape them, and then use your fingers to roll the seaweed sheet around the ingredients.
4 Use candle paper or baking tray liner
Use candle paper or baking tray liner
Rolling kimbap with candle paper or a baking tray liner is incredibly convenient and easy. Start by placing a sheet of paper on a cutting board or clean surface. Spread rice and arrange the ingredients on top of the paper, and then roll as usual. The non-stick properties of the paper ensure that the rice roll won’t stick.
5 Use dried seaweed for rolling
Use dried seaweed for rolling
Rolling kimbap with dried seaweed is similar to rolling pho cuon or spring rolls, and it’s even simpler. All you need to do is spread the seaweed sheet on a cutting board or clean surface, evenly arrange the ingredients on top, and then slowly roll the seaweed sheet tightly with your fingers to prevent the ingredients from falling out when cutting the rice roll.
6 Use cucumber skin for rolling kimbap
Use cucumber skin for rolling kimbap
Using cucumber skin to roll kimbap is a unique and interesting approach. Start by selecting a long cucumber, cutting off both ends, washing it thoroughly, and removing the skin. Then, cut the cucumber into long, thin slices parallel to its length. Next, spread rice and the ingredients evenly on the cucumber skin and roll the kimbap as usual. You can also add a sheet of seaweed on top if desired.
7 Use rice paper
Use rice paper for rolling kimbap
Choose rice paper sheets with a diameter or length of 22cm or more. If the rice paper is round, you can cut it into square pieces for easier rolling of kimbap. Avoid purchasing rice paper made from cassava flour, as they are difficult to wrap the ingredients with.
8 Use fried eggs for rolling kimbap
Use fried eggs for rolling kimbap
Fried eggs can not only be used as a filling but also as a wrapping for rice rolls, making them even more enticing. Heat a pan and pour some beaten eggs into it, spreading a thin layer evenly. Once the egg is cooked, remove it from the pan and cut it into square pieces. Roll the kimbap as usual using the fried egg as the outer layer.
9 Use soy bean paper
Use soy bean paper
Soy bean paper, also known as mamemori, is often used as a seaweed sheet substitute when rolling sushi or kimbap in Japan. It is low in calories, rich in fiber, and available in multiple colors, enhancing both the nutritional value and visual appeal of the dish.
10 Use tofu skin for wrapping kimbap
Use tofu skin for wrapping kimbap
Tofu skin, also known as inari, is available in the form of sheets or leaves. You can purchase them at stores or supermarkets that sell Japanese or Korean food ingredients. Tofu skin is easy to use for rolling kimbap or sushi.
11 Use cabbage leaves for wrapping kimbap
Use cabbage leaves for wrapping kimbap
When seaweed or bamboo mats are unavailable, cabbage leaves can be used as an interesting alternative for wrapping kimbap. Simply remove the central rib of the cabbage leaf, arrange the ingredients along the length of the leaf, and roll it as usual.
These are some simple methods to make sushi rolls without bamboo mats, while still achieving a round and beautiful shape. We hope you find these techniques useful and enjoy making delicious sushi rolls!
