Forget complicated sushi rolling techniques! Tray sushi, also known as oshizushi, offers a delightful alternative, perfect for beginners and experienced sushi lovers alike. This simple yet elegant Japanese dish allows you to create beautiful, flavorful sushi without the fuss. Imagine perfectly pressed, bite-sized portions of seasoned rice topped with your favorite ingredients, all arranged neatly on a beautiful tray. It's a visually stunning and incredibly satisfying meal, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project.
Tray sushi is remarkably adaptable; you can customize it completely to your liking, experimenting with different types of seafood, vegetables, and even pickled ginger. The key lies in the preparation of the seasoned rice and the gentle pressing technique. Ready to create your own masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step process outlined in this article.
Tools Needed
- Rice Cooker
- Mixer
- Grill Pan
- Dish
Ingredients
- Rice
- Rice Vinegar
- Alcohol Vinegar (optional)
- Sugar
- Salt
- Salmon
- Cream Cheese
- Chives
- Sesame-based seasoning (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Pickled Cucumber (Sunomono)
- Seaweed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Sushi Rice
- Wash the rice until the water runs clear and drain.
- Cook the rice with water (refer to the video for the technique).
- Let the cooked rice cool down completely.
- Mix the cooled rice in a mixer. Make the syrup with vinegar, sugar and salt. Heat until melted (no need to boil).




- Pour the syrup over the rice and mix gently. Let it cool.

Step 2. Prepare the Salmon Filling
- Grill salmon, shred it, then mix with cream cheese and chives.

Step 3. Assemble the Tray Sushi
- rice, pressed salmon mixture, sunomono (pickled cucumber), and repeat. Top with rice.
- Add sesame seasoning (optional) or sesame seeds.


Step 4. Cut and Serve
- Cut the tray sushi into squares. Garnish with seaweed.

Read more: Ochazuke Recipe: Easy Japanese Green Tea Rice Bowl
Tips
- If you lack practice with cutting, skip the detailed Sunomono cutting and simply add it on top.
- For Sunomono recipe, search 'pan therapy sunomono' on Google.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with alcohol vinegar.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. What kind of tray do I need for tray sushi?
You can use a specialized sushi tray, or a simple, sturdy rectangular container with a removable bottom. Even a well-lined baking dish will work!
2. Can I use leftover cooked rice for tray sushi?
It's best to use freshly cooked rice for the best texture and flavor. Leftover rice can be too dry or sticky.
With its ease of preparation and endless customization options, tray sushi is a delightful addition to any meal repertoire. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and fresh flavors of your homemade creation, impressing friends and family with your newfound sushi-making skills. So go ahead, try this recipe and discover the joy of easy and delicious tray sushi!