Kon’nichiwa! My name is Amira Sato and I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you today. It’s called the Sushi Cake Surprise: a dish that is equal parts creative and delicious, and is sure to impress anyone who tries it! If you’re a fan of sushi, this recipe will blow your mind. Imagine layers of sticky sushi rice, savory crab meat, creamy cheese, and fresh veggies all in one bite. I promise that you won’t want to miss out on this incredible dish!
Amira has been a lover of food and cooking ever since she was a little girl. Learning to cook traditional Japanese dishes with her mother and grandmother instilled a deep appreciation for fresh ingredients and the flavors of her heritage. Outside of the kitchen, Amira is an avid hiker and loves spending time exploring the outdoors.
Amira Sato currently resides in Canada and grew up in Japan.
As a Japanese woman living in Canada, food has always been an important part of my life, and sushi specifically has a special place in my heart. Growing up in Japan, I learned how to prepare traditional dishes like sushi from my mother and grandmother. The beauty of sushi is in its simplicity; it’s all about the freshness of the ingredients and the skillful preparation. So when I came across a recipe for a sushi cake a few years ago, I was immediately intrigued. It seemed like the perfect way to showcase all of the delicious flavors of sushi in a unique and visually stunning way.
Believe it or not, the Sushi Cake Surprise is a relatively new creation, having first gained popularity in recent years in Japan. It’s not uncommon for Japanese people to celebrate special occasions with a fancy sushi dinner, and the sushi cake is just another fun way to do that. I love that the sushi cake is so versatile and customizable; you can use any combination of fillings and toppings that you like. And of course, you can’t forget the signature sushi ingredients like nori and pickled ginger, which add the perfect amount of flavor and texture. So let’s get cooking, and I’ll show you how to create a Sushi Cake Surprise that will wow your taste buds!
What you need
This Sushi Cake Surprise is what happens when sushi and cake have a deliciously creative love child! Layers of sticky sushi rice, thinly sliced veggies, savory crab meat, and creamy cheese come together in a visually stunning and appetizing manner. As a sushi aficionado, this recipe holds a special place in my heart due to the use of versatile ingredients such as nori and pickled ginger. The dish may seem intimidating, but with simple steps that include cooking the rice, chopping the veggies, mixing the fillings, assembling, and slicing, this sushi cake is surprisingly easy to pull off. The end result is a dish that is sure to amaze and delight your guests, as well as make your social media posts the envy of all your foodie friends!
Ingredients:
- Sushi Rice – A short-grain rice that has been seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt. Do not substitute with other types of rice, as sushi rice has a unique texture and flavor essential to the recipe.
- Nori Sheets – Thin sheets of dried seaweed that are an essential component of sushi. Look for nori sheets that are free from additives. If you cannot find nori, you can substitute it with soy paper or parchment paper.
- Soy Sauce – A salty, savory sauce made from fermented soybeans. Use a good-quality soy sauce for optimal flavor. If you are gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead.
- Sesame Oil – A flavorful oil made from toasted sesame seeds. Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the dish. Can be substituted with any other oil of your choice, but the flavor will be different.
- Avocado – A creamy, nutrient-packed fruit that adds richness and creaminess to the dish. Can be substituted with cooked shrimp, crab meat, or smoked salmon for a non-vegetarian option.
- Cucumber – A crunchy, refreshing vegetable that adds texture and freshness to the dish. Can be substituted with bell pepper or jicama for a similar crunch.
- Carrots – A sweet, crunchy vegetable that adds color and texture to the dish. Can be substituted with daikon radish or red cabbage for a similar effect.
- Crab sticks – A type of seafood made from fish meat that has been shaped into sticks. Adds a mild seafood flavor to the dish. Can be substituted with cooked shrimp or smoked salmon for a similar taste.
- Cream Cheese – A soft, tangy cheese that adds richness and creaminess to the dish. Can be substituted with vegan cream cheese for a vegan version.
- Pickled Ginger – A sweet and tangy condiment made from ginger that is often served with sushi. Provides a palate-cleansing effect. Can be substituted with wasabi or thinly sliced scallions.
- Sesame Seeds – Tiny, nutty seeds that add crunch and flavor to the dish. Can be substituted with crushed peanuts or flaked almonds for a similar effect.
Utensils:
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Sushi Mat – Not strictly necessary, but it makes the rolling process much easier. Can be replaced with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Rice Cooker – Optional, but highly recommended for perfectly cooked rice every time. Can be replaced with a pot on the stove with a tight-fitting lid.
- Sharp Knife – Essential for slicing the sushi cake into portions. Use a long, sharp and non-serrated knife for best results.
Nori Sheets – More Than Just a Wrapper
As a sushi lover, nori sheets are always a must-have in my kitchen. Dried seaweed sheets that are primarily used to wrap sushi rolls. Not only do they impart a unique savory flavor to the rolls, but they’re also rich in vitamins and minerals like iodine, potassium, fiber, and magnesium. I love using nori sheets in this recipe because they add a beautiful green color to the sushi cake, and their crisp texture creates a pleasing contrast with the soft rice, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies. So, the next time you’re rolling sushi at home, don’t forget to appreciate the versatile nori sheets, and use it in your favorite recipes to add a burst of umami flavor.
Pickled Ginger – A Palate-Cleansing Delight
When it comes to sushi, the pickled ginger is often overlooked or pushed aside. But let me tell you, it’s an essential part of the dining experience. Made by thinly slicing young ginger root and pickling it in a sweet and sour brine, pickled ginger is served on the side of the sushi platter for good reason. Its tangy flavor and crunchy texture help to cleanse the palate in between bites and enhance the overall dining experience. In this recipe, I use pickled ginger to balance the rich flavors of the crab meat and cream cheese and provide a refreshing taste. So, the next time you reach for that pink slice on your sushi plate, savor it with a newfound appreciation, because pickled ginger is more than just a garnish.
What to serve it with?
I love to serve my Sushi Cake Surprise with a side of miso soup. Not only is it a classic Japanese pairing, but miso soup is also a light and savory complement to the rich and flavorful sushi cake. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate some extra veggies into the meal! I always make my miso soup with tofu, seaweed, and green onions, and it adds the perfect amount of warmth and comfort to the meal. Trust me, you won’t want to skip this classic accompaniment!
Summary
That’s it for my Sushi Cake Surprise recipe! I hope that you’ve enjoyed learning about this delicious and creative dish that’s close to my heart. If you decide to make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Specifically, I’m curious about what kind of filling combinations you’ll use; the possibilities are truly endless! Thank you for joining me in the kitchen today, and happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Sushi Cake Surprise: A Creative and Delicious Birthday Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sushi Mat
- Rice Cooker
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 3 cups Sushi Rice
- 2 sheets Nori Sheets
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 2 medium Avocado
- 1 medium Cucumber
- 1 medium Carrots
- 8 oz Crab sticks
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Pickled Ginger
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Sushi Rice - Rinse the sushi rice in several changes of water until the water runs clear. Place it in a rice cooker with 3 cups of water and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can cook it in a pot on the stove. Once cooked, let the rice cool down to room temperature. - Be sure to use sushi rice, which is short-grain and starchy, and essential to the recipe's stickiness. Do not stir the rice too much when it's hot, as it can break. Use a wooden spatula to fluff the rice once cooked.
- Chop the Veggies and Crab Sticks - Cut the cucumber and carrots into thin matchsticks. Slice the avocado into thin strips. Cut the crab sticks into small pieces. Set aside. - To make the slicing easier, chill the cucumber, carrots, and avocado in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife to cut the vegetables uniformly and to avoid crushing them.
- Mix the Sushi Rice with Seasoning - In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked sushi rice with 1/4 cup of sushi vinegar until well-combined. Set aside. - Let the sushi rice cool down to room temperature before mixing it with vinegar. Use a rice paddle or a wooden spoon to mix the rice gently to avoid crushing the grains.
- Assemble the Sushi Cake - Lay a sheet of nori on a sushi mat or a clean kitchen towel. Spread a layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Arrange the chopped vegetables, crab sticks, and cream cheese on top of the rice. Spread a thin layer of rice over the fillings, then add another sheet of nori. Repeat the process until all the ingredients have been used, ending with a layer of rice. Feel free to make other fun variations! - Do not overfill the sushi cake as it will be hard to cut. Wet your hands with cold water to prevent the rice from sticking to your fingers. Use the mat or towel to help you shape the cake and keep it firm.
- Refrigerate the Sushi Cake - Refrigerate the sushi cake for at least 30 minutes to allow it to set. Once set, carefully remove it from the mat or towel. - If the sushi cake is not firm enough, chill it for a little longer. Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into slices, wiping the knife clean with a wet paper towel in between each cut to prevent sticking.
- Serve and Enjoy - Arrange the sushi cake slices on a platter and serve with pickled ginger, soy sauce, and sesame seeds on the side. - Garnish the platter with some fresh herbs or edible flowers for an extra pop of color. Encourage your guests to mix and match the ingredients to create their own flavor combinations.
