How do I make sushi rice for the sailboats?

Rinse rice until clear, boil with water, then simmer covered for 18 minutes. Mix in vinegar, sugar, and salt once cooled for authentic flavor.

What fish works best for these sushi sailboats?

Fresh sushi-grade salmon and tuna are ideal for a delicate texture and taste, but variations with other seafood or avocado work well too.

Thin slices of daikon radish or carrot are threaded onto bamboo skewers and inserted upright into each boat for a whimsical sail effect.

Prepare rice and fillings in advance, but assemble boats just before serving to maintain freshness and presentation.

Traditional soy sauce pairs well, alongside pickled ginger and wasabi for added flavor and balance.

Yes, using gluten-free soy sauce ensures the dish is suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.

Whimsical sushi boats crafted with fresh fish, sushi rice, and crisp vegetables, perfect for a playful appetizer or party platter.

I love making these sushi sailboats because they’re fun to assemble and always impress guests at our gatherings.

Sushi Rice: 1 cup sushi rice 1 1/4 cups water 2 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt
Fillings & Toppings: 100 g fresh sushi-grade salmon thinly sliced 100 g fresh sushi-grade tuna thinly sliced 1/2 avocado thinly sliced 1/2 cucumber seeds removed thinly sliced 4 sheets nori (seaweed) cut in half 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
Garnishes & Sail Materials: 8 thin slices daikon radish or carrot (for sails) 8 small bamboo skewers or toothpicks 1 tbsp pickled ginger 1 tbsp wasabi 2 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)

Step 1:: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a pot bring to a boil then reduce heat cover and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes.
Step 2:: In a small bowl mix rice vinegar sugar and salt until dissolved. Gently fold into the cooked rice. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
Step 3:: Lay a half-sheet of nori shiny side down. With wet hands shape a small log (about 2 tbsp) of sushi rice and place it lengthwise on the nori.
Step 4:: Top each rice log with slices of salmon tuna avocado and cucumber as desired. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Step 5:: Roll the nori around the rice and toppings leaving the top open to resemble a boat.
Step 6:: To make sails thread a daikon or carrot slice onto a bamboo skewer or toothpick and insert upright into each sushi boat.
Step 7:: Arrange sushi sailboats on a platter. Garnish with pickled ginger and serve with wasabi and soy sauce on the side.

Making these sushi sailboats is a joyful family activity that brings everyone together in the kitchen to prepare and enjoy.

Rice cooker or pot with lid Sharp knife Bamboo skewers or toothpicks Rolling mat (optional)

Contains fish (salmon tuna) and soy (soy sauce). Some ingredients may contain sesame. Check all labels for gluten if required.

Calories 105 Total Fat 2.5 g Carbohydrates 16 g Protein 5 g per boat

These sushi sailboats are sure to brighten any party platter and delight guests with their fresh flavors and fun presentation.

→ How do I make sushi rice for the sailboats?: Rinse rice until clear, boil with water, then simmer covered for 18 minutes. Mix in vinegar, sugar, and salt once cooled for authentic flavor.
→ What fish works best for these sushi sailboats?: Fresh sushi-grade salmon and tuna are ideal for a delicate texture and taste, but variations with other seafood or avocado work well too.
→ How are the sails made for the sushi boats?: Thin slices of daikon radish or carrot are threaded onto bamboo skewers and inserted upright into each boat for a whimsical sail effect.
→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?: Prepare rice and fillings in advance, but assemble boats just before serving to maintain freshness and presentation.
→ What dipping sauces complement these sushi sailboats?: Traditional soy sauce pairs well, alongside pickled ginger and wasabi for added flavor and balance.
→ Are there gluten-free options for this dish?: Yes, using gluten-free soy sauce ensures the dish is suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.