Kani Maki (Crab Stick Sushi Roll)

Kani Maki

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I love preparing maki (rolled sushi) at home as they make a fast and filling meal. While my workmanship is less than perfect (I need more practice!), they still taste great and cost a fraction of the price compared to ordering it outside.

Similar Recipe: Kappa Maki (Cucumber Sushi Roll)

It becomes an incentive for me to make my own kani maki as I always ensure that I sneak in my favourite Japanese mayonnaise into the roll – so sinful but so delicious. Serve it with some miso soup and pickled ginger for a fuss free Japanese lunch.

How to Roll Maki
How to roll maki

How to Roll Maki

Kani Maki (Crab Stick Sushi Roll) Recipe

In addition to the ingredients listed below, you also need a sushi bamboo mat (makisu; 巻簾), cling wrapped for easy cleaning.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Japanese short-grain rice + sushi vinegar (to taste)
  • 3 pieces 19x10cm nori (seaweed) sheet
  • 4 crab sticks microwave for 2 mins; peel each crab stick to half (lengthwise)
  • Japanese mayonnaise to taste
  • pickled ginger, shoyu (Japanese light soy sauce) & wasabi

Directions:

  1. Follow the sushi rice recipe to cook the rice. Divide into three equal portions.
  2. Place nori sheet (rough side up) on bamboo mat. Place one portion of rice on nori, distributing them in a flat layer across the nori, leaving a 5cm gap on top.
  3. Spread a thin strip of mayonnaise horizontally across the middle of the rice, then line the crab sticks across over the mayonnaise.
  4. Using a firm grip, make the maki by rolling the bamboo mat tightly halfway, then continue to roll until the maki is completed.
  5. Using a sharp knife moistened with water, trim both ends of the maki and then make a cut right in the middle of the roll. Further cut each half into three equal pieces. Serve maki with pickled ginger, soy sauce & wasabi at the side.

Noob Cook Tip:
Typically, nori (seaweed) sheets come in 19×20 cm sizes. By folding and cutting it in half, it becomes the ideal size for maki (19×10 cm).