Romantic V-Day Dinners from Around the World

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Japan: Homemade Sushi

Crafting delicate sushi rolls or silky sashimi at home transforms dinner into an interactive, hands-on experience that fosters connection, requiring teamwork, patience, and a shared appreciation for detail—just like a great relationship. Selecting premium fish, perfectly seasoned rice, and crisp vegetables allows couples to personalize each bite. Whether rolling classic maki, shaping nigiri, or arranging an elegant sashimi platter, the process is as rewarding as the meal itself.

Ingredients (for 2-3 servings):

• 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar
• 5-6 sheets nori (seaweed)
• 6 oz sushi-grade fish (salmon, tuna, or your favorite)
• 1 small cucumber, julienned
• 1 small avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup imitation crab (optional)
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional)
• Soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for serving

Instructions:

1. Once the sushi rice is cooked, season it with a mixture of 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Let cool to room temperature.
2. Cut the fish, vegetables, and any additional fillings into thin, even slices.
3. Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat, shiny side down. Wet your fingers and spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Arrange your choice of fish, cucumber, avocado, crab, or cream cheese in a thin line near the bottom edge.
5. Using the mat, carefully roll the sushi away from you, pressing gently to seal. Use a sharp knife to slice into bite-sized pieces.
6. Experiment with different combinations or make sashimi by simply arranging thinly sliced fish on a plate.
7. Pair with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger, and toast to a romantic evening!