Let the Good Times Roll!

Involvement is the key to throwing a good party, period.  Parties that stand out in your guest’s minds are those at which they got to participate in the event.  Coming up with activities that will involve them isn’t always so easy, but we have a great idea for you.  We all love a little DIY, so why not try your hand at rolling sushi! A sushi rolling party involves everyone and let’s them try something out of their normal comfort zone and get creative. 

A sushi party is best to do with smaller groups, as sushi is considered a communal, yet intimate dining occasion.  Invite 6 – 12 or so of your closest friends and get the party started. This is also a great party for couples, because sometimes it takes teamwork to get everything right.

Getting all of the supplies and materials together isn’t as difficult as you would think. Most of these ingredients can be found at your local farmer’s market, local asian restaurant, or even at Kroger. Here are your steps to get your party going:

1) Use a table that is low to the ground, like a coffee table or two.

2) Provide pillows as chairs.

3) For each person, set out a large plate, a small plate such as a saucer, a steamed facecloth and chopsticks.

4) Set out two to three plates of prepared wasabi and vinegared ginger.

5) Provide one or two bottles of soy sauce (we prefer low sodium soy, generally with a green top).

6) Get your protein ready. You will want to cut your sashimi, or raw fish, into small slices. Fresh selections of fish can usually be found at your local supermarket. Our favorites are tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and crab. If you are worried about working with the raw fish, boiled or  tempura shrimp or fish can be used as protein fillers as well. Remember, you can never undercook fish.

7) Provide other fillings, such as cucumber slices, avocado slices, bell pepper, cream cheese, and crunchies.

8) Cut nori (seaweed) into 4-by-4-inch squares and stack onto two plates.

9) Provide shari (sushi rice) in a large wooden bowl.

10) Pass around the nori, rice and fish and have each person assemble his or her own sushi rolls

11) Great side dishes to offer with your sushi rolls are pork gyoza (steamed dumplings), edamame, and miso soup. These really finish off your asian experience.

12) Don’t forget the sake and Japanese beer. Our favorite beer is Sapporo.

Here are a few simple combinations for your group to try:

California Roll: crab, cucumber, and avocado

Smoked Salmon: smoked salmon, cucumber, wasabi and avocado

Crunchy Shrimp: fried shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and wasabi

Yellow Tail Roll: yellow tail and green onion

Spicty Tuna Roll: tuna, Sriracha, and green onion

If you don’t think you can do this all on your own, don’t fret. We will be happy to help you host a sushi rolling party. We often work with Allison Borders, owner of the famous Two Stick in Oxford, MS. She will demonstrate in an at home sushi rolling event, exactly what you need to do.  Your group can learn from an expert, while enjoying some cocktails. Who could ask for a better evening? Good friends. Good food. Good wine (or sake in this case). That’s what we’re always looking for in a good party.

Give us a call if we can help you host your next sushi rolling party (or any party– from grand openings to kids’ birthdays)!