An Inside Look at Sushi Making

At The Chopping Block, our sushi classes offer a fun and interactive way to dive into the world of sushi making, whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills. Chef Alex recently took a group of eager students through an exciting culinary journey, teaching everything from the importance of perfectly cooked sushi rice to the art of rolling, slicing, and plating sushi.

Chef Alex kicked things off by reminding everyone that the real star of sushi isn’t the fish… it’s the rice. Sushi actually means "seasoned rice," and perfecting it is the foundation of great sushi. He demonstrated how to rinse, cook, and season the rice to achieve the ideal texture and flavor. 

With the rice mastered, it was time to learn the key techniques for rolling sushi. Chef Alex walked the class through three classic sushi styles: maki rolls, inside-out rolls, and nigiri. Students were excited to get hands-on as they learned how to spread the rice evenly over the nori (seaweed), layer on their fillings, and roll everything up tightly using a bamboo mat.

The variety of ingredients made the class even more exciting. Students had access to a spread of fresh options like spicy tuna, salmon netta, avocado, daikon, and asparagus, allowing them to experiment with different combinations. Chef Alex encouraged everyone to get creative with their sushi fillings and plate their creations however they liked.

One of the highlights of the night was learning how to slice the finished rolls cleanly and evenly, a skill that’s trickier than it looks! Chef Alex showed everyone how to use a sharp, wet knife to prevent sticking, and how to slice through the rolls in smooth, even motions. This step is key for achieving that perfect cross-section, revealing all the colorful layers inside. Watching the students get it just right and proudly display their beautifully sliced rolls was definitely a highlight.

As the class wrapped up, students gathered to enjoy their sushi creations as a group, exchanging tips on rolling and slicing techniques. There was a sense of accomplishment in the room. Each participant not only learned the basics of sushi-making but also had fun putting their own twist on their dishes.

Our sushi classes are held regularly and taught by a variety of our talented chefs. Whether you’re new to sushi or looking to take your skills to the next level, our class offers a hands-on, enjoyable experience that will leave you confident in your ability to create sushi at home.

Ready to roll? Join us for our next sushi class at The Chopping Block, and discover how fun and easy sushi making can be! And if you've already taken our Sushi Workshop, the next step is Next Level Sushi Workshop which is coming up this Saturday, October 19 at 6pm at Lincoln Square.