Gobo Sushi

If you’re a sushi lover like me, you’re in for a real treat. Gobo sushi brings together the flavors of Japan with a twist of creativity and a burst of crunchy freshness. It’s the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation, and you won’t believe how easy it is to make at home.

What is gobo sushi?

Gobo sushi, also known as “Burdock Root Sushi,” is a unique variation of traditional sushi that originated in Japan. The star ingredient, gobo, refers to burdock root, which is a long, slender, and earthy-flavored root vegetable commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

To create gobo sushi, the burdock root is first thinly sliced and then marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. You can make your own with this yamagobo recipe or you can buy it premade at your local Asian grocery store.

Once the gobo is marinated, it becomes the central element in making the sushi roll. It’s traditionally combined with sushi rice and other ingredients like cucumber, pickled radish, avocado, or tempura flakes, depending on personal preferences.

Gobo sushi offers a fantastic vegetarian option for sushi lovers and introduces a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist. Whether you’re an avid sushi fan or simply seeking to explore new culinary delights, gobo sushi is a must-try dish that promises to satisfy your palate with its delicious medley of flavors and textures.

Kitchen Tools

• Sushi Bamboo Rolling Mat: also known as a sushi rolling mat or makisu, is a traditional tool used in Japanese cuisine to make sushi rolls. It is an essential utensil for sushi chefs and home cooks when preparing maki sushi, which are the cylindrical rolls with nori (seaweed) on the outside and rice and fillings on the inside. It allows the user to shape and roll the sushi ingredients tightly into a compact roll.
• Plastic wrap: I like wrapping the sushi mat with a layer of plastic wrap for easy clean up.
• Sharp knife: use a sharp knife to cut the sushi. Do not use a serrated knife.

Ingredients Needed

• Yamagobo: pickled burdock root, make your own (with this yamagobo recipe) or buy it in the refrigerated pickled vegetable aisle at the Asian grocery store or on Amazon.
• Nori seaweed sheet: cut Nori in half to make 2 sushi rolls.
• Cooked Sushi Rice: make the sushi rice ahead of time and let it cool down.
• Rice Vinegar: it is a key ingredient in sushi rice because it adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the rice.
• Sugar: the combination of sugar and vinegar creates a delicate sweet-sour balance, which is a hallmark of sushi rice.
• Salt: a fundamental seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the sushi rice. It helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and the tanginess of the vinegar.

Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card to see the full ingredient amounts and instructions.

How to Make Gobo Sushi

Step 1: Prepare the sushi rice. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt dissolve. Add the cooked rice and mix until incorporated.

Step 2: Prepare the nori sheet and gobo. Cut the nori seaweed sheets in half. Slice the pickled gobo into thin matchstick strips. Cover the bamboo sushi rolling mat with plastic wrap for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Assemble the sushi roll. Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi rolling mat. Wet your fingers to prevent the rice from sticking and spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori. Flip the nori over so that the rice is faced down on the bamboo mat. Arrange the marinated gobo and your choice of fillings along the center. Lift the bamboo mat’s edge and start rolling the sushi away from you, using the mat to shape and compress the roll. With a sharp, non-serrated knife, slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces.

Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Tips for the best gobo sushi rolls

• Choose Fresh and Quality Ingredients: The success of any sushi roll depends on the quality of its ingredients. Pick fresh and tender gobo (burdock root) to ensure a great texture and flavor. Use high-quality sushi rice to enhance the overall taste.
• Properly Prepare the Gobo: Cut the gobo into thin, uniform slices for easy rolling.
• Use a Bamboo Sushi Rolling Mat: For neat and tight sushi rolls, invest in a bamboo sushi rolling mat. It helps shape and compress the ingredients into a uniform roll, preventing them from falling apart during slicing.
• Be Creative with Fillings: While gobo is the star of gobo sushi, don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings. Combine gobo with other vegetables like cucumber, avocado, or pickled radish to add a variety of textures and flavors.
• Slice with a Sharp Knife: Use a sharp, non-serrated knife to slice the gobo sushi. Wet the blade between cuts to ensure clean and precise slices.
• Serve Fresh and Enjoy Promptly: Sushi is best when it’s fresh. Serve your gobo sushi immediately, and enjoy it promptly to experience the full freshness and flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store leftovers

Refrigerate

Wrap the leftover Gobo Sushi tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Make sure there is no exposure to air, as this can cause the rice to dry out.

Use within 24 Hours. For the best taste and texture, try to consume the leftover sushi within 24 hours. Sushi is at its peak quality shortly after preparation, so the sooner you enjoy it, the better.

Avoid Freezing

It’s generally not recommended to freeze sushi, as freezing can alter the texture and taste of the rice and other ingredients.

Reheating

Sushi is traditionally served cold, and reheating it may negatively affect the taste and texture. If you prefer warm sushi, consider removing it from the refrigerator and letting it come to room temperature before eating.

RECIPE