What is Maki Sushi?

Maki refers to any type of Sushi which is made in a roll with Sushi rice, toasted seaweed nori, and various fillings. The word maki means “roll,” and most people who have eaten Sushi have consumed maki in some form or another. Some forms of maki, such as uramaki, are complex, requiring the attention of a skilled chef. Others such as temaki are very easy to make, and frequently eaten at home and at social gatherings.

Maki Sushi comes in several varieties, depending on how thick the roll is and how the roll is constructed. The most common form is hosomaki, or thin rolls. Thin rolls are made by making a small strip of Sushi rice and one or two ingredients along one edge of a sheet of nori and then rolling it up tightly to form a slender roll. Hosomaki is cut into small pieces before serving, and is usually served on a platter with several other types of Sushi for contrast. Common hosomaki types include cucumber rolls, carrot rolls, and tuna rolls.

Thicker maki is called futomaki, which means “fat roll.” Futomaki is usually made with multiple ingredients, and can be as much as one and one half inches (four centimeters) in diameter. Futomaki is often made vegetarian, and commonly includes ingredients like sprouts, fried eggs, and daikon radish. Usually futomaki is cut before it is served, although it is also served in the form of whole rolls at some traditional festivals.

Uramaki is an inside out roll, meaning that the Sushi rice is on the outside. Uramaki is made by layering a piece of nori with Sushi rice and then flipping it over to line the bottom edge of the other side with ingredients. Then the maki is rolled up, and usually dipped in garnishes like fish roe or sesame seeds. Uramaki is actually more common outside of Japan, and includes famous Sushi such as California and Philadelphia rolls. (wise geek)

See also:
Burger King
Steak