Have you ever craved the unique and flavorful sushi options from Whole Foods Market? Among their diverse offerings, the Spicy Shrimp Inari stands out with its perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. If you’re a fan of this particular sushi but wish you could enjoy it fresh from your own kitchen, you’re in luck! This guide will walk you through creating your very own Whole Foods-style Spicy Shrimp Inari sushi at home, ensuring a delightful and satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp Inari Sushi
To embark on this delicious homemade sushi journey, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are readily available at your local grocery store or Asian market.
- Inari Age (Fried Tofu Pockets): These are the sweet and slightly chewy pouches that hold the sushi rice and toppings. You can find them canned or pre-packaged.
- Cooked Shrimp: Pre-cooked shrimp simplifies the process, but you can also cook your own. Ensure they are peeled and deveined.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our spicy sauce. Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie) adds an extra layer of richness, but regular mayonnaise works well too.
- Sambal Oelek: This chili paste is the key to the “spicy” in Spicy Shrimp Inari. It’s made from ground chili peppers and adds a vibrant heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Sushi Rice: Short-grain Japanese rice is essential for authentic sushi.
- Rice Vinegar: Used to season the cooked sushi rice, adding a tangy flavor.
- Sugar and Salt: Balances the flavors in the sushi rice.
- Sesame Seeds (Optional): For garnish and added texture.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Inari Sushi
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the sushi! Follow these simple steps to create your own Spicy Shrimp Inari that rivals (or even surpasses) the Whole Foods version.
Prepare the Spicy Shrimp
- Chop the Shrimp: If using larger shrimp, roughly chop them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This will make them easier to mix and eat within the inari pocket.
- Make the Spicy Mayo: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise and sambal oelek. Start with a small amount of sambal oelek and add more to reach your desired level of spiciness. Mix well until thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, pinkish sauce.
- Combine Shrimp and Spicy Mayo: Add the chopped shrimp to the spicy mayo mixture. Gently stir until the shrimp is evenly coated with the sauce. Set aside while you prepare the sushi rice.
Prepare Sushi Rice
- Cook the Sushi Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions or using a rice cooker. Properly cooked sushi rice should be slightly sticky but not mushy.
- Season the Rice: While the rice is still warm, transfer it to a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Mix the Seasoning with Rice: Pour the vinegar mixture over the warm rice. Gently fold and mix the rice with a rice paddle or spatula, being careful not to mash the grains. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature. This seasoned rice is now your sushi rice.
Assemble the Inari Sushi
- Prepare the Inari Pockets: If using canned inari age, gently squeeze out any excess liquid. Some people like to briefly rinse them with hot water to remove some of the sweetness, but this is optional. Carefully open each inari pocket, creating a pouch ready to be filled.
- Fill the Inari Pockets: Take a small handful of sushi rice and gently form it into a small oblong shape. Place the rice inside an inari pocket. Repeat this process until all inari pockets are filled with rice. Do not overfill, as you need space for the shrimp topping.
- Top with Spicy Shrimp: Spoon the spicy shrimp mixture generously over the sushi rice in each inari pocket.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added flavor and visual appeal.
Enjoy Your Homemade Whole Foods-Inspired Sushi!
Congratulations, you’ve successfully created your own Spicy Shrimp Inari sushi, just like (or even better than) what you find at Whole Foods! This homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, spice level, and freshness, ensuring a truly customized and delicious experience. Perfect for a light lunch, a fun snack, or a unique appetizer for gatherings. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet tofu pockets, savory sushi rice, and spicy shrimp – all made with your own hands. Why not try making this today and impress yourself and your family with your newfound sushi skills?
