• Now let’s dive into the steps of preparing this delightful dish. It’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

• Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water. Rinse until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This is an essential step; it helps achieve the right texture and prevents the rice from becoming overly sticky.

Step 2: Soak the Rice

• After rinsing, soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes in a medium bowl. This allows the grains to absorb water before cooking, leading to fluffier rice.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

• Combine the soaked rice and 2 cups of filtered water in a rice cooker or a saucepan. If using a saucepan, bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
• For a rice cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, a standard setting will do the trick for sushi rice.

Step 4: Prepare the Seasoning

• While the rice cooks, combine the rice vinegar, natural cane sugar, salt, and optional mirin in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Don’t boil it; you just want everything to blend beautifully.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

• Once the rice has cooked, transfer it to a large bowl (a wooden or non-stick bowl works best). Pour the vinegar mixture over the hot rice. Using a wooden spatula or paddle, gently fold the rice, handling it with care. You want to avoid squishing the grains but ensure seasoning coverage.

Step 6: Cool the Rice

• As you mix, fan the rice with a piece of cardboard or a hand fan. This helps cool the rice and gives it a slight sheen. Aim for room temperature before using it in your sushi.