Sushi Deluxe from Benihana features an artful assortment of fresh tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and crabstick, elegantly arranged on a bamboo platter with vibrant garnishes and a side of tangy soy sauce, offering a visually stunning and flavorful Japanese dining experience.
Equipments
- Bamboo platter
- Sushi rolling mat (makisu)
- Sharp sushi knife (yanagiba or sashimi knife)
- Cutting board
- Rice paddle (shamoji)
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowls (for soy sauce)
- Chopsticks
- Tweezers (for garnish placement)
- Serving spoon (for garnishes)
- Kitchen towel
- Storage containers (for fish and garnishes)
Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 oz fresh tuna (sashimi-grade)
- 6 oz fresh salmon (sashimi-grade)
- 6 oz fresh yellowtail (sashimi-grade)
- 4 imitation crabsticks
- 2 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 1 small cucumber
- 1 small avocado
- Pickled ginger
- Wasabi paste
- Soy sauce
- Lemon slices
- Radish sprouts
- Shiso leaves
- Sesame seeds
Fresh, sashimi-grade fish such as tuna, salmon, and yellowtail are essential for authentic Sushi Deluxe, ensuring safety and optimal flavor. Sushi rice requires precise seasoning with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to achieve the perfect balance of tangy and sweet accents. Nori sheets should be crisp and fresh to maintain texture and support the sushi structure. Using high-quality imitation crabsticks, along with fresh garnishes like cucumber, avocado, and radish sprouts, enhances the dish's freshness and presentation. For your own Sushi Deluxe from Benihana copycat menu, focus on sourcing premium seafood and crafting well-seasoned rice to replicate the vibrant, flavorful experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- Cook rice with water in a rice cooker or pot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt; mix until dissolved.
- Transfer cooked rice to a bowl; gently fold in vinegar mixture with rice paddle.
- Let sushi rice cool to room temperature with a kitchen towel covering it.
- Slice tuna, salmon, and yellowtail into sashimi-style or nigiri slices using a sharp sushi knife.
- Cut imitation crabsticks in half.
- Slice cucumber and avocado into thin matchsticks.
- Cut nori sheets into strips for rolling or nigiri ties.
- Wet hands; shape small mounds of sushi rice for nigiri.
- Place sliced fish or crabstick atop rice mounds; optionally wrap with a nori strip.
- For maki rolls, lay nori on sushi rolling mat, spread rice thinly, add cucumber, avocado, and seafood; roll tightly.
- Slice rolls into bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange fish, crabstick, and rolls artfully on a bamboo platter.
- Add lemon slices, shiso leaves, and radish sprouts as garnish using tweezers.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds as desired.
- Serve with pickled ginger, wasabi paste, and soy sauce in small bowls.
- Present platter with chopsticks and serving spoon for guests.
Substitution
Sushi Deluxe from Benihana copycat menu showcases a vibrant selection of sashimi-grade tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and imitation crabsticks, perfectly paired with sushi rice, nori, and classic garnishes. If fresh sashimi-grade fish is unavailable, you can substitute with cooked shrimp or smoked salmon while maintaining flavor and texture balance. When preparing sushi rice, ensure you evenly season it with the vinegar mixture for authentic taste and prevent it from becoming too sticky by letting it cool properly. Using a sharp yanagiba or sashimi knife will help you achieve clean, precise cuts to present the fish elegantly. Keep your ingredients chilled and use tweezers for placing delicate garnishes like radish sprouts and shiso leaves to enhance your plating.
Tips
Ensure your sushi rice is properly rinsed to remove excess starch, which prevents clumping and achieves the ideal sticky yet fluffy texture. Always use a very sharp yanagiba or sashimi knife for clean, precise cuts of fish to maintain the integrity of the delicate slices. When shaping nigiri, wet your hands to stop the rice from sticking and gently form compact mounds without compressing too tightly, preserving the rice's lightness. Store your sashimi-grade fish on ice until serving to keep it fresh and safe for raw consumption, and never reuse the same utensils between raw fish and other ingredients to avoid cross-contamination.
Nutritions
Sushi Deluxe from Benihana provides a balanced source of high-quality protein, consisting primarily of fresh sashimi-grade tuna, salmon, and yellowtail, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids essential for heart health. The sushi rice includes carbohydrates that offer energy, while the avocado contributes healthy monounsaturated fats and dietary fiber to support digestion. Nori seaweed adds important micronutrients such as iodine and vitamins A and C, and accompanying garnishes like radish sprouts and shiso leaves provide antioxidants. Your meal includes low-calorie, nutrient-dense ingredients, with soy sauce and wasabi paste enhancing flavor while keeping sodium intake moderate when used sparingly.
Storage
Store your Sushi Deluxe in airtight containers, keeping the sashimi-grade tuna, salmon, and yellowtail separate from the rice and garnishes to preserve freshness. Refrigerate at temperatures below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and safety. Avoid storing sushi on the bamboo platter as it can absorb moisture and odors, compromising the presentation and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute sashimi-grade yellowtail with escolar or hamachi for a slightly different flavor and texture profile in your Sushi Deluxe. Consider lightly searing the salmon slices with a kitchen torch to add a smoky dimension while maintaining the raw texture beneath. Swap imitation crabsticks for fresh kani or shrimp tempura to elevate the seafood variety and create a richer taste. Using black or white sesame seeds alternately can add a subtle color contrast and nuttier flavor to your presentation.
Allergies
Your Sushi Deluxe from Benihana contains common allergens such as fish (tuna, salmon, yellowtail), shellfish (imitation crabstick often contains crab or surimi), and sesame seeds, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Soy sauce and wasabi paste may also contain soy and other ingredients that pose allergy risks. It's important to check for specific ingredient sensitivities and inform the restaurant of any allergies before dining.
Why this recipe?
Sushi Deluxe from Benihana offers a vibrant selection of fresh sashimi, expertly crafted nigiri, and flavorful rolls that provide a balanced taste of traditional and modern sushi. The quality of ingredients, including premium-grade fish and perfectly seasoned rice, elevates the dining experience beyond typical sushi options. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this gourmet quality at home while customizing flavors to suit your palate. Your effort to replicate the Sushi Deluxe can result in a satisfying and authentic meal that rivals the restaurant's signature dish.