Makisu

Makisu

A traditional makisu used in Japanese cuisine.

A makisu (___) is a small mat woven from bamboo and cotton string that is used in Japanese cuisine to roll sushi and shape other soft foods. The makisu is an essential tool in the preparation of various types of sushi, particularly maki sushi, where it is used to roll the sushi into a cylindrical shape.

Description

The makisu is typically rectangular in shape and consists of thin strips of bamboo held together with cotton string. The bamboo strips are usually about 1 cm wide and are arranged parallel to each other. The cotton string is woven in a crisscross pattern to hold the bamboo strips in place, allowing the mat to be flexible yet sturdy.

Uses

Makisu mats are versatile tools in the kitchen.

The primary use of a makisu is in the preparation of sushi. When making maki sushi, the chef places a sheet of nori (seaweed) on the makisu, spreads a layer of sushi rice over the nori, and then adds various fillings such as fish, vegetables, or egg. The makisu is then used to roll the ingredients into a tight cylinder, which is sliced into individual pieces.

In addition to sushi, the makisu can be used to shape other foods. For example, it can be used to form omelettes or to squeeze excess liquid from grated vegetables. The flexibility and strength of the makisu make it a versatile tool in the kitchen.

Care and Maintenance

To maintain a makisu, it should be cleaned after each use. It is important to rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any food particles. The makisu should be allowed to air dry completely before being stored to prevent mold and mildew. Some chefs recommend wrapping the makisu in plastic wrap before use to make cleaning easier.

Related pages

• Sushi
• Japanese cuisine
• Nori
• Sushi rice