Makisu
Bamboo sushi rolling mat - makisu
The Makisu, or sushi mat, is the bamboo mat used by sushi chefs to assist in the rolling process. It’s simple to use and very affordable. If properly taken care of, a single mat can last for years!
A good sushi mat should be rounded on one side and flat on the other, at least 9.5″ x 9.5″ (24.13cm), and shouldn’t cost you more than about $5 (USD).
few frequently asked questions:
I see a bunch of sushi chefs that wrap their mat in something. What is it that they are wrapping it with and why?
Sushi chefs wrap their mats in food service film (or Saran Wrap) to prevent rice or other ingredients from getting stuck in between the bamboo sticks. While this isn’t a necessary thing to do, it really helps if you are planning on making more than just a few rolls. It also makes clean up a breeze!
How much does it cost?
I can find a good mat for as low as $1 per mat, but I wouldn’t pay more than $5
Could I just use a large zip lock bag instead of food service film?
Technically, yes. But using a zip-locked bag is more expensive, it’s not as flexible, and it traps air inside the bag – which will interfere with your rolling.
How do you wrap the mat?
I usually pull about 12″ of film out (without tearing it off) and flick a few drops of water on it – this will help the mat stick to the film. Then, I fold the makisu over while pulling out more film. Make sure that the edge of the mat stays straight. I usually use about 3-4 layers of the film before tearing it off the roll.
Once you’ve torn it off the roll, you will notice the loose ends on either side. I generally fold those over to the rounded side of the mat and use a lighter or a hot surface to slightly melt the film to adhere it to the other layers.
Finally, fold the mat up and poke a few holes through the film to allow any excess air to escape. You should also wipe the flat side of the mat with a damp washcloth to prevent your ingredients from sticking.
I've seen some plastic sushi mats. Do those work just as well or better than the bamboo mats?
They do work pretty well, but I still prefer the bamboo mats over the plastic makisu. I do like how the plastic mats don’t need to be wrapped in film, though!
I made an entire video on the comparisons between a plastic mat and a bamboo mat on my YouTube channel if you’re interested!
I don't have an Asian market near where I live. Where can I buy one of these online?
I always use Amazon for my online shopping. I’ll add a few links below so you can know exactly which kinds of mats I buy.
