Which side is the correct way to put a sheet of nori?

Nori seaweed is a staple ingredient in many Asian dishes, commonly used in soups, salads, noodles, and especially sushi. It imparts a distinct oceanic flavor and helps the rolls maintain their shape. However, many inexperienced cooks struggle with placing the nori sheet correctly, often resulting in the rolls falling apart, despite properly cooked rice and careful preparation. The key lies in understanding which side of the nori to use. To avoid any unfortunate mishaps, follow our advice.

How do the surfaces of a nori sheet differ?

To understand which side to put nori on a bamboo mat, you need to know the difference between them. It lies in the manufacturing method of this product.

You have to go a long way to get the nori sheets. First, algae spores must take root on oyster shells, then they grow on special nets in the sea. After several months, the crop is collected, sorted, washed from sand and ground into a homogeneous mass, which should consist of 85% algae and 15% water. It is laid out on special frames and pressed, after which it is baked in a special oven or dried in the sun.

As a result, square sheets are obtained, the lower side of which is smooth and shiny, and the upper side is matte and rough. And the quality of your rolls will depend on which side you put the nori for sushi.

How to correctly position the seaweed for sushi?

In order to get a nice, neat, tight roll, you must place the sheet correctly on the bamboo mat. Practical experience has yielded a few rules regarding the positioning of nori for sushi:

1. Always place the seaweed sheets with the rough side facing up. This nuance is vital because if you place the rice on the smooth side, it will slide off, causing the roll to unravel. On the other hand, the rough side readily absorbs moisture from the rice, ensuring that the grains adhere firmly to the sheet.
2. In addition to knowing which side to use, there’s another important point to consider. Make sure your hands are completely dry when working with nori. While it’s easier to handle wet rice, be sure to dry your hands before touching the nori! Moisture will soften the seaweed, making it sticky and causing the sheet to lose its shape and fall apart even before you start rolling.

Now you know how to position the nori sheet to prevent your rolls from falling apart. We’d be delighted to guide you on how to wrap the rolls correctly, ensuring your sushi always turn out perfect!