Oshizushihako facts for kids
An oshizushihako (pronounced oh-shee-zoo-shee-hah-koh) is a special box or mold from Japan. Its name means "pressed sushi box" in Japanese. People use it to make a type of sushi called oshizushi, which means "pressed sushi." These boxes are usually made from wood, but you can also find them made from plastic today.
Contents
What is an Oshizushihako?
An oshizushihako is a simple tool that helps you create perfectly shaped sushi. It works by pressing rice and other ingredients together. This makes the sushi firm and easy to slice.
Parts of the Box
Most oshizushihako boxes have three main parts. They are designed to come apart easily.
- Bottom part: This is the base where you first place the rice.
- Rectangular walls: These form the sides of the box. They hold the rice and toppings in place.
- Top part: This piece fits inside the walls. It is used to press down on the sushi.
Why Use an Oshizushihako?
Using this box makes oshizushi different from other sushi types. Instead of rolling, you press the ingredients. This creates a neat, compact block of sushi. It's often cut into squares or rectangles before serving.
How to Make Pressed Sushi
Making oshizushi with an oshizushihako is a fun process. Here are the steps:
Preparing the Box
If you have a wooden oshizushihako, it's a good idea to put it in water first. This helps stop the rice from sticking to the wood. You can also cover the bottom and top parts with plastic wrap. This makes cleaning up much easier after you finish.
Assembling and Filling
First, you put the bottom part and the rectangular walls together. Then, you carefully add a layer of sushi rice into the box. After the rice, you can add your favorite toppings. These might be fish, vegetables, or other tasty ingredients.
Pressing the Sushi
Once the rice and toppings are in place, you use the top part of the box. You press it down firmly onto the ingredients. This is why it's called "pressed sushi"! The pressure makes the sushi compact and gives it its shape.
Removing and Serving
After pressing, you carefully pull up the rectangular walls. The top part might still be pressing down on the sushi as you do this. Once the walls are off, you remove the top part. Now you have a block of pressed sushi! You can then slice it into individual pieces and serve them.
Different Shapes
While most oshizushihako make square or rectangular sushi, there are other types. Some boxes have special curved shapes cut into their top and bottom parts. These allow you to press the sushi into a cylindrical, or tube-like, shape instead.
