Mushroom Gravy Steak Patties

These DIY Fish Stick Sushi Rolls put a fun spin on traditional sushi. They mix crispy fish fingers with smooth avocado and fresh cucumber all wrapped in sticky rice and seaweed. It's a perfect starter project if you're new to making sushi but want something tasty that won't break the bank. Kids and adults both go crazy for this mashup of comfort food and Japanese flair.

What Makes This Dish So Special

You'll fall in love with these clever rolls if you're watching your wallet or feeling nervous about raw fish. Frozen fish sticks do the heavy lifting here, giving you that seafood vibe without any tricky prep work. I love how the crunchy coating plays against the soft rice and buttery avocado. And you can always switch things up with whatever fillings you've got hanging around in your fridge!

Everything You Need For Fish Stick Rolls

• Rice Ingredients:
  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 1/4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
• Roll Components:
  • 8 frozen fish sticks, fried until golden
  • 4 sheets nori seaweed
  • 2 ripe avocados, cut into thin strips
  • 1 English cucumber, cut into matchsticks
  • 1/2 cup Kewpie mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• Dipping Options:
  • Soy sauce
  • Pickled ginger
  • Wasabi paste
  • Spicy mayo (if you want)

Make It Step By Step

Get Your Rice Ready

Wash sushi rice several times until the water looks clear. Cook it using your preferred method with the measured water. While that's happening, warm up rice vinegar with sugar and salt till everything melts together. Mix this into your hot rice and fan it as you stir to make it nice and shiny.

Fix Your Fish Sticks

Bake or fry your fish sticks following the box instructions until they're super crunchy. Slice them down the middle if they look too fat. Let them cool a bit before using.

Organize Your Workspace

Cover your bamboo mat with plastic wrap. Fill a small bowl with water for your fingers. Chop all your veggies ahead of time. Keep a kitchen towel handy to wipe your knife between cuts.

Build Your Rolls

Put a nori sheet on the mat with the glossy side facing down. Spread a thin rice layer, leaving a strip at the top bare. Flip everything so rice touches the mat. Add your fillings across the bottom third. Use the mat to roll everything up tightly, wetting the edge to seal it.

Cut And Dish Up

Wait 5 minutes before cutting. Slice each roll into 8 pieces with a wet, sharp knife. Arrange them nicely on a plate with all your dipping sauces.

Insider Tricks For Foolproof Sushi

Don't chill your rice before rolling. Go easy on the fillings or you'll end up with a mess. Always dampen your knife between cuts. Make sure those fish sticks are extra crispy since they'll get softer inside the roll. When you're sealing everything up, press firmly but gently so your rolls stay intact.

Ways To Enjoy Your Creation

Set out your sushi on a long plate with little dishes of soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger on the side. Whip up some spicy mayo by mixing Sriracha and Kewpie mayo together. A bowl of miso soup or a simple Asian cucumber side makes this a complete dinner. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds and some green herbs on top for a fancy touch.

Keeping It Fresh

You'll want to eat these rolls right away, definitely within 2 hours after making them. If you need a head start, you can cook the rice up to 6 hours before and just cover it with a wet cloth at room temp. Always cook your fish sticks right before assembly so they stay crunchy. Don't try to freeze these or save them for tomorrow—they'll just turn soggy and sad.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why grate onion over breadcrumbs?

The onion juices get soaked into the breadcrumbs, making the patties both moist and tasty while holding their shape.

→ Why make the meat slightly sticky?

Working the mixture until sticky helps the meat hold tight, so the patties don't fall apart while cooking in the sauce.

→ Can I prep this earlier?

The patties can be prepped ahead and kept chilled. It's best to make the gravy fresh, but reheating leftovers is easy.

→ What should I serve it with?

Mashed potatoes are a classic choice to soak up the sauce, but rice or noodles work just as well.

→ Why simmer steaks in the gravy?

Simmering blends the beef's flavors into the sauce, making the gravy even richer and more delicious.

Conclusion

Create soft, flavorful beef patties by blending grated onion with breadcrumbs. Let them simmer in a savory mushroom sauce for a hearty comfort meal in just 30 minutes.