Do you love sushi, but don’t know how to make your own? Nori is a key ingredient in sushi, and it’s important to toast it correctly in order to bring out the best flavor. However, not all people prefer to have their sushi wrap or nori toasted, some like to have it untoasted.
There are two main ways to toast nori – with an open flame or using an electric stove. Both have different steps to follow such as, in an open flame, you need to make sure the nori is directly on the fire, and for an electric stove, you would put it on low-medium heat. There are also different ways to toast Nori strips or sheets.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to toast nori for sushi using an electric stovetop, oven, and skillet. Let’s get started!
How To Toast Nori For Sushi
Nori can be eaten both toasted and untoasted. Since some people like the taste and texture of toasted nori, it can be toasted in various ways.
How To Toast Nori On An Electric Stove
The first method we’ll discuss is how to toast nori on an electric stove. This is the most common way to toast it, and all you need is a low-medium heat burner.
- Place the nori on the electric stovetop on low-medium heat.
- Turn your burner on medium heat and place the sheet of nori directly on the burner.
- If it’s a gas stove, make sure the flame is low and evenly touching the nori.
- Toast for about 15 seconds to a minute, or until it’s crispy and slightly browned.
- Be careful not to burn it!
LEARN MORE: What Is Nori Maki Sushi?
How To Toast Nori In An Oven
The next way you can toast nori is by using an oven. This method is good if you’re making a lot of sushi and need to toast several sheets at once.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Place the nori on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 seconds, or until it’s crispy and slightly browned.
- Watch it carefully, or it will burn!
LEARN MORE: Is Sushi Dairy Free?
How To Toast Nori In A Skillet
The last way we’ll discuss is how to toast nori in a skillet. This is good if you only need to toast a few sheets at a time.
- Place the nori in a dry skillet over medium heat
- Toast for about 15 seconds to a minute, or until it’s crispy and slightly browned.
How Do You Toast Nori Strips?
There are two ways to toast Nori – with an open flame or using an electric stove. Both have different steps to follow such as, in an open flame, you need to make sure the nori is directly on the fire, and for an electric stove, you would put it on low- However, if you don’t have access to an open flame or are uncomfortable using one, you can use an electric stovetop.
Nori strips are thin strips so they are toasted by quickly passing them over an open flame or electric stove until they turn nori strips sweet and spicy.
LEARN MORE: Is Nori Seaweed Vegetarian?
Toasted Or Untoasted Nori For Sushi?
Now that we’ve gone over how to toast nori, it’s time to decide if you want your sushi with toasted or untoasted nori.
Toasted Nori has a crispy texture and robust taste, whereas toasted nori is more delicate. The difference between toasted and untoasted nori is mostly a matter of taste.
Sushi with toasted nori tends to be more popular in the West, while sushi with untoasted nori is more common in Japan.
Advantages Of Toasted Nori:
- Toasted nori has a crispy texture and toasty flavor.
- It’s less likely to fall apart.
Disadvantages Of Untoasted Nori:
- Untoasted nori is more pliable and flexible.
- Some people find the taste of untoasted nori to be too delicate.
- Untoasted nori can have a strong ocean taste.
- It can easily become soggy.
LEARN MORE: What Is Nori Sauce?
Should You Toast Nori For Sushi?
There are many opinions on whether or not you should toast nori for sushi. Some people believe that the flavor is better when it’s toasted, while others think it tastes just as good untoasted. It ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Toasted nori tastes a little toasty and crisp, while untoasted nori is more pliable and flexible. The process of toasting nori does not remove the briny taste.
Why Do Some People Toast Nori?
When toasted, the nori becomes crispy and has a more robust flavor. Untoasted nori is more delicate in taste. Some people also say that toasting makes the nori less likely to fall apart. Again, some people toast nori to reduce the oceany-briny taste from it.
Keeping Nori Crispy
Once toasted, nori can be kept in an airtight container for a few days.
If you’re not going to use it all at once, you can store the toasted nori in an airtight container or zipper bag for a few days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before putting it away.
You can also re-crisp your nori if they become less crispy after a few days by putting them in the oven.
Reheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Place the nori back on the baking sheet and bake for about 30 seconds, or until it’s crispy and slightly browned.
LEARN MORE: What Is Yaki Nori?
Conclusion
We hope this guide on how to toast nori was helpful! Whether you’re new to sushi making or a pro, toasting nori is a simple task that can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your sushi. So next time you’re making sushi at home, be sure to give one of these methods a try!
