Kappa Maki Workshop

Article Written By: Marisa Baggett

To master the technique of thin sushi rolls, practice with a classic kappa maki.

The kappa maki, or cucumber roll, is a sushi bar standard. As the Japanese word for cucumber is kyuri, this roll is named after a creature of myth – a type of water sprite with a saucer shaped head that must contain water at all times for its survival. Legend has it that these notoriously prankster and sometimes devious(they were said to sometimes kidnap children) Kappas could be bargained with for a few cucumbers.
A kappa maki consists of just cucumbers although it is not uncommon to find them prepared with a few sesame seeds.
Kappa Maki Basics
4in x 7in piece of sushi nori

2 sticks of seedless English cucumbers, or garden cucumbers, peeled and seeded
prepared sushi rice
toasted sesame seeds, optional
Using the method for thin rolls, insert cucumbers as instructed and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired before rolling. Let rest 2 minutes before cutting into 6 pieces. Place them on a sushi plate.