SKATE TEMPURA ROLLS

This is another one for those who have made the rolls before as I'm not going to pretend to make this sound like a few lines of instruction are going to give you what you need to get it done. With that said, it's not hard, just takes some practice, and some essential supplies to prepare your rolls. The most important part of a sushi kit is a bamboo sheet with which to roll out your maki rolls. After that, all you need is nori sheets (seaweed sheets carried at most supermarkets), short grain sushi rice, rice wine vinegar, black sesame seeds, and some fillers.

Skate meat is incredible in this roll and my favorite thing about it is, the only way you'll ever have a skate tempura roll is if you catch it and prepare it yourself. The contrast of crunchy tempura coated fish, sweet flavor of the meat, and toasted sesame seeds will knock you out.

Follow instructions on sushi rice packet (sushi rice is available at most supermarkets) and then season with rice wine vinegar. (two tablespoons per 1 cup of rice)

Mix tempura batter using a store bought mix, ice cold water and a wire wisk.

Dip 1 inch wide skate strips in the batter and deep fry for 2 minutes tops. (any more than this and you are eating skate jerky) Set aside and keep warm.

Lay out a nori sheet on bamboo roller and spread rough side of nori with cooked sushi rice. Make coating as thing as possible. Too thick and it will be difficult to roll.

Sprinkle rice with toasted black sesame seeds then flip rice covered nori sheet over so that the nori is now on top.

In the middle of the sheet, lay out slicked, seeded cucumber, sliced avocado and skate tempura strips. Your total ingredients here should be no wider than 2 inches wide or high or you won't be able to roll it.

Begin rolling, using the bamboo roller to pack roll and ingredients in tightly. Remove roll onto cutting board and cut into 1 inch wide individual rolls. Use a sharp wet knife as the sushi rice will foul up your blade after a few cuts, if not wet.

Serve with soy sauce and wasabi.