Having Fun With Food – Yummy Pandas

Making food fun is good for grownups and kids alike.  So when we came across this idea for making sushi rice rolls that look like little panda bears, we knew we had to give them a try.

Easy and yummy…they were a huge hit with children AND adults.  And they are just plain fun.  Perfect accompaniment for dinner, a snack, or in your children’s lunch boxes.  Give them a try and have fun with your food 🙂

Perfect Sushi Rice for Panda Rolls

2 cups sushi rice (we like the Nishiki brand)
2 cups water plus more for rinsing
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon sea salt

Sushi nori roasted seaweed (this is available in most markets in the Asian section) Cut the nori into the eyes and ears and nose and mouth as seen in photos here.

Place the rice in a bowl and fill with cool water. Rinse the rice. Swirl the rice in the water, pour off the water and repeat 2 to 3 times until the water is clear.

Place the rice and 2 cups of water into a medium saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, uncovered. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.

While the rice is standing covered, combine the rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer the rice into a large wooden or glass bowl. Add the vinegar mixture. gently fold the rice over and over until it is all covered with the vinegar sugar salt mixture, but being careful not to press the rice together while stirring. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before using to make sushi panda rolls.

To make the panda rolls wet your hands to keep the rice from sticking.  Take a handful of rice to form a ball about the size of a golf ball.  Add features cut from seaweed.  Each little panda will be slightly different but all of them will be yummy. Have fun!