Guide to Sushi Sauces: Spicy Mayo and Beyond

Spicy Mayo: The Essential Sushi Sauce

Spicy mayo is a ubiquitous sauce in many sushi restaurants, beloved for its creamy texture and spicy kick. It's also incredibly easy to make at home.

Ingredients:

1. Mayonnaise: Any optional 

2. Chili sauce (Sambal or Sriracha)

Ratio:

• Start with a 4:1 ratio of mayo to chili sauce

• Adjust to taste - you may prefer it spicier or milder

Mayonnaise options:

• Kewpie (Japanese mayo): More depth and flavor, popular among sushi chefs

• Regular mayo: Any brand you prefer or have available

Chili sauce options:

1. Sambal: Indonesian chili paste, chunky texture

2. Sriracha: Thai-style hot sauce, smooth consistency

Optional additions:

• Honey (for sweetness)

• Fish roe (for texture and umami)

• Lemon juice (for acidity)

• Rice vinegar (for tanginess)

Tips:

• Start with a small batch and adjust to your preference

• No exact science - create your own perfect blend

Beyond Spicy Mayo: Other Essential Sushi Sauces - Not on actual content

While spicy mayo is incredibly popular, there are several other sauces commonly used in sushi restaurants:

1. Soy Sauce (Shoyu): The classic accompaniment to sushi, providing saltiness and umami.

2. Ponzu: A citrus-based sauce made with soy sauce, citrus juice, mirin, and dashi. It's tangy and light.

3. Eel Sauce (Unagi Sauce): A sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. It's commonly used on eel rolls but pairs well with many types of sushi.

4. Wasabi: While not technically a sauce, this spicy green paste is an essential condiment for sushi.

5. Ginger Sauce: A zingy sauce often used for salads or as a dipping sauce for tempura.

6. Yuzu Kosho: A paste made from yuzu citrus, chili peppers, and salt. It adds a spicy, citrusy kick to sushi.

Making Your Own Sushi: Tips for Beginners

1. Start with good-quality, sushi-grade fish from a reputable source.

2. Invest in a sharp knife for clean cuts.

3. Use short-grain sushi rice and season it properly with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.

4. Practice your rolling technique with a bamboo mat.

5. Start with simple rolls before moving on to more complex creations.

6. Experiment with different combinations of fish, vegetables, and sauces.

Remember, making great sushi takes practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect - focus on the flavors and have fun with the process!