Sushi rice -- the ultrasticky rice used to form and bind all sorts of sushi -- is essential to shaping this Asian delicacy. Once you're off and running with perfectly prepared sushi rice, you will be able to create almost any sort of sushi. Though its few-ingredients recipe seems simple, it is important to use the correct variety of rice and to cook it properly. Begin by preparing the rice as directed in this Better Homes and Gardens recipe for California Sushi Rolls. Then sample some of the delicious recipes that follow.

When making sushi rice, keep these important pointers in mind:

• Long grain rice will not work. Be sure to buy short grain rice or rice labeled for sushi use.
• Cool hot cooked rice as quickly as possible by spreading it thinly in a large pan or baking sheet. Cover with a damp kitchen towel to keep the rice from drying out.
• When working with cooked rice, keep your hands damp to keep the rice from sticking to you.
• Always work rice gently, being careful not to press rice too tightly. The best sushi has plenty of air between the grains of rice.

California Sushi Rolls

Servings: Makes 12 sushi rolls
Total: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 sheets nori (seaweed) (each about 8 inches square)
• 1 recipe Sushi Rice Filling
• Desired fillings (such as small carrot, zucchini, or cucumber sticks; avocado slices; flake-style imitation crabmeat; smoked salmon (lox-style); and/or small peeled, deveined, and cooked shrimp)
• 1 recipe Honey-Ginger Sauce

Directions

1. Lay nori on a sushi mat lined with plastic wrap; with damp fingers, spread 1 cup of the Sushi Rice Filling over each sheet to within 1 inch of the edge at one end. Arrange desired fillings just below center of sheet.
2. Roll nori toward the 1-inch unfilled edge. (To shape a tight, even roll, place your hands under the edge of the mat closest to you. While carefully lifting the edge of the nori, roll the rice-topped nori away from you.) Press unfilled edge over top, brushing with water to seal, if necessary.
3. Cut each roll into 6 pieces; arrange on a platter. If desired, cover and chill for up to 4 hours. Serve with Honey-Ginger Sauce. Makes 2 sushi rolls (12 pieces)

Sushi Rice Filling: In a fine-mesh sieve wash 1/2 cup short grain rice under cold running water, rubbing grains together with your fingers. In a small saucepan combine rinsed rice, 1 cup cold water, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes (rice should be sticky). Remove from heat; stir in 1/4 cup finely shredded carrot, 1 tablespoon sugar, and, if desired, 1 tablespoon sake or dry sherry. Cover and cool about 45 minutes or until room temperature. (Rice can be prepared ahead; cover and chill for up to 3 days.) Makes about 2 cups.

Honey-Ginger Sauce: In a small saucepan combine 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons plum sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and one 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced. Bring to boiling, stirring frequently; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until slightly thickened. Strain into a small bowl; cool. Cover and chill. Makes a scant 3/4 cup.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 89, Total Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 2 mg, Sodium 539 mg, Carbohydrate 18 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 3 g. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Here are 7 more of the Web's best recipes for sushi rice, including some appetizers that resemble sushi rolls.

Nigiri Sushi with Avocado, Cucumber, and Shiso Leaves

Nigiri sushi is shaped into ovals of rice with the "filling" on top. If you can't find shiso leaves, substitute fresh basil.

Maki Garden Rolls

If you don't have a sushi mat, use waxed paper or a clean kitchen towel for assembling your rolls.

Spicy Broccoli Sprout Sushi

Spicy sprouts, such as broccoli, arugula, or leek, give sushi rolls a delicate crunch and peppery flavor.

California Rolls

This California roll is an example of an "inside-out" sushi roll, where the rice is on the outside.

Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups

Rice, salmon, and crunchy vegetables fill these chilled appetizers.

Vegetable Appetizers with Short Grain Rice

Crisp vegetables serve as tiny containers for the flavored rice in this fresh spin on sushi.

Make-Ahead Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups

This chilled salmon appetizer looks a little like sushi.