Sushi bakes are still in! And I know you can’t get enough of it. Well, at least I can’t get enough of it. There were a whole couple of weeks I when I ordered sushi bakes to try different brands I found on Instagram. And I have to mention I’m glad how our online ordering process has become smoother and faster now compared to how I experienced it few years before.
We, Filipinos, love Japanese food. And knowing our culture, we also like reinventing things especially dishes that we are in love with. This kind of remake kind of make sushis simpler that you just have to scoop a tiny part and wrap it in a small nori sheet right before every bite.
How to make a sushi bake
Looking at a small pan of it, you’d think it’s too complicated to make, but I found a recipe online and learned it’s actually easy. If you love cooking, Foxy Folksy’s Sushi Bake Recipe will definitely convince you to try it at least once. Each ingredient is also well-explained so you know what you’re doing and what you’re doing it with.
What to keep in mind if you're ordering online
If you’re not a cook and you just like eating (like me!) or if you don’t have time to experiment on a new recipe, there are lots of online store ready to serve you your cravings. Personally, I like browsing through Instagram because let’s be honest, good pictures help us imagine the taste! So one day I scrolled up and down the search tab, and ordered a number of trays for the family (And to secretly satisfy my cravings).
As we are currently facing a challenge anyone did not expect, it’s best to stay safe and be more mindful of all our actions, especially when ordering food online. Go ahead and add that to you cart or shopping bag, but before that, here are some tips to keep you and your family safe from unexpected things to happen:
- Pick a store that promotes/advocates for safe delivery transactions. Since online stores are booming, some of them, sadly, do not really prioritize precautionary measures and just mind the sales instead. We have a looong list of online stores to choose from, so pick a store who cares about their customers.
- Always opt-in to no-contact delivery. I understand not all of us have online accounts or wallets, but if you are able to apply or register for it, please do so. Exchanges of things including money may increase the risk of transferring the virus, so let’s limit those kinds of transactions as much as possible.
- Dispose off the packaging/bags before bringing the food inside your home. While all stores claim they sanitize well, we cannot guarantee the cleanliness of the items especially the bags when they were exposed outside. Though I don’t think delivery guys rarely have physical contacts with other persons while, you know, riding the bike/car, we still have to make sure to do our part in minimizing the transfer of the virus.
- Heat/re-heat the food. Another important way to protect yourself from the virus is to re-heat the food before you consume it as it will help kill the virus. Most sushi bake trays come with this tiny piece of paper with re-heating instructions to make it easier for you.
- Sanitize your hands. I mean, of course! We obviously need to clean our hands with or without Coronavirus roaming around. The World Heath Organization (WHO) came up with this helpful infographics on who to wash your hands properly.
Where to buy ready-to eat sushi bakes online
Finally sharing with you a short list of underrated sushi bakes I found on Instagram. Each bite of these sushi trays make me thank myself I thought of looking for them online and introducing them to the fam. Just for information, I always ordered a small tray from each shop, and it’s shared by at least 4 people. While they marketed it to be shared by 2, 4 people from my family were able to taste it and actually got satisfied. Yay for these small trays! <3
They have one of my favorite sushi bakes! I had it first as a gift from an officemate, and I loved it so much I ordered again. One small classic sushi bake prices at P550* and ranges to P1,350* depending on the tray size and flavor.
Comida de Reina’s sushi bake surprised me for having bigger cubes of it’s ingredients. Unlike sushi bakes I tried, this one’s so satisfying I was full for just a few bites. They also sell other dishes which for sure are delicious as well. I’m thinking of trying their roast chicken with garlic butter and herbs soon!
Aburi Mama’s is probably one of the most recommended sushi bakes in Manila, and they deserve it. Like most of sushi bake stores on IG, Aburi Mama is also home-based and they offer one of the yummiest Cheesy Baked Salmon Kani Aburi Rice. Prices range from P980* to P1,700* depending on size.
Aside from the name, what I liked about Sushi ng Ina Mo is their innovative idea of using our beloved SPAM in our another beloved sushi bake. It’s not as sticky as the other suhsi bakes, but it’s just as yummy as my favorites. Each tray ranges from P350* to P800* depending on flavor and size.
Home baked and perfect for quick snacks and really great with coffee (unless you’re not a fan of coffee partnered with anything lol) Prices range from P350* to P650* depending on size.
*rates are as of June 2020.
Have you tried sushi bake yet? What are your thought about the trend? Do you have a brand in mind to recommend? Let me know your thoughts and leave a comment below!