Sushi Rolls

Makes 30 rolls

A bamboo sushi mat (found in Asian markets and cookware stores) or plastic wrap can be used to make these rolls.

Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce

¼ cup mirin
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
3 ½ Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. dark sesame oil
1 tsp. grated fresh ginger
½ tsp. chili oil

Sushi Rolls

1 ½ lb. asparagus spears, trimmed
4 Tbs. rice wine vinegar
1 ½ Tbs. sugar
1 ½ tsp. salt
4 cups cooked short grain rice
6 to 8 nori sheets (toasted seaweed)
3 Tbs. toasted sesame seeds
6 oz. smoked or baked teriyaki tofu, cut into ¼-inch-thick strips
2 carrots, shredded (about 1 cup)

1. To make Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce: Combine all ingredients in small bowl.

2. Cook asparagus in pot of boiling salted water 3 minutes. Drain.

3. Stir together vinegar, sugar, and salt in bowl. Add to rice, and mix well.

4. To assemble Sushi Rolls: Place one nori sheet shiny side down on bamboo mat or sheet of plastic wrap. Spread with ½ cup rice, leaving ½-inch border along edges. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. sesame seeds. Place 2 asparagus just below center, top with tofu and 2 Tbs. carrots. Pull border of nori over rice, using mat as aid, and roll into tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Chill up to 3 hours. Slice rolls into 6 to 7 pieces with sharp knife. Serve with Ginger-Soy Dipping Sauce.