An essential utensil for the preparation of a perfect sushi rice, the hangiri! Presentation:
- Hangiri, a typical Japanese container
- The use of the hangiri
- Do I have to buy one?
- Tips for using the hangiri
Hangiri, a typical Japanese container
A hangiri “飯切” also called handai“飯 台” is a circular shallow container with a flat bottom, usually made of wood and which is very useful during the last step of the preparation of Japanese rice. Indeed, this one allows to spread the cooked rice in this container in order to cool it gently.
The hangiri is sealed by two copper bands and exists in several sizes. You will find it from 30 cm for individuals and up to 1 meter for restaurants.
The use of hangiri
Once cooked, the rice is spread in the hangiri and mixed with the sauce: rice vinegar, sugar and salt with a rice spatula. It is also cooled with a fan. This is a very important step because it allows the rice to be sticky and shiny.
Once the rice is mixed, the hangiri is covered with a wet cloth to keep the rice in good conditions and not dry. The Hangiri allows you to keep your rice at the right temperature, not too hot, not too cold, in order to make quality sushi.
Do I have to buy one?
It depends on your use:
- Yes, buying one will allow you to make a quality rice, a rice like in Japan. You can cook your rice with a pressure cooker, or make it in a pan (see our Japanese rice recipe), and spread it in the hangiri!
- Yes, if you have a lot of people at home, the hangiri can be used to cool a large quantity of rice.
- Yes! if you are a Japanese food lover, rice is present in many Japanese dishes, from breakfast to dinner.
- No! If you rarely cook Japanese food, then use a large circular dish like a pie plate.
- No! If you are alone. The hangiri can be used to cool a large quantity of rice (at least for 4 people). You will find in the shops a hangiri of 30 cm diameter at least which is big enough for 1 person.
Personally, I think the hangiri is a must-have utensil if you are a fan of Japanese cuisine because it really makes rice like in Japan, shiny, slightly sticky, and light in the mouth. I recommend it. Moreover, it will be of the most beautiful effect in your kitchen accompanied by its cloth.
Tips for using hangiri
Before using your hangiri, moisten it with a brush or a tea towel before putting your rice, so it will not stick to the sides and you will be able to mix it easily.
You will also find hangiri with a wooden lid on top, this allows you to keep your rice if you don’t use it right away.
It can also be used as a sushi tray presentation like the nigiri sushi, maki futo maki etc..
It is easy to clean with water, sponge and is not dishwasher safe.
You can also make our recipes using hangiri as a presentation: the tekone sushi recipe and the chirashi sushi recipe.
