How to choose the right wooden spatula for sushi rice

A wooden spatula (or bamboo spatula) is an essential utensil if you plan to make sushi at home. In Japan it is known as a hera or shamoji.

It is used to aerate and mix your vinegar mixture into your sushi rice.

You can also use it to press wet food liked cooked bonito flakes through a sieve or to serve rice.

Like its cousin the bamboo mat, a bamboo spatual is an inexpensive item you can find in regular supermarkets or Asian grocery stores.

These spatulas come in all shapes and sizes. The one I use the most looks like this –

Sushi Guy Quick Tip - Always moisten your spatula before use to prevent your rice from sticking to the paddle. A Japanese spatula can be made of plain wood or lacquered wood. I find that the former tends to accumulate the smell of whatever you have been cooking and care must be taken to properly clean it or mold and other nasties can accumulate.

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