For the rice
1 cup white short-grain rice*
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (available at Oriental markets, specialty foods shops, and some supermarkets)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dry Sherry
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 avocado (preferably California)
fresh lemon juice for rubbing the avocado
three 8- by 7-inch pieces of toasted nori (dried laver)*
1/2 cucumber, peeled and cut lengthwise into 8- by 1/4-inch strips, discarding the seeds
about 1/4 pound fresh King crab meat, thawed if frozen, picked over, and drained
wasabi (Japanese horseradish) paste* to taste for the sushi plus additional as an accompaniment if desired
soy sauce as an accompaniment
pickled ginger* as an accompaniment if desired


*available at Oriental markets and some specialty foods shops

avocado, crab, meat

For Saté:
1 cup teriyaki sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons brown sugar
24 medium uncooked shrimp, peeled, deveined
1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips

1 1/4 pounds beef skirt steak, cut into 3x1/2-inch strips, or filet mignon, cut into 3 x 1/2 x 1/4-inch strips


36 (about) bamboo skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes


Banana leaves or ornamental kale


Lime slices

For peanut sauce:
1 cup creamy peanut butter (do not use old-fashioned style or freshly ground)
1 14 1/2-ounce can chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons chopped peeled fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
Lime peel julienne

Hibiscus or gardenia flowers (optional)

chicken, shrimp, beef

2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
Pepper

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons purchased oriental black bean sauce
Steamed rice

chicken, black, bean

4 cups sushi rice
1 small piece kombu (1 1/2x6 inches)
1/3 cup japanese rice vinegar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tbsp sugar
rice