Japanese
Sushi Variations
There is so much more
Originally, sushi was a method of preserving fish in rice and salt. But sushi is not just about fish. Our recipe is good with or without fish.
While the rice remains, everything else is up to your taste and imagination. There are more forms than nigiri and maki sushi, for instance, onigiri and chirashi.
Sushi Spice Blend
Hemp seeds, ginger, matcha, coriander, brown mustard
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Sushi Rice is Unique
Sushi rice is a type of short-grain rice that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine to make sushi. What makes sushi rice special is the way it is prepared.
The first step in making sushi rice is to wash the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and other impurities. After washing, the rice is soaked for about 30 minutes to allow it to absorb water. This step is important because it ensures that the rice cooks evenly and retains its shape when it is formed into sushi.
A combination of vinegar, sugar, and salt is added to the rice after it has been cooked. This helps to give the sushi rice its distinctive flavor and texture. The seasoning also helps to keep the rice moist and sticky, which is important for forming the rice into sushi rolls. This stickiness allows the rice to hold its shape and keep the ingredients inside the sushi roll from falling out.
More Asian Recipes
Japanese Onigiri
Japanese onigiri is a popular snack food in Japan that consists of a rice ball formed into a triangular or round shape, often with a filling or seasoning in the center. The word “onigiri” translates to “rice ball” in English. The rice is shaped by hand or with the help of a mold into the desired shape.
Onigiri can be eaten on their own as a snack, or as a part of a meal. They are often wrapped in nori (dried seaweed) to make them easier to handle, and to add a salty, umami flavor. The filling inside the onigiri can vary, and may include things like pickled plums, salmon, tuna, beef, chicken, or vegetables.
Onigiri is a popular food item in Japan and is commonly found in convenience stores, train stations, and other locations where people are looking for a quick and easy snack. It is also a popular item for picnics and bento boxes.
Japanese Chirashi
Japanese chirashi is a type of sushi that consists of a bed of sushi rice, topped with a variety of ingredients. The word “chirashi” translates to “scattered” in English, which refers to the way the toppings are scattered on top of the rice.
Unlike traditional sushi rolls, chirashi is served in a bowl rather than rolled into a cylindrical shape. The toppings can vary depending on the chef’s preference, but commonly include fish such as salmon, tuna, and yellowtail, as well as seafood like octopus and shrimp. Vegetables such as cucumber, avocado, and daikon radish may also be added, along with toppings like egg omelet and pickled ginger.
Chirashi is a popular dish in Japan and can be found in sushi restaurants, as well as in Japanese-style bento boxes. It is a colorful and visually appealing dish, and the variety of toppings makes it a great option for those who enjoy a mix of different flavors and textures in their food.
Japanese Sushi Variations
Ingredients
Sushi Rice Ingredients
- 2 cups short-grain rice
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar or to taste
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
Sushi Culinary Spice Kit
- Hemp seeds, ginger, matcha, coriander, brown mustard
Sushi Filling Selection
- cucumber, carrots, celery, beetroot, radish, daikon, green onions, avocado, mushrooms
- sushi grade or smoked tuna or salmon
- omelet or fried chicken nuggets
- tofu or tempeh
Suggested Sides & Accompaniments
- baked salmon
- fried or baked kale chips
- seaweed cut seaweed sheets into strips
- soy sauce
- pickled ginger
- wasabi
- edamame
Instructions
Sushi Rice
- Cook rice according to package instructions*.
- In a small BOWL**, add vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Add Sushi spices. Stir.
- In a large BAKING DISH, spread the rice out. Sprinkle the vinegar mixture onto the warm rice and mix it carefully. Cover the rice with a damp kitchen towel to keep it moist & warm.
Onigiri - with finely chopped fillings
- Use a bowl with water to wet your hands.
- Option 1: Fill one hand palm with rice to form a ball or triangle or shape of your liking. Push 1 tsp of fillings of your choice into the rice, close it, and press light on all sides. Repeat.
- Option 2: Mix 2 tbsp of rice with 1 tsp of
- fillings of your choice. Form the mixture into your preferred shape. Repeat.
Chirashi - with thinly sliced fillings
- Fill your BOWL with a layer of rice. Arrange your choice of fillings nicely on top.
- Find more tips online! Enjoy!
