Master the art of making sushi rice, the easy way.
I was hooked after my first tasteit quickly became a very expensive habit.
The friends that introduced me to sushi also threw sushi making partiesan easy and economical way to eat sushi.
Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
We bought a variety of sashimi-grade fish from a local restaurant and split the cost.
At these parties, I learned the importance of making good sushi rice.
What is Sushi Rice?
Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
Sushi is not raw fish.
In fact, it doesnt even need to involve any fish.
Sushi rice is also called sushi-meshi or shari in Japanese.
Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
Sushi rice is made with Japanese short-grain rice, which is shorter and stickier than medium or long-grain varietals.
When properly cooked, it has a toothsome firmness to it.
In Japan, sushi rice isnt just for sushiits served, unseasoned, as part of meals.
Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
How to Buy Sushi Rice
There are two types of premium short-grain rice called koshihikari and tamanishiki.
Both are available either online or at Asian grocery stores.
Here in the U.S., brands like Lundberg Family Farms label their short-grain rice as sushi rice.
Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
Avoid long-grain rice, like basmati or jasmine, which cannot be used to make sushi.
Glutinous rice is significantly stickier and not suitable for sushi rice.
The traditional method for making sushi rice requires special equipment.
Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
The rice is washed, soaked, and cooked with kombu, an umami-rich seaweed.
A rice paddle is used to slice and fold seasoned vinegar gently into the rice.
A fan cools the rice and helps excess moisture evaporate.
Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
Making sushi rice at home doesnt have to be as precision driven and labor intensive.
I wash and soak the rice.
Then, I add a piece of kombu to cook itthis is optional.
Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
Think of it like self-rising flour, which is all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt sifted into it.
Plus, I prefer lightly seasoned and not-to-sweet sushi rice.
Use the 1/2 cup this recipe calls for.
Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
Quick Tip
Mirin is not the same as seasoned vinegar.
Its a sweet rice wine and not an appropriate substitute.
It can sit out for about 2 hours before you gotta refrigerate it.
Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
The rice will harden in the fridge.
Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring and checking as you go until soft and warm.
Do keep in mind that the texture wont be as optimal as freshly made rice.
Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
Transfer it into a medium pot along with 2 cups of cold water and the kombu, if using.
Cover the pot and let the rice soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
Dont wipe off the white powder on the kombuits full of umami (aka flavor)!
Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
Place the covered pot over medium-high heat and let it come to a boil.
As it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat but keep the lid on.
Let it sit for 5 minutesthe rice will continue to steam.
Place the vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small liquid measuring cup.
Place the cup in the microwave and cook for 30 seconds.
Whisk until the sugar and salt dissolve.
The vinegar should not be hot or boil.
you’ve got the option to also do this on the stovetop in a small pot.
Remove the kombu from the rice and discard it.
Scoop the rice into a large bowl.
Its delicious to eat but should not be added to the sushi rice.
Continue to do this, using about half of the seasoned vinegar.
Then, fold the rice over gently, without packing it down.
You are trying to evenly moisten the rice with the vinegar and cool it at the same time.
Itll start to pick up a nice sheen.
At this point, taste the rice.
If youd like it more seasoned, add more vinegar.
I prefer mine lightly seasoned, so I use half to two-thirds of the mixture.
Some folks prefer a more aggressively seasoned rice and use the entire amount.
Continue to fold the rice gently to cool it.
Then, cover it with a damp cloth and let it cool to room temperature.
you’re able to use the rice while it is still warm or at room temperature.
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