Sushi rice is the key to making your sushi rolls truly special! Learn How to Make Sushi Rice at home in just a few simple steps. You’ll be whipping up perfectly fluffy, sticky, and tasty rice in no time!
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The Best Homemade Sushi Rice
Making the perfect sushi rice at home is actually so simple! In just a few simple steps, you can make perfectly sticky, tangy rice to use in sushi rolls, ahi tuna stacks, or nigiri.
This is short-grain rice that becomes slightly sticky when cooked, allowing it to hold together when forming sushi rolls. This texture is essential for creating sushi that doesn’t fall apart!
The secret here is that the rice is seasoned with a mixture of rice vinegar, honey, and salt, which adds a subtle sweetness and tanginess. In Japanese, “sushi” actually means “sour-tasting”, so this seasoning process is essential in creating the perfect tasting rice! This balance of flavors enhances the overall taste, making each bite delicious and satisfying!
Ingredients Needed
- Sushi Rice: It is very important to use rice that is specifically labeled as sushi rice, which is a short grain rice. Here is our favorite brand to use! You can typically find sushi rice in the international isle of the grocery store, at the farmers market or online!
- Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar is added to the cooked rice to add a slightly tangy flavor. I typically use seasoned rice vinegar which has some salt and sugar added to it.
- Honey: Adds just a bit of natural sweetness! Feel free to use a little bit of sugar instead.
- Salt: Seasons the rice to perfection. Add this to taste.
- Seasoning: If desired, you can sprinkle on some furikake seasoning!
How to Make Sushi Rice
- Rinse Rice: Start by rinsing the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Cook Rice: Add rinsed rice to a medium saucepan along with the water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- Steam: Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to continue to steam with the lid on for 10 minutes.
- Make Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, honey and salt. Whisk until the honey is incorporated with the vinegar, set aside.
- Season the Rice: Spread the rice onto a baking sheet to cool. Add the vinegar seasoning to the rice and stir to coat the rice. Let the rice sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to cool or you can pop it in the fridge to speed up the process.
- Serve and Enjoy: Use it in bowls, tuna stacks or in sushi! Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Rice: Always use short-grain sushi rice, sometimes labeled as “Calrose rice” in stores. This variety has the ideal starch content needed to achieve the perfect sticky texture.
- Rinse the Rice Thoroughly: Before cooking, rinse the rice several times until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky or gummy!
- Season While Warm: Mix the sushi vinegar mixture into the rice while it’s still warm. Use a wooden or non-metallic spoon and a slicing motion to gently fold the vinegar into the rice without mashing the grains.
- Top it Off With Furikake: For added flavor, you can sprinkle furikake seasoning, which is a Japanese multi-purpose seasoning onto the rice! It is my favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
serving suggestions
You can use it in so many different ways! It is delicious served with a fried egg and topped with furikake. Or, of course, you can make sushi rolls! I like to make ahi tuna stacks, or a spicy tuna bowl with this rice too.
Can I use regular rice?
While it’s possible to use regular white rice, the texture and flavor won’t be the same. Short-grain sushi rice is specifically designed to be sticky and hold together, which is crucial for making sushi. If you can’t find sushi rice, short-grain rice is the next best option.
Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Yes! A rice cooker is good way to make sushi rice. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking white rice, and once it’s done, season it with the vinegar mixture while the rice is still warm.
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How To Make Sushi Rice
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cup water
- 2 cups sushi rice, uncooked
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp salt
- seasoning, if desired
Instructions
- Rinse rice: Start by rinsing rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Add rinsed rice to a medium saucepan along with the water.Cook rice: Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to continue to steam with the lid on for 10 minutes.
- Make seasoning: In a small bowl combine vinegar, honey and salt. Whisk until the honey is incorporated with the vinegar, set aside.
- Spread the sushi rice onto a baking sheet to cool. Add the vinegar seasoning to the rice and stir to coat the rice.Let the rice sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to cool or you can pop it in the fridge to speed up the process.
- Use this sushi rice in bowls, tuna stacks or in sushi! Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
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