Sushi is one of the most famous and well-known dishes on the planet. When people think of Japanese cuisine, they usually think of sushi. This dish comes with a rich history in Japanese culture and has been adopted into regular diets across the world in countries like the United States of America. Sushi is traditionally made with few ingredients, almost always containing rice, raw fish or vegetables.
Raw Fish Right?
Unless you ask a full-on foodie, a Japanese culture enthusiast, or a Japanese person, the answer you are going to get to the question ‘What is sushi?’ is raw fish. Especially in the west majority of the people consider sushi to be Japanese for raw fish, when in fact it has two separate meanings:
- Historic Meaning: Pickled fish preserved in rice and vinegar
- Current Meaning: A dish containing rice prepared with sushi vinegar
So, while we think the raw fish on top or in the middle is what makes the sushi, in fact, it is the rice and vinegar combined with a piece(s) of raw vegetable or raw fish which in Japanese means Sashimi. Sashimi the dish is widely referred to incorrectly as sushi, but since it does not have rice, it is not officially considered to be sushi.
There are still a wide variety of different and unique sushi dishes we will cover in this article, ranging from the commonly known Maki Sushi or Makizushi and Nigirizuhi to the more unknown Chirashizushi and Inarizushi.
Types of Sushi
Sushi is an interesting dish originated in Japan. Several types of sushi found in Japan are not found anywhere else. At the same time, there are types of sushi outside of Japan that you would not generally see in Japan, like the inside out roles. Enjoy this list of the most popular sushi types and become more familiar with the types of sushi and how they differ.
- Makizushi: also known as “norimaki” is the type of sushi where rice and other ingredients are tightly rolled in a sheet of nori seaweed.
- Nigirizushi: or Nigiri is the original form of sushi we widely accept today. Made of a hand-pressed rice cylinder usually topped with ingredients like a raw piece of tuna.
- Oshizushi: “pressed sushi” is made in a “oshiwaku” box giving it the rectangular shape. Commonly served in neat triangles, rectangles or squares.
- Chirashizushi: translated as “scattered sushi” is a bowl of sushi rice topped with any variety of ingredients.
- Narezushi: is regarded as the original form of sushi. The dish uses fish preserved for several months to years in rice and salt. After fermentation rice is discarded and fish is consumed.
- Inarizushi: sticks out among other types of sushi, because of its sweet flavour, and appearance and because it doesn’t contain any fish. A pouch of deep-fried tofu filled with sushi rice.
There are many more types of sushi worth checking out when in Japan, and we recommend you definitely give them a try if you ever get a chance. Paired with the perfect burn of the wasabi, you cannot go wrong with any of the choices above.
Sushi has a history in Japan dating back to the fourth century and has been spreading around the planet since the 1800s. The western influence and creations like the California Roll, Dynamite Roll and Spicy Tuna Rolls added a different flavour to the vast history of sushi. These types of western roles are not easy to find in Japan, where they stick to the original, historic forms of sushi. You know the saying, if it is not broke, don’t fix it.
Eating Sushi
Here is the “correct” way to eat sushi.
Use chopsticks or your fingers
While sushi is traditionally eaten with fingers, chopsticks are commonly used, especially outside Japan. Hold the top stick with your index finger, thumb, and middle finger, and let the bottom stick rest on the ring finger and the base of the thumb.
Dipping
Dip the sushi fish-side down into the soy sauce. This ensures the rice doesn’t soak up too much sauce and fall apart. Avoid soaking your sushi; a light dip is enough.
Wasabi and Ginger
These accompaniments have distinct roles. Wasabi adds spice; you can place a tiny amount on the sushi or mix it with soy sauce. Ginger acts as a palate cleanser between different types of sushi.
One Bit
Ideally, sushi should be eaten in one bite. If it’s too big, two bites are acceptable. Always try to finish a piece once you’ve started it.
Invest in Sushi
Most sushi restaurants are privately owned and not open to outside investments. If you want to invest in the sushi industry you will therefore either have to open your own restaurant or invest in stock in one of the bigger sushi chains. You can also invest in publicly traded companies that provide products used by sushi restaurants such as condiment producers and aquaculture companies. Chose companies that are active in your area and that you know offer a good product. It is easy to learn how to buy stocks once you have decided which companies you want to invest in. Take your time and research the companies well before you decide to invest your money in their stock.