Dainty, delicious, and delectable, once you fall in love with sushi, there’s no going back. Yet, for some reason, there’s a mystique surrounding the art of sushi that discourages many people from making their own. At RiceSelect®, we believe that no dish is beyond mastering. If you’re passionate about good food, all you need is time, patience, and the right guide to help you on your journey. So join us as we explore the delightful world of sushi rolls and sushi bowls!

What is Sushi? Origins and History

You know what they say: necessity is the mother of invention, and the humble origins of sushi certainly speak to that. The word sushi roughly translates to ‘sour in taste’ and refers to the Iron Age technique of using fermented rice and rice vinegar to preserve fish. The fish, once caught, would be wrapped in the rice and soaked in vinegar. This meant that it could be preserved for longer periods. Originally, the rice was discarded, and only the fish was eaten. It wasn’t until the 14th century that the practice of consuming the rice as well as the fish began. From then on, the cuisine would further evolve to include variations such as maki—rice rolled in seaweed with a traditional raw fish filling—and nigiri—fish placed atop a small mound of fermented rice.

What makes fish sushi grade?

So you’re planning a sushi feast in your home and want to make sure the fish you serve is of the highest quality. Naturally, you look for ‘sushi or sashimi-grade’ fish, right? Unfortunately, the term sushi grade is not without its ambiguities. Officially, there are no specific regulations in place to determine fish as sushi-grade per se. The concept of sushi grade fish refers to fish that has been gutted and bled immediately upon capture, then iced thoroughly. The FDA recommends raw fish be frozen at -4°F for 7 days before consumption, or -31°F for a period of 24 hours. Fish providers in the US are required by law to follow these guidelines. The best practice is to consult with a trusted fish provider to ensure the fish you purchase is both sushi grade and meets FDA standards.

How to make sushi rice

To make the best sushi rice, you’ll need a short-grain white rice variety such as RiceSelect® Sushi Rice. Making perfect sushi rice depends on the seasoning. For this, you’ll need the following:

  • Vinegar

  • Sugar

  • Salt

Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions. Then, prepare the seasoning by adding the following ingredients to a small pan:

  • 4 tbsp of rice vinegar

  • 3 tsp of sugar

  • 2 tsp of salt

Heat the seasoning mixture until the sugar has dissolved, then leave it aside. Once the mixture has fully cooled, add it to the cooked rice. If you want to know more about sushi rice, check out our Guide to Becoming a Sushi Connoisseur.

Sushi Rolls vs Sushi Bowls

Part of the charm of sushi is its continued evolution. Lovers of classic maki sushi with nori will be dazzled by these delectable Vegetarian Sushi Rolls. Packed with bell peppers, grated carrots, and cucumber, and with a dab of wasabi to the side, these rolls are sure to please connoisseurs and newcomers to sushi alike!

Alternatively, if you want to enjoy traditional sushi flavors as part of a singular main dish, try this Salmon Poke Bowl with Sushi Rice. It combines all your favorite sushi ingredients with the convenience of a rice bowl recipe.

Shrimp Finger Sushi Recipe

Shrimp Nigiri

No sushi spread would be complete without nigiri. Our Shrimp Finger Sushi is the perfect nigiri dish to serve to friends and family. Served with pickled ginger, wasabi paste, and soy sauce, guests will delight in these hand-held seafood treasures. Best of all, this nigiri-inspired sushi recipe is easy to make and a great way to put leftover sushi rice to use.

Delicious Recipe with Sushi Rice

Sushi rice is a delicious and versatile ingredient with a plethora of uses beyond classic sushi recipes. This Crispy Rice Spicy Salmon recipe is prime evidence of that! Made with tender salmon, sriracha sauce, sliced jalapeño, and soy sauce, it’s served on a bed of crispy air-fryer sushi rice. This dish works perfectly as a complement to other sushi offerings or as an appetizer for lovers of finger food.

Sushi Fusion

If you’re looking to get creative with your sushi spread, why not add some fusion sushi dishes to your repertoire? For lovers of sushi rolls, this Italian Sushi recipe is guaranteed to delight and satisfy in equal measure. Drawing inspiration from traditional sushi roll recipes, the traditional use of nori seaweed in the rolling process is replaced by prosciutto ham. Firm but tender, this Italian delicacy performs the role of nori admirably, providing for an authentic sushi dining experience with a unique Mediterranean twist.

Hidden Gem of Japanese Cuisine

Now that you're well-acquainted with the world of sushi rolls and bowls, how about trying your hand at one of the hidden gems of Japanese cuisine? This Ochazuke Green Tea Japanese Rice Soup is a unique and flavor soup dish made with green tea, enoki mushrooms, fresh spinach, and furikake seasoning. Perfect as a light lunch or a show-stealing appetizer, it will make you the talk of the table at your next gathering.

Embrace the Flavors of the World

At RiceSelect®, we’re passionate about flavor. There’s simply nothing more satisfying than exploring new food cultures from the comfort of your kitchen. That’s why we’re proud to provide a hub for home chefs and foodies who are looking to broaden their culinary horizons. For more unique international recipes and expert advice, be sure to check out our blog.