Bowl of perfectly cooked sushi rice ready for making sushi rolls

How to Make Sushi Rice

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Sushi rice is the foundation of delicious sushi rolls and bowls. Learning to make sushi rice at home is easy and gives you control over the flavor and texture. With just a few ingredients, you can create perfect rice that sticks together and has that distinct tangy taste. It enhances the overall sushi experience, making it fresh and tasty.

How to Make Sushi Rice

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups short grain Japanese rice – you must use the measuring cup that comes with your rice cooker as the measurements are a little different than a regular measuring cup.
  • Water
  • 1/4 cup plain rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon kombu dashi or kombucha powder
  • Rice washing bowl or strainer
  • Rice cooker
  • Rice paddle
  • Sushi oke

Directions:

  1. Put the rice in a rice washing bowl and run cold water over it. Rinse the rice using your hand in a swirling motion. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear, and then drain well. If you don’t have a rice washing bowl, use a medium bowl and pour some water in it. Wash the rice in a swirling motion to remove excess starch and pour out as much of the water as possible. Repeat this step until the water runs clear, then strain the rice through a sieve to drain all the water.

  2. Transfer the rice to a rice cooker and add enough water to reach just under the 2-cup line. Close the lid and press start. If you are cooking Japanese rice on the stove, please follow the instructions from the guide on how to make Japanese rice.

  3. Mix all the ingredients for the sushi rice seasoning in a bowl. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and set aside.

  4. Fill a cup with tepid water and place your rice paddle in it. This will help prevent the rice from sticking to the paddle.

  5. Brush the sushi oke with a little water or rice vinegar to stop the rice from sticking, then add the rice. You can also use a glass or plastic bowl if you don’t have a sushi oke.

  6. Spread the rice with the rice paddle and pour the vinegar mixture over it. Gently fold and slice the rice (do not mix, as this will make it mushy!) until the vinegar mixture is evenly distributed and the rice is warm but cool enough to handle.

  7. Cover the rice with a kitchen towel to keep it from drying out. Use it within an hour for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve Sushi Rice

Serving sushi rice is simple. You can use it as the base for sushi rolls, rice bowls, or nigiri. Pair it with fresh fish, vegetables, and your favorite sushi toppings. A side of soy sauce or wasabi can enhance the flavors even more.

How to Store Sushi Rice

If you have leftover sushi rice, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It is best to use it within a day. If the rice becomes hard, you can add a little water and gently reheat it in the microwave to restore some moisture.

Tips to Make Sushi Rice

  • Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for the right texture.
  • Use a rice cooker for consistent results, but follow the stovetop instructions if that’s what you have.
  • Avoid mixing the rice too vigorously after adding the seasoning to keep it fluffy.

Variation

You can add different seasonings to sushi rice, such as wasabi or sesame seeds, to customize the flavor to your liking. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular rice instead of sushi rice?
No, sushi rice is short grain and has the right texture and stickiness for making sushi. Regular rice will not give you the same result.

2. How long can sushi rice last in the refrigerator?
Sushi rice is best used within a day of making it. If stored properly, it can last up to 2 days, but the quality may decrease.

3. What can I add to sushi rice for extra flavor?
You can mix in additional seasonings like sesame oil, furikake, or even a touch of mirin to enhance the flavor of your sushi rice.