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How to Make Sushi Rice Recipe

4.7 from 125 reviews

This recipe teaches you how to make perfect sushi rice, a fundamental base for delicious sushi rolls or vegetarian sushi bowls. The sushi rice is carefully rinsed, simmered until tender, and then seasoned with a delicate mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to give it the signature tangy and slightly sweet flavor. The rice is cooled properly to achieve the ideal sticky texture essential for sushi preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Sushi Rice

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 ½ cups water

Seasoning

  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 12 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Rinse Rice: Place sushi rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under running cold water for 2-3 minutes until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch from the rice, preventing it from becoming too sticky.
  2. Boil Rice: Combine rinsed sushi rice and 2 ½ cups water in a pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover with the lid, and let simmer gently for 20 minutes until all water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  3. Prepare Vinegar Mixture: While the rice cooks, heat rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until sugar and salt dissolve completely, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Season Rice: Transfer cooked rice to a large bowl. Pour the vinegar mixture evenly over the hot rice. Using a rice paddle or silicone spatula, gently fold the rice with care not to mash the grains, mixing until the rice is well coated and glossy.
  5. Cool Rice: Cover the seasoned rice with a damp paper towel to keep it moist and allow it to cool to room temperature. This resting step enhances the flavor absorption and texture, making it perfect for sushi assembly.
  6. Serve or Use: Once cooled, the sushi rice is ready to be used for making sushi rolls or served as the base for a vegetarian sushi bowl.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice thoroughly is crucial to remove excess starch and achieve perfect sushi rice texture.
  • Do not skip covering the rice with a damp cloth when cooling to prevent it from drying out.
  • Adjust sugar and salt in the vinegar seasoning according to your taste preferences.
  • Use a wooden or plastic rice paddle to fold and mix the rice gently to avoid breaking the grains.
  • This sushi rice recipe yields approximately 8 servings and can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, but best used fresh.

Keywords: sushi rice, Japanese rice, sushi preparation, rice vinegar, sushi seasoning, how to make sushi rice