How to Make Sushi Rice

If you know How to Make Sushi Rice, then you can enjoy a Japanese favorite at home! Simply cook short-grain rice, vinegar, and sugar to make this fluffy and sticky rice. Use this easy recipe to make the best sushi rolls and poke bowls, or as a quick side at home any night of the week.

Let me see some hands if you crave sushi on a regular basis!!

I realized, after MUCH indulging, I was mostly craving the slightly sweet and vinegar-soaked sushi rice rather than the filling or topping. It was so addicting and delicious.

My mission became to master the art of this special rice. Then, I learned How to Roll Sushi at home. Now, we have California Rolls, Avocado Sushi, and Philadelphia Rolls on the regular.

You can avoid the sushi price tag and enjoy a delicious Japanese dinner at home. And, have fun doing it!

What is Sushi Rice?

Sushi means “sour-tasting” in Japanese. Contrary to popular belief, this term refers to the rice and not the fish.

Sushi rice is made from Japanese short-grain white rice seasoned with vinegar and sugar. The type used as well as the process is important.

And unlike the regular variety, sushi rice is steamed so it is stickier.

If you are unable to find white, Japanese short-grain rice, there are other types you can use. Medium-grain rice can work in a pinch. However, never use long-grain, as it doesn’t have the right texture or enough starch.

Ingredients

Making the perfect sushi rice recipe is relatively easy and only requires a few simple ingredients:

• Rice. Short-grain Japanese or California rice is the best to use as it has a higher starch content than longer grain varieties. You can find bags of it in your local grocery store on either the grains or Asian food aisle.  They will typically be labeled “sushi rice”.
• Water. Regular tap water will work just fine, but filtered water is even better.
• Rice Vinegar. Do not substitute this for any other type of vinegar or even rice wine vinegar. It will taste drastically different!
• White sugar. Regular white sugar is the best to use and it is not recommend to substitute it for any other type of sugar.
• Oil. Vegetable or avocado oil is recommended here. Other oils with a strong flavor (i.e. olive oil) will be too overwhelming and will make it taste a bit “off.”
• Salt. Adding salt to your dish is optional and you can add as much or as little as you would like to season it.

Expert Tip: If you are using a “sushi vinegar” make sure to read the label – they often already have sugar and sometimes even salt added into them and will affect your finished product.

How to Make

Here are the basic steps for making sushi rice at home:

Rinse it Well

Place the sushi rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under running water for a minute or two. Allow any excess liquid to drain and let dry completely on a paper towel for at least 10-15 minutes.

You absolutely need to rinse sushi rice with water before cooking. If not, the extra starch will cause it to clump together too much and make it too sticky.

Cook the Rice

The best way to cook sushi rice is on the stovetop. This method results in perfectly fluffy and sticky grains.

Place water and uncooked rice in a saucepan. Be sure to read the directions on the bag to ensure you have the correct ratio.

Bring the water to a full boil. Immediately reduce the heat and allow the rice and water to simmer COVERED for 20 minutes.

When the time is up, remove the lid and fluff the rice.

If you have a rice cooker, add rinsed rice and water to the pot. Set it to the white rice setting if it has one. Otherwise, simply turn it on.

To make rice in an Instant Pot, combine rice and water in the pot. Choose the “Rice” function if available. If not, cook for 3 minutes then allow a 10-minute natural release.

With any of these methods, be mindful of the rice to water ratio.

Vinegar Mixture

In a small saucepan combine vinegar, sugar, and salt over medium heat.

Whisk consistently until sugar and salt have dissolved, about 2-3 minutes.

Season

Place the cooked rice in a large bowl. Pour the seasoned vinegar evenly over the top.

Using a rice paddle or silicone spatula, carefully toss until the rice is well-coated. Be careful not to smush the grains. Rather, gently fold it until everything is evenly mixed

Cover the sticky rice with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Let it sit until it has completely cooled to room temperature.

Meal Prep and Storage

• To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To Freeze: Let the rice come to room temperature then seal in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 months.
• To Reheat: Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl along with a teaspoon of water. Cover with a dampened paper towel and microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Rice vinegar is key. This specific type of vinegar has no added sugar and is the best to use.
• Read the label. If using “sushi vinegar” you’ll need to adjust the amount of sugar and salt you add since this type already has some in it.
• Rinse the rice. Removing the extra starch is crucial to avoid mushy rice.
• Use short-grain. Either a Japanese or California short-grain rice is the authentic type to use.
• Let it cool. If you’re using for sushi, wait until the rice is cool to the touch so it’s easy to handle.

Recipes to Make

The options are endless, but a few recipe ideas you can make once your rice is cooked:

• Philadelphia Roll
• Avocado Sushi Roll
• California Sushi Rolls
• Vegan Sushi Bowl
• Sushi Burrito Recipe
• Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl