What Is Sushi Rice?
Sushi rice is cooked rice flavored with vinegar-based spices. The rice used in making sushi rice is special. It is a low-sugar, generally gluten-free type of rice. This type of rice, specially produced for sushi making, is sticky. Its water rate is high. It is prepared with short grain rice in Japan. In countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, it is made from long grain rice. In some cuisines, brown sushi rice is also preferred for making sushi rice.
What Kind Of Rice Is Best For Sushi?
Special rice should be preferred for sushi rice. Long grain Basmati and Jasmine rice results in a dry and firm rice. Therefore, when choosing rice for sushi, short grain Japanese rice should be used. This type of rice both has a sticky texture and retains its soft consistency after cooling.
Japanese rice can also differ in texture, color and luster. Yet Japanese rice is different in consistency and flavor from jasmine rice or other types of rice. It has higher moisture content.
Is Sushi Rice Gluten Free?
Sushi rice can contain gluten. White vinegar made from corn or wheat is used in some sushi rice making. Sushi rice made with wheat-based vinegar contains gluten. However, gluten-free choices are available also.
How To Make Perfect Sushi Rice At Home?
To make sushi rice at home, follow the steps below.
- Choose Japanese short grain rice. You can get the best results with sushi rice, which is different in consistency and flavor than other rice.
- Wash thoroughly to separate the starch from the rice. Also, soak the rice for 30 minutes before cooking. In this way, the rice will have a better texture and sticky consistency.
- Cook with an electric rice cooker, pot, or instant pot.
- Adjust the balance of sweet, salty and sour. Use rice vinegar, sugar, and salt to season the sushi rice. You can also add kombu to get a consistency.
How To Cook Sushi Rice?
It can be cooked with a rice cooker or Instant Pot.
How To Make Sushi Rice In The Rice Cooker?
When cooking sushi rice with the rice cooker, first wash the dishes. Then add rice and cold water. As included in our recipe, cook it first on high heat and then on low heat. In a separate saucepan, cook the vinegar, sugar and salt. Then slowly pour the vinegar over the rice. Mix rice and vinegar with a wooden spoon.
How To Make Sushi Rice In The Instant Pot?
When making sushi rice with the instant pot, wash the rice well. Drain the water. Then put cold water and rice in a pot. Cook the rice for 6 minutes in the instant pot. Meanwhile, mix the rice vinegar, salt and sugar in a bowl. Then release the pressure by opening the vent. Carefully open the lid of the pot. Put the rice in a glass bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Mix gently with a spatula.
How to Store Sushi Rice?
After the sushi rice has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can also store it in the freezer. But the texture of the rice that is frozen when it is thawed will not be very good. For this reason, we recommend that you prepare the rice fresh, especially when making sushi.
