Sushi is one of Japan’s most renowned culinary delights, and it comes in a variety of types. Sushi is a combination of cooked vinegared rice, fish, seaweed and other ingredients.
Depending on the region and ingredients used, sushi can differ significantly in taste and preparation. To help you dive into the delicious world of Japanese sushi, here is an overview of the different types of sushi you can expect to find during your travels in Japan.
History of Sushi
Sushi originated in Southeast Asia during the 4th century BC, where it was served as a form of fermented fish. This method of using rice and salt to preserve fish was brought to Japan around the 8th century, where it soon became a popular method of preserving fish in Japan. This method of using rice and salt to preserve fish was called narezushi and was a popular form of sushi for centuries.
As the years went by, sushi became more and more popular in Japan, and it began to evolve into different forms. In the 17th century, sushi chefs began to serve the fish and rice combination with other ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and eggs. In the 19th century, a new form of sushi became popular, called nigirizushi, which was a piece of fish placed on top of a ball of vinegared rice.
Towards the end of the 19th century, sushi began to spread to other parts of the world. Today, sushi is popular all over the globe, and it is one of the most popular Japanese dishes. If you’re visiting Japan, be sure to try some sushi for a truly authentic Japanese experience. Sushi restaurants in Japan offer a variety of delicious sushi dishes, from the traditional nigirizushi to modern maki sushi rolls. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, be sure to try some sushi when visiting Japan!
Common Types of Sushi
Nigiri
Nigiri sushi is one of the most popular types of sushi. This type of sushi consists of a slice of raw fish placed on top of a small ball of vinegared rice. Commonly served types of fish include tuna, salmon and yellowtail. Nigiri sushi is often served with soy sauce and wasabi.
Maki
Maki sushi, also known as rolled sushi, is made by wrapping cooked or raw fish and other ingredients in a sheet of seaweed and vinegared rice. When the roll is cut into pieces, you will get several round or cylinder-shaped pieces. There are several types of maki sushi, such as futomaki, which is made with a variety of ingredients, and temaki, which is a hand-rolled cone-shaped sushi roll.
Inarizushi
Inarizushi is also a type of sushi that is made with vinegared rice wrapped in a pouch of fried tofu. This type of sushi is usually served with a sweet soy sauce.
Oshizushi
Oshizushi is a type of sushi that is pressed into a box-shaped mold. The mold is filled with a layer of vinegared sushi rice, and then topped with a layer of fish, vegetables, or other ingredients. Once the ingredients are in place, the lid of the mold is pressed down, forming a box-shaped block. This type of sushi is often served with pickles.
Uramaki
Uramaki is a type of sushi roll that has the rice on the outside and the seaweed on the inside. Uramaki is usually filled with ingredients such as cucumber, avocado, or other vegetables.
Temarizushi is a type of sushi that is made with small balls of vinegared rice, which are then topped with a variety of ingredients. This type of sushi is often served as an appetizer or snack.
Eating Sushi Like a Pro
Sushi is one of the most popular Japanese dishes, and it is one that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you are an experienced sushi connoisseur or just getting started with sushi, here are some tips to help you eat sushi like a pro.
Choosing Your Sushi
When it comes to selecting the perfect sushi, there are many different types and styles to choose from. From traditional nigiri sushi to maki and temaki rolls, there is something for everyone. When selecting sushi, it is important to consider the type of fish, the texture of the rice, and the overall flavor. If you are unsure of what to choose, ask the sushi chef for their recommendations.
Ordering Sushi
When ordering sushi, it is important to be specific about what you want. For example, if you want a particular type of sushi, make sure to let the chef know. In addition, be sure to specify any allergies you may have and let the chef know what type of fish you would like.
Preparing Your Sushi
Before eating your sushi, it is important to prepare it properly. First, use your chopsticks to pick up the sushi and dip it in soy sauce. Make sure that the fish side is dipped in the soy sauce and the rice side remains dry. If it is hard to flip the sushi, you may also use the ginger to dip the soy sauce and use it as a brush to brush some soy sauce to the sushi.
Enjoying Your Sushi
Once your sushi is prepared and ready to eat, it’s time to enjoy! Take small bites and savor the flavors. You can also add a bit of wasabi to give the sushi an extra kick. If you are having a meal with friends, it is polite to share your sushi with others and sample different types.
Making Our Own Sushi
If you are looking to make your own sushi, so that you can replicate it back in home, Japan has plenty of cooking classes for us to join. I recently had the chance to take a sushi class and it was an amazing experience.
The class was held at a professional kitchen in Tokyo and lasted two and a half hours. We learned how to make rolled sushi, chirashi sushi, and inari sushi. The instructor demonstrated the proper techniques and gave us tips to make the best sushi.
After the lesson, we had a tasting party. We sampled the dishes that we prepared, including rolled sushi, savory egg custard, miso soup, white sesame pudding, and soup-stock. It was a wonderful experience and I was so proud to be able to make such delicious food.
I highly recommend taking this cooking class if you’re looking for a unique experience in Tokyo. You’ll learn how to make delicious Japanese sushi dishes and have the chance to sample them. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Bottom Line
These are just a few of the many types of sushi you will find in Japan. From nigiri to maki, there is something for everyone. Next time you are in Japan, be sure to check out the amazing variety of sushi available. You won’t be disappointed!
