What is Sushi?

We've all heard about Sushi, and know it's a tasty, fresh and healthy option for meals, but how much do we really know about it? For starters Sushi is a dish that is typically made with vinegared rice combined with various other ingredients such as raw fish, vegetables, and seaweed. This popular Japanese cuisine has gained worldwide popularity in recent years, and is a staple take-out option for many. So for this week's blog we decided to learn about the history of Sushi and the different styles of sushi that are on the menu.

The History Of Sushi

Records of Sushi date back as far as the 2nd century, when it was first introduced as a way to preserve fish. The original form of sushi was known as Narezushi and was made by wrapping fish in fermented rice and leaving it to ferment for several months. In the 8th century, a new type of sushi emerged, which was called Namanare. This was made by mixing boiled rice with raw fish and allowing it to ferment for a short time. Unlike Narezushi, Namanare was meant to be eaten immediately and was not intended for lengthy storage times.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), sushi became more popular and was sold in street stalls and restaurants across Japan. Sushi chefs began to experiment with new ingredients such as tuna, salmon, and octopus, and introduced the use of vinegar to the rice, which helped to preserve the fish and gave the dish a fresher taste.

The modern form of sushi that we know today first emerged in the 19th century. This was the era of the Edo sushi chefs, who were responsible for creating the various types of sushi we enjoy today. These chefs focused on using fresh ingredients, expertly preparing the fish, and serving the sushi in an aesthetically pleasing way. By the early 20th century, sushi began to gain popularity outside of Japan, and spread to us here in the United States.

Understanding The Different Types of Sushi

It's important to understand the different types of sushi, whether it's something you serve at your restaurant or something you enjoy as a food enthusiast. Knowing more about the different types of sushi can help you choose the right option on the menu that suits your taste preferences. Different types of sushi have different flavor profiles, textures, and ingredients, and it is important to know what to expect when ordering sushi.

Another reason why it is important to understand the different types of sushi is to ensure that you are consuming sushi in a safe and healthy manner. Raw fish is a common ingredient in many types of sushi, and it is important to know which types of fish are safe to consume raw and which are not.

Finally, if sushi isn't something you've tried, or something that you just assume you wouldn't like understanding the different types of sushi can help you expand your culinary horizons and give you the confidence to give it a try. Sushi is a versatile cuisine that offers a wide range of flavors and textures. By knowing the different types of sushi available, you can explore new flavor combinations, ingredients, and preparation methods, allowing you to broaden your culinary palate and discover new favorite dishes!

Let's review some of the most popular types of sushi.

Nigiri Sushi

Nigiri sushi is a type of sushi that is made by shaping a small ball of vinegared sushi rice and topping it with a slice of raw fish, shellfish, or other seafood. The word "nigiri" literally means "squeezed" or "pressed," which refers to the technique used to shape the rice ball. The fish or seafood topping is typically brushed with a light soy sauce or served with a small dollop of wasabi on top.

The ingredients used to make nigiri sushi vary depending on the type of fish or seafood used. However, the sushi rice used to make nigiri sushi is always made with short-grain rice that is seasoned with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. This combination of seasonings gives the rice its distinctive tangy flavor and helps to enhance the flavor of the fish. The most common types of fish used to make nigiri sushi include tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and mackerel. Other popular seafood toppings include shrimp, eel, squid, and octopus. The fish used in nigiri sushi is always fresh and high-quality, and it is often served raw or lightly seared.

The most popular variations of Nigiri Sushi are:

• Gunkan Sushi: This type of nigiri sushi features a small ball of sushi rice wrapped in a strip of seaweed and topped with a variety of ingredients, such as salmon roe or sea urchin.
• Tamago Nigiri: This type of nigiri sushi features a slice of sweetened egg omelet on top of the sushi rice.
• Kani Nigiri: This type of nigiri sushi features a slice of crab meat or imitation crab on top of the sushi rice.

Nigiri sushi is traditionally served in pairs, with each piece of sushi topped with a different type of fish or seafood. The sushi is often served on a wooden board or lacquer tray with pickled ginger, wasabi, and a small dish of soy sauce on the side. To eat nigiri sushi, diners can dip the sushi into the soy sauce and eat it in one bite, allowing the flavors of the rice and fish to meld together.

Maki Sushi

Maki sushi is a type of sushi that is made by rolling a sheet of nori seaweed around vinegared sushi rice and a variety of fillings. The sushi roll is then sliced into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to eat with chopsticks. The word "maki" literally means "roll" in Japanese.

The ingredients used to make maki sushi can vary depending on personal taste and regional preferences. However, the most common ingredients used to make sushi rolls include raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and condiments. Some popular seafood fillings include tuna, salmon, shrimp, and eel. Vegetables commonly used in sushi rolls include cucumber, avocado, and carrot. Condiments such as wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce are also often served alongside maki sushi.

The most popular variations of maki sushi are:

• California Roll: This type of maki sushi is made with avocado, cucumber, and imitation crab meat or cooked crab.
• Spicy Tuna Roll: This type of maki sushi is made with tuna, spicy mayo, and cucumber.
• Dragon Roll: This type of maki sushi is made with eel, avocado, and cucumber, and is often topped with slices of avocado and eel sauce.
• Vegetable Roll: This type of maki sushi is made with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper.

Maki sushi is traditionally served sliced into bite-sized pieces and arranged on a plate. The sushi is often garnished with pickled ginger and served with a small dish of soy sauce for dipping. To eat maki sushi, diners can use chopsticks to pick up a piece of sushi and dip it into the soy sauce before eating it in one bite.

Temaki Sushi

Temaki sushi is a type of sushi that is made by hand-rolling a sheet of nori seaweed around sushi rice and a variety of fillings. The word "temaki" literally means "hand-rolled" in Japanese. This type of sushi is often served as a DIY dish, allowing diners to customize their own rolls according to their preferences.

The most common ingredients used to make hand-rolled sushi include raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and condiments. Some popular seafood fillings include tuna, salmon, shrimp, and crab. Vegetables commonly used in temaki sushi include cucumber, avocado, and sprouts. Condiments such as wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce are also often served alongside temaki sushi.

The most popular variations of Temaki Sushi are:

• Spicy Tuna Temaki: This type of temaki sushi is made with spicy tuna, sushi rice, and various vegetables such as cucumber, avocado, and sprouts.
• California Temaki: This type of temaki sushi is made with imitation crab meat, avocado, cucumber, and sushi rice.
• Eel Temaki: This type of temaki sushi is made with grilled eel, sushi rice, and various vegetables such as cucumber and avocado.
• Vegetable Temaki: This type of temaki sushi is made with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as cucumber, avocado, and carrot.

Temaki sushi is traditionally served as a DIY dish, with diners filling their own nori cones with sushi rice and their choice of fillings. The sushi is often served with a small dish of soy sauce for dipping. To eat temaki sushi, diners can hold the cone-shaped sushi in their hand and eat it in one bite.

Uramaki Sushi

Uramaki sushi is a type of sushi that is made by rolling sushi rice and various fillings in a sheet of nori seaweed, and then wrapping the roll in a layer of sesame seeds or fish roe. Unlike traditional maki sushi, where the nori seaweed is on the outside, the nori is wrapped on the inside of the roll in uramaki sushi. This gives it a unique appearance and texture.

The most common ingredients used to make inside-out sushi include raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and condiments. Some popular seafood fillings include salmon, tuna, crab, and shrimp. Vegetables commonly used in uramaki sushi include cucumber, avocado, and carrot. Condiments such as wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce are also often served alongside uramaki sushi.

The most popular variations of Uramaki Sushi are:

• Dragon Roll: This type of uramaki sushi is made with eel and avocado inside, and is topped with thinly sliced avocado that resembles dragon scales.
• Spider Roll: This type of uramaki sushi is made with fried soft shell crab inside, and is topped with spicy mayo and tobiko (fish roe).
• Rainbow Roll: This type of uramaki sushi is made with crab, cucumber, and avocado inside, and is topped with thin slices of salmon, tuna, and avocado to create a rainbow effect.
• Philadelphia Roll: This type of uramaki sushi is made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber inside.

Uramaki sushi is traditionally served in slices, with each slice showcasing the colorful fillings inside. The sushi is often served with a small dish of soy sauce for dipping. To eat uramaki sushi, diners can pick up a slice with chopsticks or their hands and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures in each bite.

Narezushi

Narezushi is a type of sushi that is made by fermenting fish with salt and rice for several months. The fish is first gutted and then stuffed with salt and rice before being left to ferment in a barrel for anywhere from six months to three years. The end result is a pungent, flavorful fish that is a delicacy in Japan.

The ingredients used to make narezushi are simple but require time and patience. The main ingredients are fish, salt, and rice. The fish used in narezushi is usually carp or mackerel, which are known for their firm texture and rich flavor. The salt used in the fermentation process helps to preserve the fish and also gives it a unique taste. Rice is used to help facilitate the fermentation process and add flavor to the fish.

The most popular variations of Narezushi are:

• Funazushi: This type of narezushi is made with crucian carp, which is known for its sweetness and firm texture.
• Kakinohazushi: This type of narezushi is made by wrapping the fermented fish in persimmon leaves, which helps to enhance the flavor and aroma of the fish.
• Irikozushi: This type of narezushi is made by fermenting small dried sardines with salt and rice for several months. The resulting fish is similar in flavor to anchovies and is often served as a condiment.

Narezushi is traditionally served in small pieces with a small amount of soy sauce for dipping. Because of its strong flavor, narezushi is usually served as a side dish or appetizer rather than a main course. It is often paired with a cup of green tea to help balance out the strong flavors.

Oshizushi

Oshizushi is a type of sushi that is made by pressing sushi rice and other ingredients into a box-like mold. The mold is then covered with a lid and pressed down with a weight, which compresses the ingredients and helps to form the sushi into a compact block. The sushi is then sliced into bite-sized pieces and served.

The ingredients used to make oshizushi can vary depending on the region and the season. However, some of the most common ingredients include sushi rice, raw fish, vegetables, and pickled ingredients such as cucumber or daikon radish. The sushi rice is usually mixed with vinegar and sugar to give it a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.

The most popular variations of oshizushi are:

• Saba oshizushi: This type of oshizushi is made with mackerel, which is known for its rich and oily flavor.
• Ebi oshizushi: This type of oshizushi is made with cooked shrimp and can also include other ingredients such as avocado or cucumber.
• Hakozushi: This is a type of oshizushi that is made by layering different ingredients, such as raw fish and vegetables, on top of each other before pressing them into a mold.

Oshizushi is usually served in small, bite-sized pieces and can be eaten with chopsticks or your hands. It is often served with a small amount of soy sauce for dipping, and some variations may also include wasabi or pickled ginger as a garnish. Oshizushi is a great option for a quick and satisfying snack or as part of a larger sushi platter.

Inarizushi

Inarizushi, also known as inari sushi, is a type of sushi that is made by filling sweet tofu pockets with sushi rice and other ingredients. The tofu pockets are made from abura-age, which is a type of deep-fried tofu that has been marinated in a sweet soy sauce mixture. The pockets are then filled with seasoned sushi rice and other ingredients such as vegetables, mushrooms, or seafood.

The main ingredients used in inarizushi are sweet tofu pockets, sushi rice, and a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and dashi (a type of fish stock). The sushi rice is usually mixed with vinegar and sugar to give it a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. Additional ingredients such as mushrooms, carrots, and cooked shrimp or crab can also be added to the filling to add extra flavor and texture.

The most popular variations of Inari Sushi are:

• Gomoku inari: This type of inarizushi is filled with a mixture of finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, and burdock root.
• Chirashi inari: This type of inarizushi is filled with a mixture of sushi rice and a variety of colorful ingredients such as shredded egg, cucumber, and pickled daikon radish.
• Ebi fry inari: This type of inarizushi is filled with deep-fried shrimp and is often served as a special treat during festive occasions.

Inarizushi is usually served as a snack or part of a bento box. It is often eaten cold and can be enjoyed with soy sauce or wasabi for added flavor. Inarizushi is a great option for those who prefer a sweeter type of sushi or who are looking for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly sushi option.

Conclusion

After learning more about the different types of sushi we hope you've come to appreciate this unique style of traditional Japanese cuisine. By knowing the different types of sushi, you can make informed decisions when ordering sushi, exploring new culinary horizons, or taking a shot at making new creative styles of sushi for your business.

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