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How to Make Sushi Rice Recipe

4.9 from 94 reviews

Learn how to make perfect sushi rice with this simple, step-by-step recipe. Rinse, cook, and season sushi rice to achieve the ideal texture and flavor for your homemade sushi rolls or bowls.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 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 water for 2-3 minutes until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. Boil rice: Combine rinsed rice and 2 ½ cups water in a pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 20 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  3. Make vinegar mixture: In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until sugar and salt dissolve completely. Remove from heat.
  4. Season rice: Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl. Pour the warm vinegar mixture evenly over the rice. Using a rice paddle or silicone spatula, gently fold the rice to coat it evenly without mashing the grains.
  5. Cover to cool: Cover the rice with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Let it cool to room temperature, ready to be used for sushi rolls or bowls.

Notes

  • Use short-grain sushi rice for the best texture.
  • Do not skip rinsing the rice to avoid sticky, gummy results.
  • Adjust sugar and salt to taste in the vinegar mixture.
  • Gently folding the rice prevents it from becoming mushy.
  • Sushi rice is best used the same day it is prepared for optimal freshness.

Keywords: sushi rice, sushi rice recipe, how to make sushi rice, Japanese rice, sushi side dish