How to Make Sushi Rice Recipe
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.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups sushi rice
- 2 ½ cups water
Seasoning
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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