All About Sushi
Japan’s favorite dish is gaining more and more fans across America, Europe, and Greece. It is a traditional Japanese specialty based on rice seasoned with a delicate vinegar dressing, combined with seafood and other ingredients. In most cases, it is served with soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger.
The Types of Sushi
Sushi is prepared in several variations. Aside from Sashimi, which is simply fresh raw fish and an excellent source of protein, the most common types are:
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Nigiri: Hand-pressed rice topped with a fillet of raw fish or seafood. Popular toppings include crab, tuna, and shrimp (without seaweed).
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Maki: Meaning “rolled sushi,” these are cylindrical in shape. The exterior is usually wrapped in roasted seaweed (nori), while the interior contains rice along with vegetables, fruit (avocado or cucumber), and raw fish or seafood.
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Uramaki: Also known as “inside-out” rolls, where the rice is on the outside and the seaweed is on the inside.
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Gunkan: These resemble maki but are boat-shaped; instead of just rice, they are typically topped with authentic Japanese caviar (ikura) or other soft ingredients.
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Handroll (Temaki): Conical-shaped sushi designed to be eaten by hand. The nori casing holds the rice and various fillings like vegetables or raw fish.
Popular Variations
As sushi grows in global popularity, chefs have created numerous variations.
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Shrimp Nigiri: A lighter version of the traditional nigiri, replacing salmon with shrimp for a delicious taste with less fat.
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Spicy Tuna Roll: A maki-style roll featuring tuna paired with a spicy sauce.
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California Roll: Named after its place of origin, this popular roll is made with avocado, cucumber, and crab.
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Dragon Roll: A visually impressive roll where eel is often replaced or complemented by other seafood and fish.
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Salmon Sashimi: Pure, thinly sliced raw salmon.
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Tempura Roll: A great option for those who prefer cooked ingredients, featuring crispy fried tempura inside the roll.
Sushi Accompaniments
To “tie” the dish together, sushi is always served with specific side items:
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Soy Sauce: Since sushi rice is seasoned but not salty, soy sauce is essential to elevate the flavour.
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Pickled Ginger (Gari): These thin, marinated slices of ginger have a strong, refreshing taste. They are primarily used to cleanse the palate between different types of sushi.
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Wasabi: A very spicy green paste made from Japanese horseradish (not a mushroom). It is used to bring out the bold flavours of the fish.
