Best Rice For Making Sushi | Brands | A-to-Z

Home cooks have a common question: What type of rice to use for sushi? There are different types of rice you can use to make sushi, and the one you choose will affect the flavor and consistency of your sushi.

Making sushi is not as hard as it may seem, but certain types of rice work best for this popular Japanese dish.

While many types of rice can be used for making sushi, the traditional style is "sushi" or short-grain Japanese Rice. This variety has been specifically bred to have higher levels of protein and glucomannan, which gives the rice an additional sticky texture when cooked.

If you cannot find this kind of rice, you could use Calrose or Brown rice as examples. They both work as good substitutes depending on your preference. However, one might taste slightly different from another due to its varying genetic origins.

⬇️ Table of Contents

• What is Sushi Rice?
• Should I Use Short Grain or Long Grain Rice for Sushi?
• Types of Rice for Sushi
• Best Sushi Rice Brands
• Tsuyahime
• Sekka
• Hitomebore
• Koshikikari
• FAQ's
• Is Sushi Rice Gluten-Free?
• Types of Rice to Avoid for Making Sushi
• Is Sushi Rice Gluten-Free?
• Is It Necessary to Use Vinegar When Making Sushi Rice?
• How Long Will Sushi Rice Stay Fresh Not Refrigerated?
• Can Sushi Rice Be Frozen?
• Faqs

What is Sushi Rice?

To make the perfect Sushi, you need a special type of rice called "sushi" rice or kama deshii-shidaka.

Sushi has been around for centuries and continues to be one of the most popular food choices in Japan. There are many styles, but at its core, there's always rice with something added.

Should I Use Short Grain or Long Grain Rice for Sushi?

Sushi rice has an ideal rice grain size somewhere between short-grain and medium grain. For making traditional Japanese Sushi such as Nirgiri sushi you will want to use short-grain rice.

Types of Rice for Sushi

The rice used for authentic sushi has to be of the utmost quality and texture. Many kinds and brands are available for making sushi at home, but which type to choose?

The concept of A-to-Z uses the technique of selecting short-grain to medium-grain sushi rice to make proper sushi.

Japanese Rice

This rice, also known as Japonica rice, is the best strain for making sushi. This variety consists of Japan's most popular grain-glutinous or sticky Japanese rice (Uruchimai).

The most expensive type of Japanese rice is called Koshihikari, but it can be found in almost every supermarket.

Sushi Rice

Sushi rice is typically short-grain sushi rice. This sticky white rice has a higher starch content than other rice, making it ideal for sushi. Sushi rice is usually seasoned with vinegar, then a sweet element like Mirin, similar to rice wine or sake, with a sweeter taste and salt; this enhances the flavor and texture.

Calrose Rice

Calrose rice is ideal for making sushi, onigiri (rice balls), and other Japanese dishes. It has a sweet coating that makes it sticky when mixed with vinegar or sugar to coat the grains before being finished with cooked rice.

Calrose rice is a variety of short-grain rice that was developed in Biggs, California. Eighty percent of the California rice crop is Calrose rice.

Brown Rice

Brown rice can be used to make sushi; the texture of brown rice is firmer, less sticky, and honestly not the ideal choice of rice for a traditional sushi experience.

Mori Sushi in Los Angeles believes that creating the perfect sushi roll is all about finding the right balance between the flavors and textures of the rice on the outside and the fish, vegetables, and egg on the inside.

According to Mori, using brown rice upsets this delicate balance and should be avoided if you want to make the perfect sushi roll.

Best Sushi Rice Brands

Botan Calrose

Botan Calrose sushi rice is an excellent choice for making sushi or recipes that call for medium-grain sticky rice. It is grown in Sacramento, California, where the conditions are perfect for this type of grain.

When cooked, Botan Calrose rice holds its ground with an amazing taste while maintaining a soft and sticky texture. The sticky sushi rice will pair well with seaweed recipes like sushi rolls.

Lundberg

Lundberg sushi rice is a family-owned company growing wholesome, great-tasting rice for over 70 years. They care for soil quality and wildlife, working hard to better the world. Their family has always tried new ways so that you can have great tasting food while improving your environment for future generations.

Nishiki Premium

Nishiki Premium sushi rice is a premium medium-grain rice that is perfect for those looking for a top-quality and healthier sushi option. Nishiki sushi rice is low in calories and fat and a good protein source. It is also free of cholesterol and sodium. Nishiki Premium rice comes in a convenient resealable package that helps to lock in its freshness and flavor.

Tamaki Gold

Tamaki Gold rice is considered by most experts in Japan and regarded as top high-quality due to the versatility that allows it still hold up during preparation without becoming too sticky or clumpy like other kinds of rice.

The Tamaki rice, Tamaki Classic, and Tamaki Gold have a very moist kernel that holds its flavor and stickiness over time, making it an excellent ingredient for sushi.

Tamanishiki Super Premium

Tamanishiki Super Premium sushi rice is the perfect choice for making sushi. A short-grain rice variety, Tamanishiki is a hybrid of two different rice varieties: Koshihikari and Yume Gokochi. It is grown in the heart of Sacramento Valley.

Each grain of Tamanishiki rice is sorted and carefully selected for maximum quality. This certified non-GMO product can be easily cooked on the stovetop or in your rice cooker.

There are many more top sushi rice brands to choose from, yet the level of quality gets harder to score. If you know of another top-quality brand, please leave a comment.

Tsuyahime

Tsuyahime is a high-quality sushi rice. It is a medium-grain variety of rice that has been bred to be more flavorful than regular japonica rice. The grains are shorter Japanese short-grain rice, stickier, and have a higher protein content than most other varieties. Tsuyahime is often used for sushi, where its flavor and texture make it an ideal ingredient.

Sekka

Sekka has a unique flavor and texture that is different from other kinds of rice. SekkaSekka is also known for being more nutritious than other varieties, as it contains higher levels of vitamins and minerals.

The name “Sekka” means “snowy mountain peak” in Japanese, referring to the shape of this rice when cooked. It has a glossy, firm texture and can be used in a variety of dishes such as sushi, risotto, rice bowls, and more.

Hitomebore

Hitomebore is a type of Japanese rice prized for its flavor and texture. This medium-grain variety of rice is known for being more flavorful and with higher protein content. It has a nutty taste, is slightly chewy when cooked, and maintains its shape and texture better than other types of rice.

Hitomebore can be used in a wide variety of dishes such as sushi, risotto, and other Japanese dishes. It is also great for making onigiri (rice balls).

Koshikikari

With its unique sweet taste and firm texture, Koshikikari is a prized sushi rice among the people of Japan. Not only does it add an extra layer of flavor to dishes such as sushi, risotto, and onigiri, but it also offers nutritional benefits with its high levels of vitamins and minerals.

Koshikikari is a medium-grain variety of rice that needs to be cooked slowly in order to really bring out all its flavors - from the slightly nutty taste to the chewy texture.

FAQ's

What Are Some Tips for Making Sushi Rice?

• Rinse the rice several times before cooking to remove any excess starch.
• Use sushi rice vinegar for the best flavor.
• Cook the rice according to the package directions.
• Allow the rice to cool slightly before using it to make sushi.
• Use a sushi mat to roll the sushi tightly.
• Wet your knife before cutting the sushi to prevent the rice from sticking.

Is Sushi Rice Gluten-Free?

Yes, sushi rice is naturally Gluten-Free.

This does not ensure all brands are Gluten-Free. The mills the rice is processed in could have had wheat products in the silo right before the rice.

If any leftover wheat product remains, it could contaminate the rice.

If there is no clear concern of Celiac disease, it is suggested to rinse the rice underwater, removing up to 90% of the wheat remains.

Types of Rice to Avoid for Making Sushi

Arborio Rice is a type of Italian short-grain rice that gets its name from the town of Arborio in Italy's Po Valley. This variety of rice is known for being firm and creamy with a chewy texture, thanks to its higher amylopectin starch content. Arborio rice is often used in risotto, rice pudding, Carnaroli, Maratelli, Baldo, and Vialone Nano.

Glutinous Rice is called glutinous rice because it is glue-like or sticky and not in the mindset of containing gluten (which it does not). In comparison, sticky rice differs from non-glutinous strains of japonica rice, which also become sticky to some degree when cooked..

Long-Grain rice should never be used to make sushi.

Is Sushi Rice Gluten-Free?

Yes, sushi rice is naturally Gluten-Free.

This does not ensure all brands are Gluten-Free. The mills where the rice is processed could have had wheat products in the silo right before the rice.

If any leftover wheat product remains, it could contaminate the rice.

If there is no clear concern of Celiac disease, it is suggested to at least rinse the rice off underwater, removing up to 90% of the wheat remains.

Is It Necessary to Use Vinegar When Making Sushi Rice?

Sushi rice vinegar is used as a flavoring agent, but it's not imperative for the success of this dish as other ingredients such as sugar, and salt might be! Many chefs don't use any; they rely exclusively on these two items.

How Long Will Sushi Rice Stay Fresh Not Refrigerated?

Cooked sushi rice can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours. Beyond that, it should be refrigerated and stay fresh for up to 48 hours.

Can Sushi Rice Be Frozen?

The moisture content and texture change with all frozen items each day. The freezing effects are minimized for frozen items with a high amount of sugar.

Faqs

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