Explore the delicious world of sushi with our comprehensive guide to different types of sushi, from traditional to fusion styles. With so many types to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start.
We’ve put together a delicious list of types of sushi for you to explore, along with some background information and popular variations. So grab your chopsticks and eel sauce and let’s dive in!
While you’re at it, check out our Best Wine With Sushi guide for tips on wine pairing.
types of sushi
Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that typically consists of vinegared rice (sushi rice), fish, and other ingredients. While the term “sushi” is often associated with raw fish, it actually refers to the seasoned rice used in the dish.
Sushi comes in many forms, from simple nigiri to elaborate rolls, and can be enjoyed with a variety of condiments like sweet soy glaze, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Here are the most common forms of this Japanese delicacy:
nigiri
Nigiri is one of the most traditional types of sushi. It consists of a hand-formed mound of vinegared rice topped with a slice of raw or cooked fish, seafood, or other ingredient.
Some common nigiri toppings are:
- tuna (maguro)
- salmon (sake)
- Yellowtail (hamachi)
- Prawns (ebi)
- Eel (unagi)
sashimi
While not technically a type of sushi, sashimi is often served alongside sushi and deserves an honorable mention. Sashimi is thinly sliced ​​raw fish or seafood served without rice. Find out the difference between sushi and sashimi.
Sashimi is a popular option for those who appreciate the pure, unadulterated flavor of raw fish. It consists of thinly sliced ​​fish or seafood served without rice.
Popular sashimi options include:
- Tuna Sashimi (maguro)
- salmon (sake)
- Octopus (tako)
- Scallop (spicy)
Maki
Maki, or rolled sushi, is perhaps the most well-known type of sushi in the western world. Maki is made by rolling rice, fish, and other ingredients in a sheet of nori (seaweed), then cutting the roll into bite-sized pieces.
There are several variations of maki, including:
- Hosomaki: Thin buns with a single filling, e.g. B. Cucumber or tuna
- Futomaki: Thick buns with multiple fillings and ingredients
- Uramaki: Inside-out buns with rice on the outside and nori on the inside
Temaki
Temaki, or hand rolls, are cone-shaped rolls made by wrapping nori around a filling of rice and other ingredients. This type of sushi is meant to be eaten with your hands and is perfect for a casual dining experience.
Common temaki fillings are:
Fusion Sushi
Fusion sushi combines traditional techniques with ingredients and flavors from other cuisines. Some popular fusion options are:
- Tempura Bun: Contains ingredients fried in tempura, such as shrimp or vegetables.
- Poke Bowls: Sushi bowls with marinated raw fish, rice, various toppings and sauces.
- Sushi Burritos: A fusion of sushi and burritos with sushi ingredients wrapped in a large sheet of nori
Chirashi
Also known as “scattered sushi,” chirashi is a traditional Japanese dish featuring a selection of sashimi (raw fish) served on a bed of vinegared rice. The presentation is artistic and appetizing, with vibrant colors of fish and vegetables creating a visually stunning dish.
Some of the most common ingredients are:
- Fish: tuna, salmon, yellowtail
- Shellfish: shrimp, crab
- Vegetables: cucumber, avocado, carrot, radish, etc.
- Boiled Egg (Tamagoyaki)
- seaweed (nori)
- Tobiko or Masago
types of sushi
The 6 types of sushi listed above are the most common, although some are much more popular than others. Now go to your local Japanese eatery and try some new dishes.
