When you think of sushi, you probably think of sushi rolls. However, there is so much more to this Japanese Cuisine than rolls. Keep reading to learn about the different types of sushi.
Sushi is an umbrella term for a dish prepared with vinegared rice. Most types of sushi also include raw seafood. However, sushi can also include cooked seafood, vegetables, egg, fruit, and meat. This dish is traditionally served with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.
Originally, sushi was prepared by street vendors as a snack food. Sushi is bite-sized and easy to eat on the go. Once the dish grew in popularity across Japan, different forms of sushi were introduced. Today, sushi is an art form with a wide range of varieties that can be found all over the world. Even though there are hundreds of types of sushi, these are the main categories of the dish you can find at your local Japanese restaurant:
The first category of sushi is maki. Maki, or makizushi, translates to rolled sushi. It is the type of sushi you are likely most familiar with. It is made using a bamboo mat, which is called a makisu. Maki is usually wrapped in seaweed, cut into six or eight pieces, and filled with rice and other ingredients. Maki can be broken down into more specific types of sushi including uramaki, temaki, hosomaki, and futomaki.
Up next is nigiri. Nigiri, or nigirizushi, translates to hand-pressed roll. This is the most traditional variation of sushi. It includes an elongated mound of sushi rice that has been hand-pressed by a chef. The mound of rice is topped with one ingredient, usually tuna, salmon, octopus, eel, or egg.
Another variation of sushi is sashimi. While sashimi isn’t technically sushi, it is usually found on the menu at Japanese restaurants near or included with the sushi. Sashimi is made with fresh, raw slices of meat or fish. Rice, shredded radish, or shredded carrot is typically used as a garnish. Sashimi is eaten with soy sauce and wasabi.
If you’re in the mood for sushi, head to Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill. We serve up fresh, flavorful sushi that is sure to please. Book your reservation by giving us a call at (941) 366-1033. We hope to see you here soon!