As society becomes globalized, we have more opportunity to taste typical dishes from other parts of the world. One of the most popular delicacies in Western countries is sushi. We present all types of sushi and their ingredients. You will discover that it is something much more elaborate than you had thought and that not only raw fish is used.
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What is sushi
Sushi, in all its forms, has a common ingredient: rice. According to the most accepted definition, it is a recipe based on cooked rice, marinated with rice vinegar, salt, sugar and other ingredients . Contrary to what many people believe, raw fish without a side is sashimi, although it can be dipped in soy sauce.
Sushi is not a dish suitable for all tastes. The texture of raw fish does not usually please everyone and the vinegary touch of the rice is another of the most controversial aspects. However, it is one of those things that you should give a second chance to. By then you may already be used to the taste of sushi, and even more so if you accompany it with soy.
It is not an ingredient of sushi itself, butnori seaweed is usually used to make some types of pieces. Despite its resistance, it can be eaten easily and gives more flavor to the whole.
The 10 types of sushi
Below we present the 10 types of sushi that exist, each with its own way of preparation. A succulent variety that will open up a world of flavors.
1. Nigiri
It is the most popular type of sushi among the Japanese and also among Westerners. It is the only type that does not have nori seaweed and consists of a kneaded rice base covered with a piece of raw fish (usually salmon or tuna).
2. Maki
It is that round piece of rice rolled with nori seaweed.The main ingredient is placed in the center which, as we will see later, is not always raw fish.
3. Uramaki Uramaki
is like maki but in reverse . In this type of sushi, the rice wraps the nori seaweed roll, which in turn wraps the ingredients.
4. Futomaki
The futomaki is the XXL version of the maki . The difference between the two is usually evident, although the preparation is the same.
5. Temaki
The temaki consists of a cone of nori seaweed that wraps rice and other main ingredients. Although it is much smaller, it resembles a Mexican burrito. The possibilities are endless.
6. Gunkan
A thick strip of nori seaweed(approximately two fingers), wraps the rice and the main ingredients. The piece is usually covered with fish roe.
7. Chirasi It is
usually prepared when we do not have much time. In this way, we spread rice on a plate and accompany it with the ingredients . We can water it with soy sauce or with a very small pinch of wasabi.
8. Oshi
Overlapping layers of rice and fish. It is prepared in a mold called oshibako so that they are square or rectangular. It is not usually necessary to wrap them with nori seaweed.
9. Inari
A kind of spring roll that is prepared with fried tofu and flavored rice . Vegetables can also be added.
10.California Roll
Many people do not dare to accompany sushi with raw fish, which is why the need to search for new ingredients has arisen. And in that search the California Roll was born, made with local products by Japanese chefs. Although in some cases it is nothing like the sushi consumed in Japan, it has been accepted by traditional Japanese cuisine.
Most used ingredients
As we will see below, the main ingredients of sushi are very varied. We review the most used in Japanese cuisine.
1. Fish
Tuna, salmon and eelThey are the most common in sushi. We must emphasize that it is extremely important that the fish is fresh and in good hygienic conditions, since otherwise the dreaded anisakis may appear, a very unpleasant parasite.
2. Meat
Although it may seem surprising, cooked (and even caramelized) meat is wonderful in sushi. Although many identify it as fusion cuisine, the truth is that it is also made in Eastern countries.
3. Seafood
Prawns are also an essential element in Japanese food , and it is not uncommon to find them topping a nigiri.
4. Fish roe
Although, as we have pointed out, they are usually used to cover a gunkan,They can be chosen as a basic ingredient of any type of sushi.
5. Omelette
Although it is not the omelette as we know it, but a pancake made from dashi broth (dried bonito and seaweed broth), soy sauce, egg and sugar.
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