How to season sushi rice

Cooking real sushi starts with the right rice. But even the best variety won’t reach its full potential without the right seasoning. In this article, we’ll show you how to make sushi rice dressing and share the secrets to perfect taste.

What is sushi rice dressing?

Sushi rice dressing is a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt that is added to cooked rice, giving it a delicate taste and light aroma. It makes the rice sticky, which is necessary for forming perfect rolls and nigiri. The video below shows the basic technology for making rice dressing, as well as all the necessary ingredients and a step-by-step mixing process.

 

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Main Ingredients

To make a classic sushi dressing you will need:

• 100 ml rice vinegar
• 70 g sugar
• 7 g salt

To get the perfect taste of sushi, choose Katana rice vinegar. It has an authentic balance of sourness and sweetness, making it the perfect choice for a classic Japanese dressing.

How to make rice dressing

1. In a small saucepan, mix vinegar, sugar, and salt.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Do not bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Add the dressing to the cooked rice, stirring evenly with a wooden spatula. You will need 125 ml of dressing per 1 kg of cooked rice. If you want to learn how to cook rice for sushi, there is a separate article on our website with detailed instructions. Check it out to get the perfect base for your sushi and rolls.

Questions and Answers

1. What vinegar should you use for dressing?
For a traditional Japanese dressing, use rice vinegar, as it has a delicate, slightly sweet taste that is ideal for sushi.

2. Can rice vinegar be replaced with another?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can try replacing it with apple or wine vinegar, but the taste will be slightly different. In this case, it is recommended to add a little more sugar to compensate for the sourness.

3. Why is it important to add dressing to warm rice?
Warm rice absorbs the dressing better, making its taste more even and rich. It also mixes easier without losing its proper texture.

4. How to store sushi dressing?
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before using it, it should be slightly warmed to room temperature.

5. Why should you not overheat the dressing?
Overheating the dressing can change its taste and consistency. If the vinegar boils, it will lose some of its delicate sourness and aroma. In addition, excessive heating can cause the sugar to caramelize, which will make the dressing too thick and change its taste.

Now you know how to make the perfect sushi rice dressing. Add it to your favorite dishes and enjoy the true Japanese taste at home!