If you’ve ever wondered what is the difference between sushi and sashimi, you’re in good company. The two dishes are often confusing to diners, but, in actuality, the contrasts are quite basic. Once you understand the fundamentals, you’ll be able to order your personal preference just like a pro.
To get you started, we’ve compiled a bit of background about both sushi and sashimi, as well as basic ingredient essentials.
Difference Between Sushi and Sashimi
What is Sushi?
When it comes to sushi, It’s all about the vinegared rice. Bottom line: If there is no rice in the dish, you can be certain it’s not sushi.
But, here’s the part that confuses some people: While sushi is often cooked fish, seafood, or meat, it can, on occasion, be prepared raw. So, if you have an aversion to raw fish, it’s always wise to ask your server before ordering.
You’ll typically find sushi rolls wrapped in Nori, which is basically seaweed. Nori holds the vinegared rice and other sushi ingredients in place in an attractive, edible package. Although there are many forms of sushi, seaweed wrapped rolls are the most popular and widely consumed version.
Spicy Sushi Dipping Sauce
Here’s a wonderful and easy to prepare dipping sauce to serve with sushi at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbs of soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp of chili garlic sauce
- 1/4 tsp of sesame oil
- Minced garlic (to personal preference)
- Lemon slice ( Reserved for garnish)
Stir all ingredients together until they are well incorporated. Garnish with a lemon slice and serve. Simple and delicious!
What is Sashimi?
Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish, seafood, or meat. Here’s where it’s unique from sushi — sashimi is never prepared with rice.
You’ll often find sashimi garnished with shredded daikon, which is white radish. This is a traditional approach to sashimi presentation, as well as providing a wonderful flavor and texture accompaniment to the popular dish.
In addition to daikon, shiso leaves often serve as an edible, and attractive, partition to different sashimi items on the plate.
Sweet Sashimi Dipping Sauce
This sauce is easy to make at home and serves as the perfect accompaniment to sashimi. While not as overpowering as straight soy sauce, the slight sweetness adds the perfect touch. And all you need is two ingredients: soy sauce and sweet rice wine.
Place equal amounts of the two ingredients in a pan on the stove and bring to a boil. Be sure to stir occasionally After the liquid has boiled, lower the temperature and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
This dipping sauce is as easy as it is delicious. For variation: add minced garlic to the mixture. Enjoy!
Common Similarities Between Sushi and Sashimi
Now that you know the difference between sushi and sashimi, here are some common similarities.
Certain ingredients are just too wonderful not to repeat. So, typical ingredients incorporated into both sushi and sashimi are salmon, yellowtail, scallops, and for the slightly more daring — octopus. Everyone has their preference. What’s yours?
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