If you’ve ever wondered why sushi tastes so different compared to when you try to recreate it at home, here’s a tip: it all starts with the rice. Not just any rice, Japanese short-grain rice is the secret ingredient that gives sushi its signature flavour, texture, and hold.
Why Japanese Short-Grain Rice?
In Japan, there are several short-grained rice cultivated. Uruchimai is the most popular and used for sushi rice. This Japanese short-grain rice has a higher starch content (a.k.a amylopectin) than long or medium-grain varieties. That extra starch gives it a naturally sticky texture, which is essential for holding sushi together without falling apart mid-bite or mid-dip into soy sauce. But it’s not too sticky either, it keeps its shape and has a slightly chewy, satisfying bite.
The texture isn’t the only reason. Its neutral but slightly sweet flavour makes it the perfect backdrop for everything from raw salmon to crunchy karaage. When seasoned just right with a blend of vinegar, sugar, and salt, the rice gets that familiar tang and depth that sushi lovers crave.
The Crafting Also Matters
While white rice is the type of rice used in making sushi, bear in mind that not all white rice can be used. Sushi rice requires careful preparation in order to achieve desired texture. It’s rinsed multiple times to remove the extra starch before cooking. It is then cooked using a particular ratio of water and a gentle method that retains moisture to achieve the sticky texture.
Quality Sushi Starts with Quality Rice
There’s a reason we go the extra mile with sushi rice—it’s the heart of our craft. Whether you’re grabbing a hand roll on the go or sitting down for a full sushi train experience, you can be sure that every grain of rice has been prepared with care.
Pika Sushi believes food should be fresh, flavourful, and fuss-free. That’s why we stick to high-quality ingredients, source locally wherever we can, and take pride in the little details (like making sure your roll doesn’t unravel halfway through your lunch break).
While the topping might be the first attraction, the rice is the foundation of the overall flavour. If you’ve just learned something new about sushi rice, why not swing by your nearest Pika Sushi? We’re always rolling something delicious, and we’d love to show you what a difference the right rice makes.
