How to Make Sushi Rice

Cook perfectly plump sushi rice using this easy stovetop sushi rice method with homemade sushi vinegar.

Cook perfectly plump and sticky rice with this easy stovetop sushi rice recipe. Add homemade sushi vinegar for perfectly seasoned sushi rice. Who's ready to make sushi rice? 

The Japanese rice used in everyday cooking is a short-grain Japonica rice called uruchimai. Use any rice labelled sushi rice. And medium-grain Calrose rice works well too!

The best rice for sushi?

Glutinous rice (mochigome). It’s also Japanese short-grain rice. But glutinous rice and sushi rice are not interchangeable.  Glutinous rice is much stickier and chewier.

Don't use!

Ingredients for sushi rice vinegar

2 Tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar 1 Tbsp granulated sugar 1 tsp salt

Make sushi vinegar

Gently heat the ingredients.  Don't let it boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

1. Wash the rice

Place a cup of rice in a large mixing bowl.  Cover with cool water and swirl your hand.  Strain the water. Repeat 4 to 5 times until the water runs clear.

2. Soak the rice

Put rinsed rice in a medium-sized saucepan. Add a cup of water and gently stir to distribute the rice.  Set aside to soak for 20 minutes.

3. Cook the rice

Place a piece of kombu on the rice (optional). Cook until the water simmers.  Cover the pot and turn the heat down. Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Rest the rice

Let the rice rest for 10 minutes with the lid on.  This allows the rice to steam.  It is part of the cooking process, so don't skip it. 

5. Season the rice

Discard the kombu.  Transfer the rice to a non-metal bowl. Use a rice paddle to gently fold the sushi vinegar through the rice in a slicing motion.

6. Leave to cool

Cover the rice with a clean damp kitchen towel.  Allow it to cool to room temperature. About 30 minutes.

Use your sushi rice

Try easy avocado sushi rolls. It's inexpensive yet delicious. Perfect to practice the rolling technique!

Use your sushi rice

Try uramaki sushi rolls where the rice is on the outside for your next challenge!

Visit non-guilty pleasures for the full sushi rice recipe. And find more inspiring recipes to try next.