Sushi rice is a must-have for everyone who likes eating nigiri or sushi rolls. You want to be certain that you get the greatest sushi rice brand so that your favorite meals taste just the way you want them to. Understanding what makes sushi rice special, on the other hand, might be difficult if you are unfamiliar with the many sorts of rice on the market.
This rice is short-grained and becomes thick and sticky after cooking, yet it also has a sensitive quality. The stiffness is required to mold the rice into blocks for sushi, which makes it simpler to consume with chopsticks. Today, we’ll go through the top ten brands for creating sweet and sticky sushi rice for a variety of cuisines.
Best Selection
Lundberg Family Farms Organic Sushi Rice is a typical Japanese short-grain farmed in the United States that is our top choice owing to its flavor and texture, as well as being kosher and vegan.
Budget Selection
Nishiki Medium Grain Rice is a popular budget option capable of bringing out the aromatic scent, stickiness, and superb flavor you desire in sushi or sashimi rice.
Contents
- Quick Comparison: Top 10 Brands of Sushi Rice
- 1. Lundberg Family Farms Organic Sushi Rice
- 2. Nishiki Medium Grain Rice
- 3. Kokuho Rice Sushi
- 4. PowerMedley Nishiki Premium Medium Grain Rice
- 5. Sekka Extra Fancy Premium Grain Rice
- 6. Tamanishiki Super Premium Short Grain Rice
- 7. RiceSelect Sushi Rice
- 8. Annie Chun’s Cooked White Sticky Sushi Rice
- 9. McCabe Organic White Short Grain Sushi Rice
- 10. Koda Farms Sho-Chiku-Bai Sweet Rice
- Considerations Before Purchasing the Finest Sushi Rice
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- What makes sushi rice taste sweet?
- Is sweet sticky rice the same as sushi rice?
- What sweet rice is used for sushi?
- What is the best rice for making sushi?
- How to make sushi rice very sticky?
- How do you make rice taste sweeter?
- What kind of rice is sweet sticky rice?
- What rice is sweet and sticky?
- What’s the difference between sticky rice and sweet sticky rice?
- Is Japanese sweet rice the same as Thai sticky rice?
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Brands of Sushi Rice
Product Name | Grade |
---|---|
Lundberg Family Farms Organic Sushi Rice | A |
Nishiki Medium Grain Rice | A- |
Kokuho Rice Sushi | B+ |
PowerMedley Nishiki Premium Medium Grain Rice | A- |
Sekka Extra Fancy Premium Grain Rice | A |
Tamanishiki Super Premium Short Grain Rice | A |
RiceSelect Sushi Rice | B+ |
Annie Chun’s Cooked White Sticky Sushi Rice | A- |
McCabe Organic White Short Grain Sushi Rice | A- |
Koda Farms Sho-Chiku-Bai Sweet Rice | A |
1. Lundberg Family Farms Organic Sushi Rice
Highlighted Characteristics
This organic California rice is available from Lundberg Family Farms in six-packs, each providing 16 ounces of rice for sushi and other meals. It is a low-calorie choice that also includes dietary fiber for extra nutritional benefit. Although cultivated in the United States, it provides a genuine Japanese short-grain rice that may elevate your sushi or other Asian-style foods.
One aspect that distinguishes this sushi rice is that it is USDA organic and non-GMO project confirmed. Furthermore, it is kosher and vegan, so most of us can enjoy it regardless of our dietary requirements. This sushi rice can be prepared in a variety of ways and is gluten-free for those who prefer to avoid it or cannot eat it due to health concerns.
Pros
Cons
2. Nishiki Medium Grain Rice
Highlighted Characteristics
Have you been looking for medium-grain rice from the United States? If so, Nishiki Medium-Grain Rice could be a good choice for you. This Nishiki rice is made in the United States and comes in a five-pound bag. Despite its less conventional roots, it possesses the real flavor and feel of sushi rice from Japan or other Asian nations.
This sushi rice includes no salt, cholesterol, or fat, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. It contains 33 grams of carbohydrates but also contains a lot of dietary fiber. If you choose this rice, be sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent bugs and other pests from getting into it.
Pros
Cons
3. Kokuho Rice Sushi
Highlighted Characteristics
This sushi rice from Kokuho comes in two sizes: a single five-pound bag and a box of five five-pound bags. It is 100% California produced, medium-grain, and milled for the greatest sushi results. When you buy this rice, you are assured to obtain the finest quality product from the most recent harvest available.
Another advantage of this sushi rice is how easy it is to put into a meal. It takes less than 15 minutes to complete everything and get to the enjoyable part: eating. This is not a small-grain rice, but it plumps up well and has a stickiness that is great for sushi and other similar meals.
Pros
Cons
4. PowerMedley Nishiki Premium Medium Grain Rice
Highlighted Characteristics
PowerMedley offers precisely what you need, whether you need a fresh new supply of sushi rice or a large quantity of rice + complimentary chopsticks. The gift package includes two five-pound bags of real rice and two pairs of chopsticks, while the original version includes just one bag of authentic rice. Those who enjoy rice from the United States will be pleased to learn that this kind is produced in California.
Although most sushi rice is small-grain, this medium-grain variety has enough stickiness to keep your sushi or other Asian foods together. The packaging, however, is not suitable for long-term storage. To prevent pests from getting into your rice, move it into an airtight container.
Pros
Cons
5. Sekka Extra Fancy Premium Grain Rice
Highlighted Characteristics
When you purchase this Sekka Extra Fancy Premium Grain Rice, you will get a massive bundle containing 15 pounds of sushi rice. Nevertheless, unlike some of the best sushi rice on the market, it comes in medium-grain rather than small-grain size. Despite this, this sushi rice has enough stickiness to keep the rice and other components in sushi and other dishes together.
While the bag carrying this rice is sturdy and has handles, it should be replaced with an airtight container as soon as feasible. This is a sushi rice brand from the United States that may be used in a variety of recipes, from sushi to side dishes and even desserts. It may be prepared and ready to serve in as little as 20 minutes.
Pros
Cons
6. Tamanishiki Super Premium Short Grain Rice
Highlighted Characteristics
Tamanishiki Super Premium Short Grain Rice is the same kind of rice that has been famed for its usage in sushi for many years. Its small grain shape makes it incredibly sticky, allowing it to easily keep chunks of meat, fish, or vegetables together. It’s also quite adaptable, since you may get it in a single box, two packages, or four packages.
One of the characteristics that distinguishes this sushi rice from others is its widespread appeal. Tamanishiki is a sushi rice that is often utilized in some of the top Japanese restaurants and has the ability to elevate your sushi to new heights. It is also an all-natural rice from California, which may appeal to individuals who like to purchase in the United States.
Pros
Cons
7. RiceSelect Sushi Rice
Highlighted Characteristics
This RiceSelect Sushi Rice has a sweet taste, so it can be used in dishes like sushi as well as sweets like rice pudding. It also has a sticky and squishy feel that is designed to cling to and keep components like as meat, fish, and veggies within the sushi. The sushi rice comes in a sturdy container that is BPA-free and recyclable, which is an added advantage for the environmentally conscious among us.
This sushi rice is perfect for folks who are monitoring what they eat since it is non-GMO. It also fulfills a variety of dietary requirements since it is kosher and gluten-free. Moreover, this rice has little to no fat, salt, or cholesterol.
Pros
Cons
8. Annie Chun’s Cooked White Sticky Sushi Rice
Highlighted Characteristics
The major attribute that distinguishes this rice from Annie Chuns is that it is designed to be quick to consume. Instead of cooking it on the stovetop, place each individual container in the microwave and it will be done in less than two minutes. It may be eaten on its own, mixed with dishes like rice and beans, or used to create sushi.
Since making it in quantity requires a lot of moving and taking containers from the microwave, families may find that it does not work as well for them as people seeking for a quick dinner. The container does, however, provide six bowl portions that are devoid of preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors.
Pros
Cons
9. McCabe Organic White Short Grain Sushi Rice
Highlighted Characteristics
McCabe sells a range of rice, but this organic short-grain white rice is ideal for sushi, rice pudding, and other Asian recipes that depend on stickiness. The box carries three pounds of rice and is designed to be sturdy enough to withstand transportation. Therefore, it is recommended to place it in an airtight container as soon as you get it to avoid being shocked by the emergence of dampness or insects.
This rice is grown in California and is sun-dried to provide more vitamin D and minerals than rice that has been dried in a traditional dehydration process. Every year, it is also certified organic by both the OCIA and the CCOF.
Pros
Cons
10. Koda Farms Sho-Chiku-Bai Sweet Rice
Highlighted Characteristics
This Koda Farms sweet rice is intended for mochi and other similar dishes, although it may also be used for sushi in certain situations. It features the traditional small-grain shape and is processed to provide the highest whole kernel percentage for high-quality recipes. Moreover, the farm from which it is from has been producing rice since 1948 and is a family-owned business.
This is a certified kosher variety of rice that is also non-GMO for individuals on specific diets. It’s low in fat, cholesterol, and salt, but it’s high in fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals including niacin, iron, folic acid, and thiamin.
Pros
Cons
Considerations Before Purchasing the Finest Sushi Rice
Long-grain rice is used in a variety of cuisines, including salads, side dishes, pilafs, and more. When it comes to real sushi, though, this sort of rice just does not cut it. When cooked on the stove or in a rice cooker, sushi rice is short and wide with a high level of stickiness.
Amylopectin, a starch, is responsible for the sticky texture of sushi rice. When cooked, it transforms into a gelatin-like material, which is what makes sushi rice creamier and more tender than other varieties of rice. It is also somewhat starchier than other varieties of rice, which shows in the meals in which it is usually used.
Although sushi rice originated in Japan and other northeast Asian countries, it is currently produced in certain areas of the United States. California has the most rice fields in the United States, but it may also be farmed in Arkansas, but this is normally where you will find the long-grain kind.
Even if you’ve never cooked sushi rice before, chances are you’ve sampled it at some time. Although you may not be a sushi expert, this sort of rice is utilized in a variety of different recipes. You’ve probably had a taste of sushi rice at least once or twice if you’ve eaten gimbap, bibimbap, or onigiri.
What Distinguishes Sushi Rice from Other Rice Varieties
Knowing what makes sushi rice distinctive requires a broad grasp of rice. Rice, for example, may be long-grain, short-grain, or medium-grain, and each has a distinct texture to add to a recipe. Short-grain rice is the finest choice for sushi and other similar meals since it is starchier and results in a stickier final product.
Moreover, since sushi is an Asian meal, knowing the many varieties of Japanese rice might help you pick the finest sushi rice brand for your requirements. In Japan, the two most common kinds (both of which are short-grain rice alternatives) are:
- Mochigome – A glutinous Japanese sweet rice that is most often used to create traditional wagashi sweets and mochi rice cakes.
- Uruchimai – Also known as Japanese rice or Japanese short-grain rice. It’s the type of rice that is best for rice balls, sushi, and other savory Japanese dishes. This kind of rice also has other uses, such as being used to make rice vinegar and sake.
Although both of these rices are short-grain and have a sticky feel that seems to be great for sushi, they are fundamentally different and should not be used interchangeably. Mochigome will be chewier, glutinous, and stickier than traditional Japanese rice.
Japanese rice is often referred to as sticky rice in Western countries such as the United States due to its texture when compared to traditional white rice. Sticky rice, on the other hand, lacks a clear definition and is more of a colloquial term for sticky rice.
When people in Asian countries talk of sticky rice, they typically mean sweet rice. Hence, although Japanese rice provides stickiness in the same way as basmati and jasmine rice do, it is not the same kind of sticky rice.
Sushi rice, on the other hand, is a kind of Japanese rice that has been seasoned with vinegar and is solely used to make sushi. This might be perplexing since several different varieties of short-grain rice can be labeled as sushi rice. Short-grain rice, on the other hand, is not truly sushi rice unless the necessary spices are applied.
Jasmine Rice Health and Nutrition Information
Sushi has been loved for more than 2,000 years. Sushi rice is used to tie together little pieces of vegetables or fish in this beautiful Japanese cuisine presentation. The rice is necessary, but so are the raw or cooked fish and vegetables that are combined with it in this unusual fashion.
Sushi rice, as previously stated, is typically short-grain and includes two kinds of starches: amylose and amylopectin. Sushi rice often has a larger concentration of the later starch, which makes it stickier and allows the sushi to form more readily. Brown sushi rice is light brown in color and contains bran, while white sushi rice does not.
According to the USDA food database, cooked short-grain white rice contains more than 68% water. A 100-gram serving of Japanese sushi rice has around 130 calories, less than a gram of fat, more than two grams of protein, and just under 29 grams of carbs. Cooked brown rice has 72 grams of water, less than a gram of fat, 112 calories, less than three grams of protein, and around 24 grams of carbs.
When it comes to your health, sushi rice has both advantages and disadvantages. Sushi rice is mainly fat-free, and a sushi dinner usually has minimal fat and few calories. If you use sushi rice without adding mayonnaise or frying it, the calories will be considerably lower.
Brown rice also contains some dietary fiber, which might benefit your digestive health and wellness. Usually sushi rice is served wrapped around pieces of sushi, making it easier to keep track of portion sizes and prevent overeating if that is a problem.
On the negative side, sushi rice is high in carbs and typically lacks protein. This means that if you eat a lot of sushi rice, you may reach your carb and calorie limits before you reach your daily protein requirements.
This issue is aggravated by using white sushi rice, which is processed and has a significant quantity of carbohydrate. This form of carbohydrate is less healthier than picking a whole grain that has not been refined.
Sushi Rice Preparation Techniques
When you’ve made your sushi rice, you’ll need a few more items to make it genuine. You should have the following things on hand for this sushi rice preparation method:
- 2 2/3 cups of short-grain sushi rice
- 2 ½ cups of water
- 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
- The first step to creating sushi rice is making sure you have the right type of rice. In most cases, this will be a white hulled sushi rice made of short-grain rice that is slightly sweet and sticky. Make sure that the rice you choose is not medium or long-grain, as it will not stick together and bind, which is a requirement for sushi.
- Next, you want to measure out the rice depending on how many you are feeding and what recipe you are following. In this case, we’ll use about three cups of rice to create a large portion of sushi rice. You should also think about whether you will be cooking the rice on the stovetop or in a rice cooker.
- You will want to rinse off the rice before going any further. This is done by pouring massive amounts of cold water onto it and then using your fingers to move the rice around the water to remove dirt and starch particles. This doesn’t have to be done for a long time – just swish it around thoroughly and then pour out as much of the water as possible.
- Now we can move onto cooking the rice, which is done by adding about 100 milliliters of water for every 100 grams of rice. Use the same container that you used to measure the rice to measure the water for best results. Next, you can put the water and rice into a pot, put on the lid, and turn the heat to high.
- At this point, you should watch the pot until it comes to the boil. After it begins to boil, you should set a timer for seven minutes. While some rice may stick to the bottom, this is nothing to worry about. The rice stuck on the bottom won’t be used when making the actual sushi.
- After your rice and water mixture has boiled for seven minutes, turn down the heat. You want to take it down to the lowest setting and then let it simmer for another 15 minutes. Throughout this process, remember not to remove the lid for best results.
- This step is optional and consists of allowing the rice to cool if you want it to be less sticky when you season it. However, cooling it down too much can make it dry out, so you need to be cautious with this step.
- Now you are going to put together the seasoning for the rice, which includes rice vinegar, sugar, and coarse salt. Different vinegar brands can have different tastes, so you may want to do some tasting as you go along. On average, you’ll want to use 100 milliliters of vinegar with one and a half teaspoons of salt and three tablespoons of sugar. Place all the ingredients in a pot and heat, stirring until all the ingredients are dissolved. Then you can taste it and change up the amounts as needed.
- This is the point where you mix the seasoning with the rice, typically in a flat-bottomed, round barrel or tub with a wooden paddle. However, you can also use a cookie sheet or a baking pan to toss the rice with the liquid in a flipping and tossing motion. Use gentle movements to avoid cooking the rice further.
- At this point, the rice is ready to use, or you can put it in the fridge and reheat it later in the microwave or through gentle steaming.
Conclusion
Sushi rice is more than meets the eye and can be used for much more than sushi, though it is obviously excellent for that as well. It is distinct from white or brown rice and is not identical to jasmine or basmati rice.
With the assistance of this article, you should be able to choose the finest brand of sushi rice for you. You should also have a better understanding of some of the dishes that involve sushi rice, allowing you to be more creative in the kitchen. All that remains is to get the ideal rice for your requirements and begin cooking.
Sources:
357645-sushi-rice-nutrition-informationarticlewww.livestrong.comhttps:
The-Different-Kinds-of-Sushimeat-dishesdelishably.comhttps:
Make-Sushi-Ricewww.wikihow.comhttps:
1791-finding-the-best-sushi-ricearticleswww.cooksillustrated.comhttps:
FAQs
What makes sushi rice taste sweet?
Sushi rice is seasoned with rice vinegar and sugar, or rice vinegar that has already been sweetened. The tanginess and sweetness of the sauce complement the fish and add to the overall taste of the sushi.
Is sweet sticky rice the same as sushi rice?
Sushi rice is also known as sticky rice. Sticky rice is another name for the rice used in Korean cuisine.
What sweet rice is used for sushi?
Japanese sweet rice, sticky rice, or mochi rice (mochi gome) is a Japanese short-grain rice cultivar. It may be used in both sweet and savory meals. It is harvested in the same season as short-grain rice, from the end of August to the beginning of October.
What is the best rice for making sushi?
Short-grain Japanese rice is the best rice for sushi, and it’s what’s in the bags labeled “sushi rice” at the store. This glutinous rice has a greater starch content than other types, giving it the sticky texture desired for sushi.
How to make sushi rice very sticky?
Kim loves to use 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 114 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 12 teaspoon kosher salt for a single serving (12 cup) of sushi rice. In a small bowl, whisk together all three ingredients until the sugar dissolves, then mix into the cooked sushi rice.
How do you make rice taste sweeter?
To make a delicately sweet, fragrant rice meal, replace 12 cup of your cooking liquid with 12 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk. If you want to use coconut cream (not sweet cream of coconut), just whisk in roughly 2 tablespoons cream immediately before you cover the rice to steam.
What kind of rice is sweet sticky rice?
Glutinous rice (Oryza sativa var. glutinosa; also known as sticky rice, sweet rice, or waxy rice) is a type of rice grown primarily in Southeast and East Asia, as well as the northeastern regions of South Asia, with opaque grains and a very low amylose content that becomes especially sticky when cooked.
What rice is sweet and sticky?
What kind of rice is used to make sticky rice? Jasmine rice is the rice you need. It is named after the sweet-smelling jasmine flower and is cultivated in Thailand. It has a somewhat sweet, aromatic flavor and a sticky glutinous texture.
What’s the difference between sticky rice and sweet sticky rice?
Sticky rice is also known as sticky rice due to its peculiar flavor, which is somewhat sweeter than other forms of rice. Even though it has a little sweetness, the sweetness will not overshadow the flavor of the dish served beside it.
Is Japanese sweet rice the same as Thai sticky rice?
The grains of sweet rice are small and plump, with a chalky, white kernel. When comparing Thai sticky rice to Japanese sticky rice, you’ll notice a significant variation in the grains. Thai sticky rice is less opaque and whiter than Japanese rice. Thai sweet rice grains are likewise somewhat longer than Japanese sweet rice grains.