How to Prepare and Cook Sushi Rice: A Complete Guide and Which Types of Rice to Use

How to Prepare and Cook Sushi Rice: A Complete Guide

Rice is the most important element of sushi.

You can use the best salmon in the world, but if the rice isn't prepared properly, the result will never be authentic.

In this guide you will discover:

• What type of rice do you need for sushi?
• how to wash it correctly
• how to cook it
• how to season it
• mistakes to avoid.

Which rice to use for sushi

To make authentic sushi you need short-grain Japanese rice.

The correct name is:

• sushi rice
• Japanese rice
• short grain rice

Characteristics of the right rice

✔ short and rounded grain

✔ high starch content

✔ becomes compact but not sticky

✔ absorbs seasoning well

Do not use:

❌ basmati rice

❌ jasmine rice

❌ parboiled rice

❌ traditional long rice

These types of rice do not have the starch needed to create the perfect sushi texture.

Ingredients for sushi rice

For about 4 people:

• 300 g of sushi rice
• 360 ml of water
• 4 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

How to wash rice properly

This step is crucial.

1. Place the rice in a bowl.
2. Cover it with cold water.
3. Mix with your hand.
4. Drain the water.
5. Repeat 4–5 times until the water becomes almost clear.

Why is it important?

It helps remove excess starch and achieve the right consistency.

How to cook sushi rice

Pot method

1. Put the washed rice into the pot.
2. Add the water (ratio approximately 1:1.2).
3. Cover with lid.
4. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
5. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cook for 12 minutes.
6. Turn off and let it rest for 10 minutes without removing the lid.

Do not stir during cooking.

Rice cooker method

If you have a rice cooker:

1. Add rice and water.
2. Start the “white rice” program.
3. Wait for the cycle to end.

It is the simplest and most precise method.

How to season sushi rice

While the rice is still hot:

1. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
2. Transfer the rice to a large bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice.
4. Mix gently with a bottom-up motion.

Do not mash the rice.

Let it cool to room temperature.

Perfect consistency of sushi rice

The rice must be:

✔ compact

✔ slightly shiny

✔ moist but not wet

✔ easy to shape with your hands

If it's too dry → it lacks water

If it is soft → too much water or insufficient washing

Common mistakes to avoid

❌ Using the wrong rice

❌ Don't wash it well

❌ Stir it while cooking

❌ Cool it in the refrigerator

❌ Using too much vinegar

Sushi rice should never be refrigerated: it becomes hard and loses consistency.

Advice for beginners

Many people find it difficult to measure rice, water and seasoning correctly.

To simplify the process, you can use specific tools and accessories designed for home sushi preparation, which help you achieve a perfect shape and uniform consistency.

If you want to learn step by step, you can discover Sushikko's professional kit, designed to help you make authentic sushi right at home.

Rice is the heart of sushi.

Choosing the right type and cooking it the right way makes all the difference.

Once you learn the technique, making sushi at home becomes simple, fun, and perfect for an evening with friends or family.

Sushikko solves all your problems, request a free demo.