Instant Pot Sushi Rice

Make the perfect instant pot rice for sushi. This Japanese sushi rice recipe is easy, quick and makes the best rice for sushi rolls, sushi bowls and hand rolls.

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If you want to make the perfect sushi rice, you are in the right place. And if you want to make hibachi Blackstone fried rice, check out How to Season a Blackstone Griddle before getting started to get the perfect crispy rice!

Why This Recipe Works

Only two ingredients necessary! Rice and sushi rice seasoning. This rice is excellent served with this Laotian Meat Salad.

Making this rice in an instant pot is quick and easy. If you want to know how to cook black rice for sushi, it is just as easy!

You are going to feel like a super talented Japanese artisan when you are hand crafting your homemade California rolls and sushi bowls using this delicious Japanese rice. This rice is also delicious served with my Spicy Salmon Bowl, Spicy Crab Roll, Tobiko Sushi, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Salmon Tataki and Yellowtail Sashimi with citrus garlic ponzu.

I love serving this rice warm, topped with a Korean marinated Mayak Soy Sauce Egg.

How to make sushi rice

Sushi rice is surprisingly easy! The two main factors are the type of rice that you use and the perfect sushi rice seasoning.

Couple those ingredients with the perfect cooking method, making sushi rice in the instant pot and you will be a champion rolling homemade sushi rolls and making sushi bowls in no time!

If you love sushi, you will LOVE my Vegetable Sushi with 8 different sushi rolls to try! Definitely make some delicious Eel Sauce (Unagi Sauce) or Bang Bang Sauce to dip your sushi rolls!

What are the best sushi rice brands and sushi rice seasoning to use?

It is very important when making rice for sushi that you use the correct type of rice. You will want to use a short grain (Japanese rice) or medium grain (California) rice. Some excellent sushi rice brands are:

I recommend seasoned rice wine vinegar. Marukan Seasoned Rice Vinegar and Nakano Seasoned Rice Vinegar are both good choices and are often found in the Asian or vinegar/salad dressing section of most grocery stores.

Many grocery stores also carry a store brand version of rice vinegar (ex: target).

How to make this recipe

Ingredients

1 cup small or medium grain rice
1 cup + 1 tbsp water
2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
1 tsp salt

Instructions

Measure rice first.
Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess starch (water should run clean). Shake off excess water.
Add rinsed rice and salt to instant pot.
Add water.
Add 1 teaspoon salt.
Cook on instant pot high pressure setting for 6 minutes (with full natural release).
Transfer rice to bowl.
Add rice vinegar evenly over rice.
Gently fold rice to incorporate rice vinegar, be careful no to smash rice.

FAQ and expert tips

Can I use basmati or jasmine rice to make sushi?

I do not recommend these types of rice for sushi rice as they don’t stick together well and provide the sticky consistency needed for good sushi rice.

Why do you rinse sushi rice?

This removes any excess starch and debris from the rice. Too much starch can make the rice too mushy.

What does the vinegar do to the rice?

The vinegar adds flavor and subtle sweetness, as well as helps to make the rice sticky, perfect for sushi rolls!

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