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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Why This Recipe Works
- Only two ingredients necessary! Rice and sushi rice seasoning.
- 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 Salmon Tataki and Yellowtail Sashimi with citrus garlic ponzu.
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 tsp 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
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.
This removes any excess starch and debris from the rice. Too much starch can make the rice too mushy.
The vinegar adds flavor and subtle sweetness, as well as helps to make the rice sticky, perfect for sushi rolls!
Looking for other delicious Asian inspired ideas?
- Eel Sauce (for Sushi)
- Bang Bang Sauce
- Furikake Salmon
- Vegetable Sushi Rolls
- Miso Ginger Dressing
- Asian Inspired Buddha Bowl
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Instant Pot Sushi Rice
Equipment
- Instant pot, fine mesh strainer
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 tsp 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 notto smash rice.
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