Sushi menus may seem a tad confusing at first glance, especially with all of the distinctive Japanese vocabulary. Have you ever puzzled over what the difference is among sushi, sashimi, and maki? You are not alone.
Here is the simple explanation that will enable you to order boldly the next time you go out for sushi.
Sushi: The Umbrella Term
Let’s begin with the fundamentals—”sushi” does not equal raw fish. It literally means vinegared rice that is usually combined with other food items such as seafood, vegetables, or egg. The rice is what constitutes it as sushi, not the topping.
There are many types of sushi, including nigiri, maki, and temaki, and they can be served raw, cooked, or even vegetarian. So when someone says they’re “eating sushi,” they’re talking about a whole category of dishes centered around that seasoned rice.
Sashimi: No Rice, Just the Fish
Sashimi is all fish—thinly cut, very fresh, and served without rice. It’s usually served with garnishes such as daikon radish, wasabi, and soy sauce. Sashimi can be prepared from tuna (maguro), salmon (sake), yellowtail (hamachi), and others.
Since there is no rice used, sashimi is not technically “sushi.” It’s more a matter of enjoying the clean taste and texture of quality seafood.
3. Maki: Rolled Sushi
Maki (abbreviated as makizushi) is what most individuals envision when they hear the term sushi rolls. It’s prepared by spreading vinegared rice on a sheet of seaweed (nori), placing fillings such as fish, vegetables, or cream cheese, and rolling it all up with a bamboo mat before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
There are numerous subtypes of maki:
- Hosomaki – thin rolls with a single filling
- Futomaki – thicker rolls with several ingredients
- Uramaki – “inside-out” rolls with rice on the outside
California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and dragon rolls all qualify as maki.
Summing Up!
Whether your taste is simple or sophisticated, there’s a type of sushi for you. And now that you’re in the know, you’re ready to order like a pro!
Want to try all the different styles of sushi? Visit Sushi Incorporated in St. Petersburg, FL—we offer everything from fresh sashimi to innovative rolls made with love.
This post was written by a professional at Suhi Inc. Sushi Inc. is a vibrant restaurant that offers what is considered the best sushi st petersburg fl that opened its doors in 2013. Offering live music, traditional hand-rolled sushi and a friendly atmosphere, our guests always have a top notch experience. Customers love our award-winning, fresh and creative Sushi rolls, Nigiri, and Sashimi. With a larger selection of tempura, non-Sushi, and teriyaki options, we can accommodate every taste.