Sushi is one of the most popular Japanese dishes, enjoyed by people around the world It consists of cold, vinegared rice, typically accompanied by raw fish or other seafood like shrimp, salmon, or squid, as well as vegetables and seaweed, which are sometimes rolled in nori (dried seaweed sheets) and consumed without utensils. Often, sushi is served with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi, though nearly endless variations and combinations of ingredients exist.
The art of making sushi can be traced back to the 11th century, when it became popular among the city’s wealthier classes. Since then, it has become a source of pride and national identity in Japan, and many new varieties of sushi have been invented. Here are some of the best examples of sushi, each with its own unique flavor and composition.
1. California Roll: This variety of sushi is popular in the United States and features cooked crab, avocado, and cucumber rolled in nori and served with a side of rice. It is often topped with sesame seeds, giving it a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
2. Temaki: Temaki, or hand-rolled sushi, is a cone-shaped, nori-seaweed wrap filled with ingredients such as fish, vegetables, and sushi rice. It can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal.
3. Nigiri: Nigiri is another popular type of sushi, featuring a slice of raw fish served on top of a small ball of sushi rice. It is usually garnished with a strip of nori or a dollop of wasabi.
4. Maki: Maki, or rolled sushi, is made by rolling vinegared sushi rice, nori, and other ingredients in a cylindrical shape. It can come with a variety of fillings such as fish, vegetables, and eggs, and is often cut into bite-sized pieces.
5. Chirashi: Chirashi is a variety of sushi consisting of cooked rice mixed with other ingredients such as fish, vegetables, and mushrooms. It is usually served in a bowl or platter and often garnished with pickled ginger and wasabi.