Nigiri sushi is a Japanese classic of hand formed vinegared rice topped with fish.
Stay connected to the end of this guide to learn about its nigiri history, types and how to eat it.
Key Takeaways
- Nigiri sushi is hand formed sushi rice topped with a piece of fish. Simple and premium.
- Born in 19th century Tokyo, nigiri sushi went from fast food to a staple of Japanese cuisine. Quality of ingredients is what matters.
- Rules for eating nigiri sushi is to use your hands and dip the fish side in soy sauce to enhance not overpower the flavors.
What is Nigiri Sushi?
Nigiri sushi is a Japanese classic of a hand formed mound of sushi rice topped with a piece of raw fish. This type of sushi is simple and premium, balance of slightly sweet vinegared rice and fresh fish. Common accompaniments served with nigiri sushi are wasabi, soy sauce and pickled ginger, each one enhances the flavor in its own way.
Nigiri sushi is essentially sushi rice and raw fish. The sushi rice, also known as sushi meshi, is seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar and salt to give it a unique taste that matches the topping.
The fish, from tuna and salmon to eel and sea urchin, is chosen for its freshness and quality, including raw seafood.
History of Nigiri Sushi
Nigiri sushi was born in 19th century Tokyo as Edomae sushi, named after the Edo Bay (now Tokyo Bay). It was fast food, sushi chefs used local seafood to make quick and delicious meals for busy workers.
Over time it evolved and became popular and a staple of Japanese cuisine and symbol of traditional sushi craftsmanship.
Etymology of Nigiri Sushi
The word “nigiri” in Japanese means “two fingers” which refers to the size of the sushi. This is fitting as nigiri sushi is hand formed with two fingers to shape the sushi rice into an oval shape.
This hand formed sushi roll is then topped with a piece of fish to make a bite sized piece of sushi that captures the essence of Japanese sushi tradition when eating sushi.
Types of Nigiri Sushi
Nigiri sushi offers many options, the variety of ingredients and presentation. From the delicate slices of tuna to the rich fatty texture of salmon and eel, each piece of nigiri tells a story. The quality of the sushi rice and the topping is crucial in determining the taste and experience. The ideal size of a nigiri rice ball is 2 inches long by 1 inch wide, the perfect balance of rice and fish.
Besides traditional fish toppings, nigiri sushi can also cater to vegetarians and those who prefer cooked options. Nigiri sushi isn’t just raw fish, it can be smoked, seared or grilled toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
This versatility is why nigiri sushi is a favorite in many sushi restaurants where chefs experiment with different ingredients to create unique and delicious combinations.
The price of nigiri sushi can vary greatly depending on the ingredients. High end sushi bars serve expertly crafted nigiri by skilled sushi chefs with premium fish to create an experience that is both luxurious and memorable.
On the other hand, more affordable options are available in convenience stores and fast food chains so nigiri sushi is accessible to many.
Fish used in Nigiri Sushi
The fish used in nigiri sushi is one of its best features. Salmon, with its buttery texture, is a favorite that melts in your mouth. Tuna, especially fatty tuna (toro) is a rich and satisfying flavor that’s hard to find.
Yellowtail, eel and sea urchin are also common fish used in nigiri sushi each with its own unique taste and texture.
The fish used in nigiri sushi is one of its best features.
- Salmon nigiri: Melts in your mouth.
- Tuna nigiri: Rich flavor, especially fatty tuna (toro).
- Eel nigiri: Comes with a sweet and savory sauce.
- Sea urchin nigiri: Elegant flavor.
Eel nigiri is a flavorful alternative to raw fish. Sea urchin nigiri is elegant flavor that pairs well with alcohol, a favorite among adults.
Fish used in nigiri sushi is carefully selected for freshness and quality to make for a great dining experience.
Vegetarian and Cooked Nigiri
Nigiri sushi has options for vegetarians and cooked options. Vegetarian nigiri can have avocado, cucumber or pickled vegetables, a fresh and delicious experience without raw fish. These options are available upon request in many sushi restaurants to cater to different dietary preferences.
Cooked nigiri options are also popular, grilled eel is a favorite. The rich savory flavor of grilled eel combined with the slightly sweet and vinegared sushi rice is a perfect harmony that will satisfy.
How to Eat Nigiri Sushi
Eating nigiri sushi properly is an art, it’s a cultural etiquette and technique that makes a big difference. It may seem simple but understanding the subtleties will make a big impact on how you eat.
The traditional way of eating nigiri sushi is to use your hands, as the rice may fall apart with chopsticks. This way it’s easier to handle and you can appreciate the texture and craftsmanship of each piece.
Dipping nigiri sushi in soy sauce properly is also important. Instead of dipping the rice which will make it fall apart, you should dip the fish side down.
Chopsticks or Hands
When eating nigiri sushi, using your hands is preferred especially in traditional setting. This way the sushi rice won’t fall apart and you can feel the texture and temperature of the nigiri.
Chopsticks can be used but eating with hands is more authentic and fun.
Dipping Nigiri in Soy Sauce
To dip nigiri in soy sauce, turn the piece so the fish touches the sauce not the rice. This way the soy sauce will enhance the flavor of the fish without overpowering it or making the rice fall apart.
A light dip is enough, too much soy sauce will mask the delicate flavor of the nigiri and too much will overwhelm the dish.
Eating Order for Best Flavor
For full flavor experience start with lighter and more delicate nigiri and then progress to richer and fattier ones. This way your palate will adjust to the different flavors and textures.
Eat each piece in one bite to experience the intended flavor and texture.
Nigiri vs Sashimi vs Sushi
Nigiri sushi is hand formed rice topped with fish or seafood, sashimi is just raw fish without rice. This is the key, rice is the foundation of sushi, that’s why nigiri is different from sashimi.
Other types of sushi like maki rolls and chirashi also have its own experience.
Maki rolls is rice and ingredients wrapped in nori, chirashi is various ingredients scattered over a bed of sushi rice. Each type of sushi has its own way of preparation and presentation that adds to the variety and richness of Japanese cuisine.
Nigiri vs Sashimi
Nigiri and sashimi both have raw fish but the key difference is the rice. Nigiri is hand pressed mound of sushi rice topped with a slice of fish, sashimi is just slices of raw fish.
This means sashimi is not considered as sushi because it doesn’t have the rice.
Nigiri vs Maki Rolls
Maki rolls is made by wrapping rice and other ingredients in a sheet of nori (seaweed), unlike nigiri. This creates a cylindrical shape that is then sliced into bite sized pieces.
Nigiri is more minimalist, the focus is on the quality and pairing of the rice and fish.
Nigiri vs Chirashi
Chirashi and nigiri have different dining experience.
Nigiri is individual pieces of fish on hand pressed rice, chirashi is a bowl of sushi rice topped with sashimi and garnishes.
This scattered presentation is colorful and varied in flavors and textures, unlike nigiri.
How to Make Nigiri Sushi
Making nigiri sushi is an art. Sushi chefs have years of training and practice to perfect the craft, to achieve the balance of rice and fish.
This is what makes nigiri sushi a luxury in high end sushi bars and traditional sushi restaurants.
Every step from shaping the rice to selecting the freshest fish is important in making nigiri sushi. Sushi chefs go through rigorous training, starting from basic kitchen tasks and then progressing to mastering the art of nigiri.
This dedication ensures each piece of nigiri sushi is a piece of art, showing the chef’s skill and ingredient quality.
Sushi Chef Training
Sushi chefs usually go through years of training. This training starts from menial jobs in the kitchen, so aspiring chefs can learn the basics before moving on to more complex tasks.
Hand Pressed Sushi Techniques
Rice is formed into an oval shape and just the right amount of pressure is applied when placing the fish on top.
Where to Enjoy Nigiri Sushi
Nigiri sushi can be enjoyed in different settings, each with its own dining experience. Traditional sushi restaurants is where you can get high quality nigiri, where skilled chefs will craft each piece with precision.
These places focus on fresh ingredients and traditional methods, so you get an authentic Japanese experience.
Conveyor belt sushi restaurants is more casual. Here you can choose from a variety of nigiri as it passes by on a conveyor belt.
This format is fun and interactive, with many options to suit your taste.
Japanese convenience stores also offer pre-packaged nigiri sushi so you can get it on the go. These are perfect for a quick and affordable meal, a taste of nigiri sushi without the full sit down experience.
Traditional Sushi Restaurants
Traditional sushi restaurants like Nobu are famous for their high quality and expertise in serving nigiri sushi. These places focus on using fresh ingredients and traditional methods so each piece of nigiri is a work of art.
Eating at a traditional sushi restaurant is an intimate and authentic experience, showing the artistry and hard work of the chefs.
Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurants
Conveyor belt sushi restaurants is a casual and fun dining experience where you can choose your favorite nigiri from a rotating display. These places have many options of nigiri so you can try different types without committing to a full order.
The interactive nature of conveyor belt sushi restaurants makes it popular for families and groups, a fun way to enjoy nigiri sushi.
Convenience Stores and Fast Food
In Japan, many convenience stores carry pre-packaged nigiri sushi so busy people can enjoy this traditional dish. These are affordable and ready to eat, a convenient solution for those who wants to satisfy their sushi cravings on the go.
Fast food chains also have nigiri sushi on their menu to cater to the demand for quick and easy sushi.
Wrap Up
Nigiri sushi with its simple yet elegant combination of sushi rice and fresh fish is the essence of Japanese cuisine. From its birth in 19th century Tokyo to its modern versions, nigiri sushi will always be a delight to the palate.
Whether you like traditional fish toppings or vegetarian and cooked options, nigiri sushi has many variations to suit your taste.
The craftsmanship of nigiri is a proof of the skill and hard work of sushi chefs who has been trained for years to master this art.
