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Sushi Rice in a bowl with chopped green onions on top
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Perfect Sushi Rice Recipe

This Easy Sushi Rice recipe tastes just like the rice at your favorite sushi restaurant, perfectly sticky with a sweet, tangy seasoning. Great for sushi rolls, poke bowls, and more, it’s simple to make and full of flavor.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time11 minutes
Total Time16 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese
Servings: 8
Author: Kellie
Cost: $3

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sushi Rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1 dried kelp leaf 2x2 inches in size

Instructions

  • Rinse the rice 3-4 times until the water is almost clear. Leave the rice in the strainer and drain for 30 minutes.
  • While the rice is draining, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, salt and mirin.
  • Add the rice to a pot with the water and top with the kelp leaf.
  • Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
  • Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes, do not lift the lid.
  • Remove the pot from the heat keeping the lid closed and rest for 10 minutes.
  • Uncover the rice and transfer to a room temperature bowl to cool slightly. Drizzle with the vinegar mixture while mixing gently being careful not to break the rice.
  • Cool to room temperature and use in rice bowls, for sushi rolls or crispy rice salad.

Notes

  • Rinse thoroughly: Don’t skip this step—rinsing removes excess starch that can make the rice gummy. Rinse until the water runs nearly clear.
  • Let it drain: After rinsing, let the rice drain for 30 minutes. This helps achieve even cooking and prevents soggy rice.
  • Don’t lift the lid: Once the rice is cooking or resting, resist the urge to peek. Lifting the lid lets steam escape and can affect texture.
  • Use a wooden spoon or rice paddle: When mixing in the seasoning, use a light hand and a non-metal utensil to avoid breaking the grains or creating mush.
  • Cool properly: Let the seasoned rice cool to room temperature before using it in rolls or bowls—this helps it stick without becoming overly soft.
  • Keep it covered with a damp towel: If you’re prepping in advance, cover the rice with a damp towel to keep it from drying out before use.

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 5mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 0.4IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.1mg