Sushi is beloved by many people all around the world. One of the reasons that sushi is so well-loved is the fact that sushi is a very diverse and flexible dish that can be changed to fit the demographics’ preference. This is really interesting because many “Japanese sushi” are actually limited to places outside of Japan. The flexibility and the adaptive nature of Japanese allow chefs to experiment and try new flavors and style of sushi that fits the audience and wows those that are curious. That being said, it doesn’t mean these sushi aren’t authentic, but more like a foreign cousin to the Japanese sushi. This is what makes sushi a global cuisine, the flexibility and the diversity allow people from all over the world to enjoy it.

In this article, we are going to explore the Japanese sushi and how it differs from the sushi that many people love outside of Japan.

Japanese sushi and the world

As mention, sushi is a very diverse dish. Japanese sushi is very simple and elegant. The simplicity of Japanese sushi can be shown through the nigirizushi, a freshly sliced fish topping (neta) on top of chewy vinegared rice with a dab of wasabi and a splash of soy sauce or the simple nori wrapped makizushi that can easily fit into one bite. While sushi outside Japan can be like the traditional Japanese sushi or often times that would be altered to fit the likings of the demographic they are serving. One of the major changes to the sushi is the ingredients of the sushi. With different fillings, sushi can attract a whole new demographic. One example is sushi rolls in Taiwan often include traditional meat floss instead of raw fish. Many Taiwanese people prefer to eat meat floss instead of raw fish.

Japanese Sushi vs. American Sushi

Let us take a look at the difference between Japanese sushi and Western sushi, in particular, American sushi. Sushi in the U.S. is very popular and well-loved. However, when we take a closer look at American sushi and Japanese sushi, there are quite a few significant differences. So let’s take a closer look at the difference between American and Japanese sushi!

Sushi is?

What comes to your mind when you think of sushi? Is it the sushi rolls or nigirizushi? When Japanese people think of sushi, nigirizushi pops into their mind, while in the U.S. it is the sushi rolls. Sushi rolls in Japan are often referred to as makizushi (rolled sushi). While many Japanese sushi restaurants serve both, their main focus is nigirizushi, with a huge range of different topping options.

Japanese Sushi Rolls

Sushi rolls are very different when comparing to Japan and outside of Japan. Japanese sushi rolls or makizushi are often simple sushi that is wrapped with nori on the outside. Unlike the Japanese sushi, Western or American sushi are inside out. Instead of having the rice inside the nori, it is reversed and wrapped outside of the nori. This was done to appeal to the western audience. It also creates the chance to have different ingredients wrapped outside the rice. Making the sushi a lot more complex and have more ingredients in comparison to Japanese sushi rolls. Note: Japan also serves this kind of sushi rolls, it is called uramaki, which literally translates to inside out rolls.

Sushi Rice

To Japanese sushi chefs, the sushi rice is very important, in fact, some think that sushi rice is more important than the fish. Sushi rice in Japan is always short, white, glutinous grains that is chewy, clear and delicious. In addition, it was founded through research that the Japanese sushi rice is meant to be pair with the fish. Japanese sushi rice and neta are in perfect harmony. However, in the U.S. some restaurants decided to cater to health fanatics by replacing white sushi rice with brown rice or even quinoa. Which as a sushi lover myself, finds it hard to understand. I like to eat brown rice and quinoa and I like to eat sushi, but the two of them together is new. Since I have not personally tried it, but if it tastes good and is good for you, I can definitely get on board.

Simple vs Elaborate

Japanese food is all about the balance of different ingredient. The raw fish and sushi rice are to help out each and bring out more flavors. It is very important to have fresh fish, that way you truly taste the flavor the fish mix with the sweet and vinegar rice. While western sushi are much more elaborate in the ingredient and toppings. With all kinds of delicious ingredients and flavorful sauces drizzle over the sushi roll.

Traditional vs Creative

Well, sushi in Japan remains rather traditional and simple. Even though depending on the seasons and the location, there is a wide range of different type of sushi available in Japan. However, many of these sushi styles and presentations remain the same for years or have been passed down from generations to generation. While in the U.S. many sushi places are coming up with creative styled sushi. For example, sushi burrito (aka a really thick sushi roll), sushi stack, sushi donut and many more. All of them are very colorful and with a lot of ingredients. The main components remain the same, rice and seafood, but somehow it is very different and unique.

Interested in making some traditional Japanese sushi? Check out the next section about sushi machine that’s all about making delicious Japanese sushi.

Making Authentic Japanese Sushi

Interested in making authentic Japanese sushi? In order to make delicious and amazing Japanese sushi, you just need sushi machines! With sushi machines, you can easily make authentic Japanese sushi. Sushi machine is here to help you make amazing sushi with minimal effort. Anyone with the right sushi machine can make tasty, Japanese styled sushi in no time. Sushi machines are high efficiency, easy to operate and cost-efficient. In addition, there are multiple types of sushi machine available, you can easily find the sushi machine that suits your business the best. At Top Sushi Maker, we offer a wide range of sushi machines, and you can definitely find a sushi machine that fits your requirements. Find out more about sushi machines or Top Sushi Maker at our Sushi Machine home page or check out this article about sushi robots making authentic sushi!

In conclusion

Even though Japanese sushi and western sushi are very different. They are both very delicious and appeals to different people. It is important to keep an open mind and try them all. The beauty of sushi is that it can easily be adapted to all kinds of culture. As a food enthusiast, it is important to try all of them and see how different culture incorporates their culture into Japanese sushi.

You can easily make both types of sushi with a sushi machine. Luckily, at Top Sushi Maker, we offer both types of sushi machines and more. If you are interested in sushi machine, please feel free to contact us!