Sushi vs. Sashimi | What’RE the Differences
Have you ever called a Japanese restaurant and requested them for their thinly sliced sushi? Yeah, that’s sashimi. Even people who are well aware of the differences between the two, they still struggle to select between which one to order. Heck some people don’t even know whether sushi is from Japanese origin or Chinese. Even though both sushi and sashimi are Japanese dishes, they’re still very different in terms of presentation, flavour, and recipe. We’re here to help you distinguish between the two so that you have less trouble while placing your order.
What Is Sushi?
Is that even a question? Sushi is everyone’s favorite Japanese food. It is absolutely incomplete without its star ingredient: Rice. It’s also the ingredient that sets apart sushi and sashimi. Another thing to note here is that sushi isn’t just put together with any rice. It’s made particularly with sushi rice. Sushi rice is flavored with a sour ingredient, most often this ingredient is vinegar. The addition makes the rice sticky, therefore it sticks together to form beautifully appealing shapes. Finally, it can be combined with the final ingredient. Commonly, fish or vegetables are used.
What Is Sashimi?
Sashimi is just raw fish cut into nice and thin slices. It isn’t put together with rice, vinegar, or any additional ingredient. Sashimi can be served with one vegetable or two but besides that, it’s on its own. If you want to add a touch of flavour, you can pair it with wasabi or soy sauce. However, true fans of sashimi like to keep the flavour more fish-like and natural. Sashimi is also widely popular for its aesthetic value.
The Literal Meaning
The literal meaning is “sushi” is sour rice or rice with vinegar. This cuts down the possibility of pairing it with fish. However, as sushi evolved, so did the recipe. Moving forward, the literal meaning of “sashimi” is pierced body. The term can also be used interchangeably for sliced meat. This explains the concept of sashimi more accurately since it’s actually finely sliced raw fish.
The Types
We are all well aware of the fact that there are more types of sushi than we can count. The most popular one being maki sushi and nigiri sushi. There are several other types that include masago sushi, unagi sushi, tamago sushi, hirame sushi, maguro sushi, etc. Each one is created with the optimum combination of rice and fish. Whereas, sashimi is made purely with fish and other materials, such as shrimps, clams, scallops, and octopus.
Other Differences
Another differences that distinguishes sushi from sashimi is that it’s always served with rice while sashimi goes without it. Some types of sushi may look similar to sashimi but they aren’t. Secondly, sushi doesn’t necessarily have to have raw fish. It can have cooked fish too.
Sushi and sashimi are both Japanese originated dishes and immensely nutritious. However, if you are to choose between the two, go for sushi initially as it’s easier to eat with the additional flavours of rice and vinegar. Sashimi on the other hand is liked by people who are more indulged in extreme Japanese cuisine.
If you ever want to try out sushi or sashimi, Machi Sushi in Victoria, BC will be a wonderful place to visit.
Order online now: https://machisushi.ca/menu/
