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The cooked sushi rice in a light brown ohitsu container with a white spoon.

How to Cook Perfect Sushi Rice On The Stove

Your friendly guide to making perfect sushi rice on the stove packed with tips on how to prepare, cook, and season the rice even if you've never made sushi rice at home before.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4 sushi rolls
Calories 424 kcal

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • hangiri
  • mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2.25 cups Japanese short-grain rice (Note 1)
  • 2.25 cups water
  • 1 2-inch piece kombu (kelp) optional (Note 2)

Sushi vinegar

  • ⅓ cup rice vinegar (Note 3)
  • 3 tablespoon sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Place the rice into the pan and add just enough water to cover it. Use your hand to stir the rice in the water 2-3 times and then drain. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
  • Place the rice in the pan, add the water and kombu (kelp) if using.
  • Bring the pot to boil over a medium heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low as soon as the water starts to boil and cook for 12 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and set aside to let the rice steam for 10 more minutes.
  • Meanwhile make the sushi vinegar by combining the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small pot over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve.
  • Discard the kombu if using, transfer the rice to a mixing bowl or hangiri and pour on the sushi vinegar.
  • Use a wooden spoon, spatula or rice paddle to gently fold the vinegar together with the rice. If you want you can gently fan the rice as you do this to cool it down.
  • Repeat this process until the rice has cooled to body temperature.
  • If you are not using the rice straightaway cover with a damp tea towel to prevnt it from drying out.

Notes

  1. Japanese short grain rice: Is often labeled as 'sushi rice'. You should be able to find it in regular stores. You can also buy Japanese Rice (sushi rice) online from Amazon or an Asian grocery store.
  2. Kombu: Is a type of dry kelp (seaweed) that adds umami (savory) flavor to the rice. You probably won't find it in a regular store so you'll need to buy kombu online or from an Asian grocery store. 
  3. Rice Vinegar: You can substitute with apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 424kcalCarbohydrates: 94gProtein: 7gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 887mgPotassium: 81mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 0.3IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 2mg
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