If you want to make sushi at home, whether or not your sushi turns out well will depend on how good your sushi rice is. And it can definitely be tricky to make sushi rice successfully the first time, but these tips will help you get it right.
First, you have to get the right rice: Japanese short-grain rice, often labeled in stores as “sushi rice.” When in doubt, ask somebody who works in the store.
When it comes to actually make the rice, the most important first step is to wash the rice thoroughly, then leave it to soak for 30 minutes.
Ideally, you’ll do the actual cooking with a rice cooker, which allows for much more accuracy and control than cooking in a pot on the stove. If you anticipate making sushi often, investing in a rice cooker – even a cheap one – will be well worth it.
Now, to give the sushi rice the correct flavor, you have to season it with a combination of rice vinegar, salt, and sugar. For 3 cups of dry sushi rice, use half a cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Make sure to mix it well!
