How does sushi differ in America and Japan?
Sushi is pretty popular here in America. Oftentimes, the sushi we eat is not the same as traditional Japanese sushi. However, delicious it may be, it is important to note the difference between the two. We should also practice appreciating and learning more about the origins of some of our favorite foods. Read on to learn more about the history of sushi, and how American-style sushi differs from Japanese sushi.
Japanese Sushi Overview
At its basic level, sushi is vinegared rice with seafood. Japanese-style sushi is much more simplistic than what we are used to here in America. Another thing of note is that while in America we eat at restaurants that serve multiple types of cuisines from particular cultures, Japan has a more theme-focused style. There is also typically no menu at sushi restaurants in Japan. Instead, there may simply be a list of fish, and customers can ask the chef what is fresh that day. While sushi places can be either fine-dining, conveyor belts, or sushi bars, sushi bars are the most common. At a sushi bar, you will typically find sashimi, nigiri, and handrolls. Let's break down what these particular types of sushi are:
Sashimi
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While we mentioned sushi in Japan normally contains rice, sashimi actually does not. While technically not considered sushi, sashimi is often served at the same restaurants. Sashimi is basically raw fish. (It can also be meat but that is less common.) It is highly important that the fish used in sashimi is of the highest quality. The cut and freshness are the other main factors with this style of food. It is most commonly served with soy sauce, but it can also come with wasabi and pickled ginger. Sashimi is typically eaten with chopsticks.
Nigiri
The rice is back! Nigiri consists of fish, typically raw, on top of a rice mound. Nigiri comes from the Japanese word, nigirizushi, meaning "hand-pressed sushi". The rice is molded by hand, and then the fish on top is also pressed by hand to the rice. The stickiness of the rice, combined with the moisture, helps these two to bind to one another. Wasabi is sometimes placed in between the rice and the fish, and garnishes such as scallions or ginger are commonly added on top. To eat nigiri, use your hands to turn it upside down and dip the fish, not the rice, into soy sauce.
Handrolls
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Handrolls, also called temaki, are large cone-shaped pieces of seaweed, filled with fish, rice, and vegetables. Handrolls are different than sushi rolls, as they are not cut up into smaller pieces. They are also meant to be eaten with your hands, rather than chopsticks. Kampachi (yellowtail) and Otoro (fatty tuna) are some of the most common types of fish used in handrolls.
Sushi in America
As with many cuisines from other cultures, sushi in the United States has become pretty Americanized. If a sushi roll contains multiple ingredients, consider it American style. The types of sushi rolls you are likely used to were created here in the states in the 1960s. Rice was added to the outside, rather than the inside during this time because Americans did not like the taste of nori (seaweed). While sushi bars are most common in Japan, in America, you will typically find sushi at a restaurant.
While the sushi we eat in America is often more of a fusion style, it is certainly still tasty. If you haven't tried more authentic Japanese sushi, however, you should definitely do so. Hapa Sushi Grill and Sake Bar is one local spot to find great sushi of many types. In fact, Hapa comes from a Hawaiian word that describes the perfect blend of American and Japanese cultures.
What are some of your favorite sushi spots? Comment below.
