Create perfect sushi rice effortlessly with this simple rice cooker recipe! Using Japanese short-grain rice and a quick blend of rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt, this method guarantees fluffy, flavorful rice every time. Ideal for homemade sushi rolls, wraps, and rice bowls, this fail-proof recipe makes authentic sushi rice a breeze.
Jump to:
- WHAT IS SUSHI RICE?
- Ingredients
- What kind of rice is used for sushi?
- Equipment
- Rice cooker method cooking Instructions
- Dishes using sushi rice
- Tips for Cooking Perfect Sushi Rice in a Rice Cooker
- How to store and reheat sushi rice
- Frequently asked questions
- More easy rice cooker recipes you'll love!
- How to Cook Sushi Rice in a Rice Cooker
WHAT IS SUSHI RICE?
Sushi rice is a seasoned short-grain rice used in various Japanese dishes, especially sushi rolls, like avocado rolls and rice bowls. It’s typically flavored with a blend of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, giving it a subtle, tangy-sweet taste. The rice's sticky texture helps it hold together, making it ideal for forming rice triangles or to support toppings for sushi. You can easily prepare sushi rice on the stovetop or in a rice cooker.
Ingredients
Rice: Use Japanese short-grain rice for sushi rice. I recommend brands like Nishiki, Shirakiku, or Sukini, which are available at most Japanese or Asian markets.
Sushi Rice Vinegar Seasoning: Combine rice vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt. Rice vinegar is available at most mainstream stores; I prefer the Murakan brand.
What kind of rice is used for sushi?
Short-grain rice is best for sushi because its sticky texture makes it perfect for hand rolls and other sushi types. The term "short-grain" refers to the rice's shape, which is shorter and wider than other varieties. If short-grain rice isn’t available, medium-grain rice can be a suitable substitute. However, avoid using long-grain rice, as its drier texture won’t hold together well for sushi.
Equipment
The two rice cookers I've used that make great rice are the Tiger JBV S series and the Cuckoo six cup model. Both are compact enough not to take up much counter space, yet they have the capacity to cook up to 5 cups of dry rice, making them perfect for larger gatherings.
Rice cooker method cooking Instructions
1. Wash the rice and drain well in a mesh strainer.
2. Add the 1 cup of rice to 1 ¼ cup water in the rice cooker pot. Set the cooker to start or cook.
3. Make the sushi rice seasoning: In a small saucepan, heat the rice vinegar, sugar and salt on medium heat, and stir until the sugar dissolves. Alternately, you can heat the vinegar mixture up in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warm, then mix to dissolve the sugar. Set aside.
4. Once the rice is done cooking, spread it out on a plate or baking sheet. Pour the sushi rice seasoning over the rice and use the rice cooker spoon to carefully mix (by using slicing motions with the spoon) to incorporate the seasoning into the rice.
Dishes using sushi rice
Avocado Maki Roll: Enjoy this simple, healthy roll made with sushi rice, cucumber, and avocado.
Onigiri (Rice Triangles): Traditionally made with plain rice, but sushi rice adds extra flavor. Season with furikake, salmon flakes, or kombu.
Spam Musubi Rolls: A delicious snack made with pan-fried Spam, sushi rice, and nori.
Chirashi Bowls: A hearty sushi rice bowl topped with a variety of fresh, raw fish.
Rice Balls: A kid favorite! Mix sushi rice with furikake, then shape into balls by hand or with a rice ball shaker for a fun snack or lunchbox treat.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Sushi Rice in a Rice Cooker
- A standard US measuring cup is used for this recipe, not the measuring cup provided with the rice cooker.
- Drain Well After Rinsing: Be sure to drain the rice thoroughly after rinsing to avoid mushy rice.
- Let the Vinegar Soak: At first, the rice vinegar may seem excessive, but allow a few minutes for it to soak fully into the rice.
- Cover to Prevent Drying: If using the rice for rolls, transfer it to a bowl and cover with a damp cloth or paper towel to keep it from drying out.
- Dissolve Sugar in Vinegar Seasoning: Warming the vinegar seasoning on the stovetop or microwave helps dissolve the sugar more effectively.
How to store and reheat sushi rice
Freezing: Place rice in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To use, microwave for 5-6 minutes or until thawed and warmed through (time varies by microwave).
Refrigerating: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Frequently asked questions
The rice-to-water ratio can vary by brand, but a general rule of thumb for short-grain sushi rice is 1 cup of rice to 1 ¼ cups of water.
For this rice cooker recipe for about 3 cups of cooked short-grain rice, use 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar seasoning.
Rice gets mushy when there is too much water. This can be prevented by draining the rice well after rinsing, and measuring the correct amount of water per cup of rice.
Sushi rice is flavored short grain rice. The seasoning is a mixture of vinegar, sugar and salt.
More easy rice cooker recipes you'll love!
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How to Cook Sushi Rice in a Rice Cooker
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup short grain rice use US measuring (dry) cup . I use Nishiki or Sukini brand
- 1 ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons seasoned Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Wash the rice three times and drain well in a mesh strainer.
- Add the 1 cup of rice and 1 ¼ cups of water to the rice cooker pot. Set the cooker to "Start" , "Cook”, or “sushi” setting.
- While the rice is cooking, heat the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves (about 30 seconds). Alternatively, microwave the mixture for 30 seconds or until warm. Set aside.
- When the rice is finished cooking, spread it out on a plate or baking sheet. Pour the sushi rice seasoning over the rice, and use a rice cooker spoon to gently mix, using a slicing motion to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
Notes
- A standard US measuring cup is used for this recipe, not the measuring cup provided with the rice cooker.
- Tip: Be sure to drain the rice well after rinsing to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
- Rice Vinegar: The amount of rice vinegar may initially seem excessive, but allow a few minutes for it to absorb fully into the rice.
- For Rolls: If using the rice to make rolls, transfer it to a bowl and cover with a damp cloth or paper towel to keep it moist.
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