Sushi Rice Vs White Rice – The Key Differences

If you are a sushi lover, you must have gone to the supermarket searching for sushi rice, and you might wonder why sushi rice is different from regular white rice, or you might have asked if white rice is good enough to make sushi.

Sushi rice is a short grain that is sticky and usually just reserved for sushi, whereas you can use regular white rice in a wide variety of dishes. But how exactly do they differ?

In this article, I will extensively discuss sushi rice and white rice, the differences, the similarities, and which is healthier. This way, you can distinguish between both and choose which rice serves you best according to your preferences and needs.

What is Sushi Rice?

Sushi rice is the same as Japanese short-grain white rice. Some people assume that all sushi rice is the same as Japanese rice. But not all Japanese rice is sushi rice.

Nevertheless, sushi rice is made by steaming and adding vinegar to short-grain Japanese white rice. This Japanese white rice used in making sushi is also known as Uruchimai.

In making sushi rice, all you need is your short-grain Japanese white rice, vinegar, sugar, and salt. After which, the sushi rice is then steamed. Steaming makes the rice stickier, which is required for sushi rice

What is White Rice?

White rice is processed rice without its bran and germ layer. It is the most common type of rice variety, and white rice comes in 3 sizes, the short grain, the medium grain, and the long grain.

You can use the short-grain white rice for sushi rice as it is also sticky. The medium grain is also slightly sticky and can be used, but the long grain is not sticky enough for sushi rice as it lacks starch.

SEE: If Rice is Bad For Weight loss

Sushi Rice Vs White Rice: Similarities

There are a few similarities between sushi rice and white rice. Some of these similarities are;

  • Sushi rice and white rice have the same health benefits.
  • Both sushi rice and white rice(short-grain white rice) have the same amount of starch.
  • They are both stored similarly.

Difference Between Sushi Rice and White Rice

1. Texture and Appearance

This is the most obvious difference between sushi rice and white rice. When cooked, sushi rice has a sticky texture that is quite different from white rice. Sushi rice is also more translucent than white rice.

2. Usage

White rice can be used for many other dishes, while sushi rice, on the other hand, can mostly be used for only sushi as they tend to be too starchy for other dishes. Seasoning is used in making sushi rice, whereas white rice requires no seasoning as it is mostly eaten alongside other side dishes.

How to Store Sushi Rice and White Rice

If you have leftover sushi rice or white rice, it is best to store it in a dry container. To retain the moisture of the rice, then put it in the fridge.

While it can last in the fridge for two to three days, eating it the next day is best.

SEE: How To Store Your Wine And Beverages At Home

Sushi Rice Vs White Rice Uses

The uses may differ as they both have different textures and properties. Sushi rice is mostly used for sushi. You can use white rice for a wide variety of dishes. You can eat white rice alongside soup, sauce, curries, and stew. Short grain white rice can even be used as sushi rice since they tend to be sticky enough.

SEE: This Healthy Egg-fried Rice Recipe

Sushi Rice Vs White Rice Nutrition and Calories

Both sushi rice and white rice provide around 130 calories for every 100 grams of serving. Thus, sushi rice and white rice have the same calories and nutrition.

Which is Healthier, Sushi Rice or White Rice?

Since they both have the same calories and nutrients, they also have the same health benefits. But since white rice can be eaten along with other side dishes, it makes white rice a healthier option.

Can You Eat Sushi Rice as Normal Rice?

Yes, you can. But if you want to substitute sushi rice for normal rice, you have to wash it thoroughly in running water and then steam it in a pot or a rice cooker instead of boiling it so it could be less sticky.

FAQs

Is sushi rice the same as white rice?

Sushi rice is not the same as white rice, although most sushi rice is made from short-grain white rice.

Can white rice be used for sushi?

If you cannot get sushi rice, you can surely use white rice for sushi, but make sure you go for the short-grain white rice. However, your sushi would not be as sticky as the normal sushi rice is meant to be.

What can you substitute for sushi rice?

You can try using Quinoa, Whole wheat couscous, or other short-grain rice as a substitute for sushi rice. With the right amount of seasoning, you will have a taste and texture like sushi rice.

Conclusion

Sushi rice is a unique grain. Its texture and stickiness is the main reason sushi is enjoyed. you can also try using short-grain white rice or other short-grain rice. But if you can get your hands on sushi rice, there is no point in going for a similar option. You can enjoy your sushi the way it is meant to taste.

Both sushi rice and white rice have neutral flavors, which means they can be eaten along with most dishes. In other words, they only differ in their texture and primary use.

Hope you enjoyed this article. You can also check out some other kinds of short-grain rice that are healthy for you here on cheffist.

Thank you for reading.