Learn how to make this simple yet essential sushi vinegar recipe at home! With just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of your time, you will elevate your homemade sushi! Give it a try, and I promise you’ll notice the difference in flavor and texture compared to the premade mixture!
If you want to master perfect sushi rice at home, there is no way around making your own sushi vinegar. Freshly made sushi rice seasoning has a more vibrant flavor compared to store-bought versions. And it’s so super easy to make with just 3 ingredients. Trust me, once you make your sushi rice with this magic mixture, you’ll never go back to the premade version!
What is Sushi Vinegar?
First things first, what exactly is sushi vinegar? Sushi vinegar (or sushizu in Japanese) is a seasoned vinegar used to flavor the rice in sushi. It’s the secret ingredient that makes sushi rice so irresistibly delicious. The combination of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt enhances the natural flavors of the rice and gives it that distinctive sushi taste.
Ingredients
See recipe card for quantities.
- Rice Vinegar: The main ingredient! Rice vinegar is a vinegar made from rice, it’s milder and sweeter compared to other types of vinegar, which is why it’s perfect for sushi. I love Mizkan Rice Vinegar, it’s not the cheapest, but high-quality! Please don’t confuse it with Mirin, which also has a bright yellow color.
- Sugar: This adds the sweet element to the sushi vinegar. Fine granulated sugar works best, as it dissolves quite quickly. You can substitute white sugar with erythritol for a low-calorie option.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together. Regular table salt works perfectly for this recipe.
Instructions
Making rice vinegar is super straightforward!
- Combine the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Heat Gently: Place the saucepan over low heat and stir the mixture until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This should only take a few minutes. Be careful not to let the mixture boil.
- Cool Down: Once the sugar and salt are dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let the sushi vinegar cool to room temperature. It’s best to store it in a small glass bottle in the fridge.
How To Use It For Sushi Rice
Once you cooked your sushi rice, you will transfer it to a bowl and drizzle with the sushi rice vinegar. Stir gently using a spatula (I use the one from my rice cooker), cover the rice with a wet towel, and let it cool.
This recipe is enough to season 3 cups (600g) of uncooked sushi rice, which will give you approx. 10 California rolls or 16 Hosomaki rolls. Depending on your appetite, this is enough for 4-8 people.
Perfect Sushi Rice Recipe
To make perfect sushi rice at home, follow my recipe for homemade sushi rice! Perfectly cooked sushi rice is a game-changer, no need to eat at expensive sushi restaurants anymore!
Other Uses
While sushi rice vinegar is traditionally used for sushi rice, its sweet and tangy flavor can enhance a variety of dishes:
- Salad Dressing: Mix sushi vinegar with a bit of olive oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds for a delicious Asian-inspired salad dressing. For more flavor, add miso paste, peanut butter, or grated fresh ginger.
- Pickling: Sushi vinegar can be used in quick pickling recipes for vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and radishes. Cut veggies into matchsticks toss with the vinegar, then leave to infuse for at least 15 minutes or overnight.
- Coleslaw: Replace regular vinegar with sushi vinegar in coleslaw recipes for an extra zing.
More Recipes For Sushi Lovers
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Sushi Vinegar
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Ingredients
- ½ cup rice vinegar preferably Japanese rice vinegar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Place the saucepan over low heat and stir the mixture until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. → Be careful not to let the mixture boil.
- Transfer the rice vinegar to a small glass bottle and store it in the fridge.
Notes
- Keeps fresh for a few weeks if stored in the fridge.
- This recipe is enough to season 3 cups (600g) of uncooked sushi rice, which will give you approx. 10 California rolls or 16 Hosomaki rolls. Depending on your appetite, this is enough for 4-8 people.
- To make perfect sushi rice at home, follow my recipe for homemade sushi rice!
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