Like us, do you love making sushi (and Japanese food in general)? Then this easy sushi vinegar recipe is for you. We all know and love the flavour of seasoned sushi rice, but have you ever gone to make sushi and realised you don't have the right vinegar? Well don't let that stop you, it's so simple to make and will last in the fridge for ages. So make a big batch and take your sushi game to the next level!
Sushi vinegar is used to create the tasty seasoned rice we all love in sushi. It can also be used in various other Japanese dishes that use rice, like sushi balls and our salmon sushi bowl. Seriously, making sushi vinegar at home is so, so simple and a cheaper option compared to buying a bottle of sushi vinegar. Let us show you how.
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What is sushi vinegar?
Sushi vinegar is an essential ingredient in making sushi rice. It's a combination of vinegar, sugar, and salt that seasons and adds flavour to the rice. The added sugar gives the rice a subtle sweetness while also helping it stick together. The salt then balances out this sweetness with a slight savoury note.
What type of vinegar is used for sushi?
Sushi vinegar (also called sushi seasoning) is used for sushi, its main component is rice vinegar, which has a milder taste compared to other vinegar. You can substitute this for white wine vinegar, but this will have a stronger flavour. You will need to adjust the amount of sugar and salt that you add and then add less to the rice, taste as you go to find the right balance
Ingredients
- Rice vinegar or rice wine vinegar
- White sugar
- Salt
See the recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Make your own sushi vinegar in 3 simple steps!
- Add the vinegar and sugar to a small saucepan.
- Over a low heat allow the sugar to fully dissolve until the liquid is clear, don't let it boil.
- Add a good pinch of salt, taste and adjust if needed. Allow the mixture to cool. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
Seriously, how simple is that?
Recipes that use sushi vinegar.
These are our favourite recipes that use sushi rice!
Top tip
When dissolving the sugar in the vinegar, do so over a really low heat, stirring occasionally. And don't allow the mixture to boil.
Storage
Once cooled, sushi vinegar can be stored in a sealed jar and kept in the fridge. With it being a vinegar product, when stored correctly it could last for up to a year or two. Sterilising the jar before storing the vinegar, will help increase the expiry date.
You will know if the sushi vinegar has expired as the colour and/ or smell of it will change. If you notice any discolouration or bad aroma, it’s time to discard it and make a fresh batch.
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Our goal is to share simple, tasty dishes created by Chef Shane and partner, Sara. Using Shane's understanding of flavours and knowledge of food, to teach and inspire you to create delicious food every day and gain a new level of confidence in the kitchen. Sara understands what it's like preparing weekly dinners for a busy family of five and likes to create dishes that are easy, full of flavour, that the whole family will enjoy.
Happy cooking!
Recipe
Sushi vinegar
Ingredients
Method
- Place the vinegar and sugar into a small pot, and heat over a low heat until the sugar dissolves. Don't bring to the boil.
- Season with a pinch of salt, taste and adjust if required.
- Allow to cool. Then place in an airtight jar and store in the fridge till required.
Leave your reviews, comments and questions below.