Perfect Sushi Rice for Beginners | How to Make Sushi Rice at Home

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Perfect sushi starts with perfect sushi rice. Soft, sticky, and lightly seasoned — this rice is the base of every delicious sushi roll. This simple guide will help you make sushi rice at home even if you’re a complete beginner.


Ingredients for Sushi Rice

  • 1 cup sushi rice (short-grain)
  • 1¼ cups water
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Rinse until water runs clear.
Why: Removes excess starch and prevents mushy rice.

Sushi Rice

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Use the perfect ratio:
👉 1 cup rice : 1¼ cups water

Cook until soft and sticky.

Cook the Rice

Step 3: Make Sushi Vinegar

Mix:

  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt

Warm slightly to dissolve sugar.

Season the Rice

Step 4: Season the Rice

Move rice to a wide bowl.
Pour vinegar mixture.
Fold gently — do not mash.

Sushi Vinegar

Step 5: Cool the Rice

Fan the rice for 2–3 minutes.
Rice becomes shiny and perfect for rolling.


⭐ Beginner Tips

  • Do NOT refrigerate sushi rice
  • Wet hands before handling rice
  • Use a sharp knife
  • Only short-grain sushi rice works

👉 Next Step: Make Your Veggie Sushi!

Use this rice with my:
Veggie Sushi Recipe | Easy Vegetarian Sushi Rolls


Essential Tools for Making Sushi at Home

My recommended tools — one link (Amazon OneLink) works worldwide.

  • Bamboo Sushi Rolling Mat (Makisu) View
  • Sushi Rice (Short-Grain) View
  • Compact Rice Cooker View
  • Rice Vinegar / Sushi Vinegar View
  • Nori Sheets (Seaweed) View
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife View
  • Bamboo Sushi Kit (Mat + Paddle + Chopsticks) View
  • Avocado Slicer / Mandoline (Optional) View

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.



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