Nigiri sushi

Tips: Making the best homemade nigiri sushi

Take your homemade nigiri sushi to new heights with our useful tips. Learn how to make each piece flawless and get ready to wow with every bite.

Select sushi-grade fish

When making sushi, it is important to use fresh and high-quality fish. The raw fish should have vibrant colours, a firm texture, and a fresh ocean scent. These signs indicate it is fresh and suitable for raw dishes, affecting both taste and safety.

The right sushi rice texture

The right sushi rice texture is slightly sticky but not mushy, with each grain tender yet firm. It should hold together well for shaping but maintain individual grain structure. Properly cooked sushi rice has a glossy, shiny appearance, indicating it has been correctly seasoned with a balanced mix of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Rinse the rice four to five times until the water is clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes to help the grains absorb flavours, then drain and cook with the right amount of water on low heat to protect the texture. After the water is absorbed, let the rice sit covered for 10–15 minutes to steam and become fluffy. While warm, mix in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Spread the rice to cool to room temperature before shaping.

Slicing the fish

Slicing fish for nigiri requires precision and the right technique. Start with a very sharp chef's or sushi knife to ensure clean cuts. Place the fish on a cutting board and hold it firmly. Slice at a 45-degree angle, cutting across the grain. Use a single, smooth motion to avoid tearing the flesh. The slices should be about ½ cm thick and long enough to cover the rice. Keep the knife clean and wet it occasionally to prevent sticking.

Hand-forming nigiri

To shape traditional nigiri, wet your hands with water or water and vinegar mixture to prevent sticking. Take a bit of seasoned sushi rice, about 20–25 grams, and gently form it into an oval shape using your fingers. It should be about 5 cm long. The rice should be firm enough to hold its shape but not too dense.

Place the shaped rice in your left hand and lay the fish or topping on top. Use your right hand to gently press the fish onto the rice, ensuring it adheres well. Press the sides of the rice lightly with your fingers to create a neat, compact shape. Maintain some air pockets within the rice to keep it light. You can secure the topping with a thin strip of nori, especially for toppings like eel or tamago. If you want to use wasabi in your nigiri to enhance the flavour with a spicy kick, place a small amount between the rice and the topping.

Enjoy a taste of Japan with our homemade nigiri sushi

Indulge in our delicious, homemade nigiri sushi. Each piece combines the perfect texture of seasoned sushi rice with fresh, flavourful toppings. The slightly sticky vinegared rice serves as a delicate base, enhancing the taste of each topping. Whether you prefer the rich, buttery texture of salmon, the robust flavour of tuna, the subtle sweetness of turbot, or the creamy smoothness of avocado, this recipe promises a taste of Japan with every bite.

Salmon nigiri

Salmon nigiri is a classic favourite, offering a rich, buttery flavour. This goes perfectly with the slightly tangy and sweet sushi rice. The fresh salmon melts in your mouth, and the salmon roe on top adds a burst of briny goodness with each bite.

Tuna nigiri

Tuna nigiri is a staple in Japanese cuisine, known for its deep, distinct flavour and firm texture. The addition of nori seaweed garnish adds a subtle umami flavour, a delicious contrast to the tuna.

Turbot nigiri

Turbot nigiri offers a mild, slightly sweet flavour and tender texture. The thinly sliced turbot sits elegantly atop the seasoned rice, creating a light and refined bite. Garnished with lumpfish roe, each piece gets a pop of briny richness to complement the subtle taste of the turbot.

Avocado nigiri

Avocado nigiri is simple and delicious, balancing the creamy, smooth texture of ripe avocado with the slightly tangy sushi rice. The thinly sliced avocado provides a rich, buttery flavour, and garnished with red nori seaweed, it gets a delicious hint of umami.

Serve a classic sushi dinner

Bring the authentic flavours of Japan right to your table with our delicious nigiri sushi recipe. Arrange the nigiri pieces artfully on a platter, garnishing each piece with either roe or seaweed to make them both tasty and decorative. Accompany your sushi with traditional sides like pickled ginger, which serves as a palate cleanser, and a small dish of high-quality Japanese soy sauce for dipping.

You can also consider your serving setting. Presenting the sushi on a bamboo sushi mat or a simple plate with your sides in small bowls for an elegant serving.

Serve your nigiri with different types of maki sushi, or explore more recipes with fish and seafood with our prawn pasta recipe or jambalaya with blue mussels and crayfish tails.

Make it your own

Get creative and try new flavour combinations to make your homemade sushi adventure even more interesting. Beyond our recipe's versions with salmon, tuna, turbot, and avocado, you can explore different fish options like eel, halibut, mackerel, or yellowtail. Try flambéing salmon or tuna for a smoky, charred flavour.

Decorate and garnish your nigiri with toppings like toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavour and crunch, chopped green onions for a fresh, mildly spicy note, or micro greens for a burst of freshness. Thinly sliced lemon or lime can offer a zesty contrast, while roe, tobiko or masago add vibrant colour, texture, and a salty flavour.

For garnish with more pungent flavours, a small piece of pickled ginger or other pickled vegetables on top adds a burst of acidity, and a tiny dab of garlic paste or roasted garlic adds depth, with roasted garlic offering a sweet, nutty taste.

You can also explore different soy sauces. Use light soy sauce for white fish to preserve its subtle taste. A dark soy sauce is ideal for bolder flavours like tuna, salmon, or mackerel; for example, tamari soy sauce, which is richer and thicker and enhances the bolder fish's natural taste with its robust, savoury quality.