If you are new to sushi and still don’t know what the different types of sushi are, hold on to your hat …

You are about to find out!

But first let’s clear up a couple of little terms that can sometimes cause confusion for those trying to learn the distinction between different types of sushi.

First, let’s define exactly …

What is sushi?

Sushi is simply “Anything made with pickled sushi rice.” Well that’s pretty easy to understand, huh?

So what is Sashimi then?

People sometimes think that sashimi is sushi, but it is not. And that’s because it’s not made or served with “pickled sushi rice.” Sashimi is just the meat on its own. Well, you can have a few sides like shredded daikon (Japanese radish) and ponzu sauce, but that’s usually it.

There is definitely no rice for sushi.

So now that we know what sushi is and isn’t, we’re ready to dive into the different types.

The different types of sushi

The different types of sushi (in no particular order) are: Makizushi, Nigirizushi, Inarizushi, Chirashizushi, and Oshizushi.

Let’s talk about each one, one at a time.

Makizushi

Makizushi is the type of sushi that you roll. Normally in nori, but it can also be rolled into other things like a thin tortilla, soy paper, cucumber, and shiso (perilla) leaves. More defined, makizushi comes in 5 different types of rolls:

1. Hosomaki (“thin roll”). It has rice on the inside and nori on the outside. It usually contains 1 ingredient and is about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Chumaki (“medium roll”). It has rice on the inside and nori on the outside. Typically 2 to 3 ingredients and about 1½ inches in diameter.
3. Futomaki (“thick roll”). It has rice on the inside and nori on the outside. It comes in 2 to 2 ½ inches in diameter with 4 or more toppings.
4. Uramaki (“inside out roll”). It has rice on the outside and nori on the inside. The most popular example of this roll is the California Roll.
5. Temaki (“hand roll”). Which is a cone-shaped muffin with nori on the outside and rice on the inside.

Nigirizushi

This form of sushi is one that has a slice of meat on a small oval pad of sushi rice.

Inarizushi

Inarizushi is one of my favorites. And it’s a shame that many Americans, even those who consider themselves fairly well versed in sushi, have never tried it.

This type of sushi is prepared by stuffing sushi rice into a bag of seasoned, double-fried tofu (called abura-age). It has a slightly salty-sweet flavor that is difficult to describe but is delicious.

Chirashizushi

Chirashizushi (“scattered sushi”) is a type of sushi that is served in a bowl. It usually consists of sushi rice topped with various toppings, commonly a total of 9. It is popular in Japanese households because it is easy to make and is ideal for consuming leftovers.

Oshizushi

This type of sushi is prepared by layering sushi rice, dressings, and seasonings in a specially made box called “Oshibako” and pressing the ingredients together to form a firm rectangular sushi box. This rectangular sushi box is normally cut into small pieces before serving.

Resume

Now that you are armed with this knowledge, you should be able to walk into any sushi bar and order with confidence, knowing exactly what kind of sushi you are getting.