Exploring Different Types of Sushi

You might think that all sushi is just fish wrapped in rice, vegetables, and seaweed, but there's actually much more to it than meets the eye! Many people hesitate to try sushi because they associate it with raw fish and worry about potential health risks. So, what are the most popular types of sushi, and are there any health benefits or risks involved? Keep reading to learn more!

The process of making sushi rolls can vary depending on the type, but it typically includes rice with various fillings, such as raw salmon or tuna, cucumber, avocado, or boiled shrimp. This is then wrapped in seaweed sheets (specifically nori sheets) using a special sushi mat. While there are many types of sushi and the fillings can be customized, there are seven main types that are the most well-known around the world:

Nigiri is a well-known type of sushi, made by placing a slice of fresh fish, like salmon or tuna, on top of a small mound of rice. It’s often accompanied by a piece of ginger and a small drop of soy sauce. There are several variations of Nigiri, including:

Sashimi is made up of thin slices of fresh fish and, although it doesn't contain rice, it’s often served alongside sushi dishes. Typically accompanied by soy sauce, ginger, and wasabi (Japanese horseradish), sashimi is a popular choice in sushi menus. Its types include:

The California Roll is one of the most popular sushi types worldwide. Known for its simplicity and great taste, it typically contains cooked crab with a filling of either avocado or cucumber, depending on personal preference.

The term "Maki" means "rolled" or "wrapped" in Japanese. Maki sushi consists of rice, fish, and vegetables wrapped in a layer of nori (seaweed) and then cut into slices. There are many delicious varieties to try, including:

Have you ever wondered what sushi with rice on the outside would look like? Uramaki stands out with its unique and delicious shape, where the nori sheets are wrapped on the inside, unlike other sushi types. Its fillings vary widely, offering delightful options like:

Temaki Sushi is unique compared to other sushi types, as it features a large cone-shaped seaweed wrapper filled with rice and various ingredients, such as fish like salmon, or vegetables like cucumber and avocado.

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Chirashi is a type of sushi, but unlike other varieties, it doesn't include rolls. Instead, it’s made of special sushi rice topped with a variety of selected ingredients. The name "Chirashi" means "scattered" in Japanese, reflecting the dish's unique and distinctive presentation.

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Sushi offers several health benefits, including being rich in minerals, vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health. It also provides protein from the fish filling.

However, sushi can be high in salt due to soy sauce, which may not be suitable for those with high blood pressure. Additionally, some types of sushi use rice cooked with sugar. So, sushi can be healthy depending on the type you choose. 

Some types of sushi can be high in calories due to the rice and fat content, making them less suitable for certain diets like the Keto diet. However, you can select sushi that fits your dietary needs, as each piece typically contains between 100-250 calories, depending on the type and additional sauces like soy sauce.

Sushi originates from Japan.

We hope you enjoyed learning about the different types of sushi and their unique qualities. You can read more other topics, such as Healthy Dinner Ideas with Simple Ingredients from Your Kitchen or the Best Healthy Snack Ideas for TV Time. And more other topics related to fitness and health on the Calo blog.