Steaming Sushi Rice: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking sushi rice in a steamer is a foolproof way to cook short-grain rice without the risk of burning your pan. The only special equipment you will need is a bamboo steamer and two dishcloths. It is recommended that the rice is soaked for 8+ hours before steaming. The rice should then be steamed for about 30 minutes, with checks every 10 minutes to ensure that the cloth hasn't dried out.

Wash the rice thoroughly

Washing the rice thoroughly

Washing the rice is an important step in the process of making sushi rice. It ensures the removal of excess starch, dust, and debris from the rice grains. Not only does this step improve the texture of the rice, making it less gummy and unpleasant, but it is also a food safety measure. By thoroughly washing the rice, you can reduce the risk of food poisoning by eliminating the bacillus bacteria that may be present on the grains.

To wash the rice, use a fine mesh sieve or a strainer and place it over a mixing bowl or your sink. Pour the desired amount of rice into the sieve and fill it with cold water. Swirl and agitate the rice with your hands or a spoon until the water becomes cloudy, and then pour out the cloudy water. Repeat this rinsing and draining process at least 2 more times, or until the water runs clear. This ensures that the rice is thoroughly cleaned and most of the excess starch is removed.

Once the rice is rinsed, you can proceed to the next step of soaking the rice, which is equally important for achieving the perfect sushi rice texture.

Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes

Soaking the rice is an important step in the sushi-making process. It is recommended that you soak the rice for at least 30 minutes, but this can be left for up to an hour if the environment is cold. This process allows the rice grains to start hydrating before heat is applied, ensuring the rice cooks evenly.

If you are using a bamboo steamer, it is recommended to soak the rice for 8 hours. This will reduce the steaming time.

While the rice is soaking is a good time to prepare the vinegar mixture, which typically includes rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and sometimes oil. This mixture should be heated until the sugar has dissolved and then set aside to cool.

Once the rice has finished soaking, it is time to cook it. If you are using a pot, bring the rice and water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. If you are using a rice cooker, simply follow the instructions for your machine.

Use the right type of rice

When making sushi rice, it is important to use the right type of rice to achieve the desired texture and flavour. The best rice for sushi is short-grain Japanese rice, which is often labelled as "sushi rice" in stores. This type of rice has a higher starch content than other varieties, giving it the sticky texture needed for sushi. It is also characterized by its unique stickiness and moisture, which is essential for the toothsome bite of authentic sushi.

When selecting sushi rice, look for small, hard, round, and uniform grains that are white, transparent, and shiny. Some recommended types of rice for sushi include Koshihikari, Sasanishiki, and Akita-Komachi. These brands are known for their superior quality and flavour, and are widely used in sushi restaurants.

If you are unable to find these specific brands, look for rice that is specifically recommended for sushi making. This will ensure that you get short-grain rice with highly starchy and sticky grains. Do not use long-grain or medium-grain rice, as they will not provide the desired texture and flavour for sushi.

In addition to using the right type of rice, it is also important to properly prepare the rice before cooking. This includes rinsing and soaking the rice to remove excess starch and improve its texture. Follow the instructions for preparing and cooking the rice, and you will be on your way to making delicious and authentic sushi rice!

Don't overcook the rice

While making sushi rice, it is important to be mindful of the cooking time and not to overcook the rice. Overcooking the rice will result in a mushy texture and a loss of the desired stickiness needed for sushi. Here are some tips to ensure you don't overcook your sushi rice:

• Timing is crucial: Follow a reliable recipe for sushi rice and pay attention to the recommended cooking times. Set a timer to ensure you don't go over the suggested cooking time.
• Don't lift the lid: When cooking the rice, avoid the temptation to lift the lid and check on it. The steam needs to stay inside the cooker, and lifting the lid will cause the steam to escape, affecting the cooking process.
• Steam is vital: After turning off the heat, leave the pot on the stove and let the rice continue cooking in the residual steam. This step is crucial for perfectly cooked sushi rice.
• Check for doneness: Most recipes will provide a time range for steaming the rice. Check the rice for doneness within this time frame to ensure it doesn't overcook.
• Adjust as needed: Depending on your cooker and stove, you may need to adjust the heat settings or cooking time slightly. Use your judgment and past cooking experiences to make minor adjustments to avoid overcooking.
• Practice makes perfect: Don't be discouraged if your first attempt doesn't turn out perfectly. Cooking sushi rice is a skill that improves with practice. Learn from each attempt and adjust your technique accordingly.

Season the rice with vinegar, sugar, and salt

Seasoning sushi rice is what gives it its distinctive taste. To season the rice, you'll need to make a vinegar mixture. Combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until the sugar has dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool, and then stir it into the cooked rice. The rice will appear very wet at first, but keep stirring—it will dry as it cools.

The amount of vinegar in the recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste. You can also substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener, such as honey, coconut sugar, or another sweetener of your choice.

Frequently asked questions