Sashimi VS. Sushi: What's the difference?

If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, then you probably had Sushi and Sashimi before. But what's the difference between the two? In this Blog, I will be discussing the 3 main differences between Sushi and Sashimi. 

WHAT IS SASHIMI?

(Sashimi)

Sashimi is a thinly sliced raw fish. It is normally served with Soy sauce and Wasabi, and it can be eaten by chopsticks or by hand. The word "Sashimi" literally means "pierced body" which is refer to the way that fish is traditionally prepared for Sashimi dishes. As soon as the fish is landed, its brain is pierced with a sharp spike and it is placed on slurry ice. This spiking is called the Ikejime process, and the instantaneous death means that the fish's flesh contains a minimal amount of lactic acid. This means the fish will keep fresh on ice for about 10 days, without turning white or degrading.  

WHAT IS SUSHI?

(Sushi)

The word Sushi refers to rice and not fish. "Sushi" conveys the precise way that the rice has been prepared with wine vinegar. The rice sticks together so you can create Sushi piece with other ingredients added (raw or cooked Fish, vegetable and egg). 

 There are number of different types of Sushi, and the two most common types are Maki(Sushi rolls) and Nigiri (an oval shaped mound of rice with fish pressed on top).  

MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SASHIMI AND SUSHI?

The first difference is the preparation technique. Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish, while Sushi is bite-sized pieces of cooked rice that are usually topped with raw or cooked fish, vegetables or egg. 

The second difference is that Sushi always contains rice, while Sashimi doesn't. 

The third and the final difference is in the way it's eaten. Sashimi can be eaten with chopsticks or by hand, while Sushi is traditionally eaten by chopsticks.  

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SASHIMI AND SUSHI? 

There are many different types of Sashimi and Sushi's available but the most common include: 

Some common types of Sashimi: 

• Tuna Sashimi
• Salmon Sashimi
• Yellowtail Sashimi
• Octopus Sashimi

Some common types of Sushi's:

• Tuna Sushi
• Salmon Sushi
• Shrimp Sushi 
• Eel Sushi

HOW TO MAKE SASHIMI?

1. Cut your desired into thin slice.
2. Place the sliced fish on a plate, serve it with Soy sauce and Wasabi. 
3. Serve immediately. 

HOW TO MAKE SUSHI?

1. Cook the Sushi rice according to the package instruction. 
2. Place a Nori sheet on the bamboo mat, and spread a layer of cooked rice over it.
3. Add your desired fillings in the center of the Nori sheet.
4. Roll up the bamboo mat tightly, and slice the roll into pieces with a sharp knife.  
5. Serve immediately with Soy sauce and Pickled Ginger.