What is the difference between sushi and sashimi?
Well, Japanese cuisines are becoming popular across the globe due to their nutritional health benefits. The raw dishes are quite popular in many Japanese restaurant menus.
The main difference between sushi and sashimi is that sushi is a raw fish sliced on bite-size vinegar rice whereas sashimi is raw seafood cut into small pieces.
Comparison Chart: Sashimi vs Sushi
| Basic Terms | Sashimi | Sushi |
| Meaning | It is a raw seafood cut into tiny pieces. | It is a raw thinly sliced fish on bite-size vinegar rice. |
| Nutritional Benefits | Has a high amount of quality proteins with low carbs | Has more carbs and Calories |
| Is it Cooked? | Always raw | Have some ingredients that need to be cooked |
| Common Types | Tuna, salmon, sea bream, mackerel, yellowtail, squid or octopus, shrimp, scallops, clams. | Nigiri, gunkan , temaki and norimaki. |
| Etymology | Pierced flesh | It is sour |
What Is Sushi?
Sushi is a raw sliced fish on bite-size vinegar rice. It is a popular Japanese food in many restaurants and homes.
The main source of the fish slice is tuna, salmon, yellowtail, octopus, squid, shrimp, salmon roe, and sea urchin.
Sushi is eaten by hands or chopsticks then dip in a sauce. Sushi cannot always be raw. There are some parts that are eaten while raw and others that need to be cooked like rice.
Sushi is commonly served with wasabi, pickled ginger and a soy sauce for dipping. Hence, sushi is neither the main meal nor a dessert.
What Is Sashimi?
Sashimi is raw seafood cut into small pieces. It is also known as “otsukuri” in Japanese. It is eaten with seasoning such as soy sauce.
The main source of sashimi is tuna, salmon, greater amberjack, yellowtail, scallops, flounder, mackerel, squid, and bonito.
The dish is eaten with chopsticks. It is served with soy sauce and wasabi. The dish is quite common in supermarkets, departmental stores, and restaurants around Japan.
Sashimi contains a large number of premium proteins that nourish the body. Omega 3 fatty acids play a vital role in the human body.
Main Difference between Sushi and Sashimi In Point Form
- Sushi is a raw thinly sliced fish on bite-size of vinegar rice whereas sashimi is raw seafood cut into smaller pieces.
- Sushi has a high amount of quality carbs and calories due to rice whereas sashimi is marked with premium proteins
- Sashimi is always raw whereas sushi is not usually raw since rice needs to be cooked
- Sushi tends to be sour in nature whereas sashimi is a pierced fish
- Sushi types are Nigiri, gunkan , temaki, and norimaki whereas sashimi types are salmon, tuna, shrimp, and octopus
Similarities between Sushi and Sashimi
- Both are Japanese foods
- Both are eaten raw
- Both are highly nutritious
- Both are not suitable for pregnant women
- Both entail seafood
Frequently Asked Question on Sushi and Sashimi
- Is Sashimi Healthier Than Sushi?
Sashimi is healthier than sushi. However, they are both healthy seafood. Sushi contains fried ingredients, spices, and mayonnaise which tend to be unhealthy.
- Why Is Sashimi More Expensive Than Sushi?
Sashimi is served with other dishes making it quite expensive but worth the value of your money. On the other hand, sushi comes with sliced fish and vinegar rice making it affordable.
- Is Sushi Good To Lose Weight?
No. It is packed with a high amount of carbs and calories due to rice. The absence of fibers can make you never feel full.
- Are Sushi Rolls Healthy?
Absolutely. They are made with sticky rice, fish, and dried seaweed. The omega 3 fatty acids from the fish play a vital role in the human body.
- Can You Live Off Sushi?
Yes. Research shows that eating Japanese food will make you live longer. Therefore, sushi is among healthier food on the planet earth.
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Comparison Video
Summary
The main difference between sushi and sashimi is that sushi is a slice of raw fish put on vinegar rice whereas sashimi is a slice of raw fish itself.
The common types of sushi are nigiri-zushi, maki-zushi, and chirashi-zushi. On the other hand, sashimi is eaten with soy sauce and wasabi.
More Sources and References
- Sushi. Health Line
- Sushi and Sashimi. Japanese Food Daily