FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between sushi and sashimi?
Sushi always has vinegared rice in the mix, whether it be nigiri sushi, maki sushi, chirashi sushi, oshi sushi, or any other type of sushi. Sashimi does not have rice; it is raw fish and seafood alone. In addition, sushi and sashimi are sliced differently and often use different parts of the fish altogether.
What should a beginner sushi eater order?
In the United States, some of the more popular sushi pickin's are unagi (eel), sake (salmon), toro (tuna), ebi (shrimp) nigiri. For individuals who don't like raw seafood, eel and shrimp nigiri are always cooked, although beginners should take note that shrimp nigiri usually has a dab of wasabi on it. Sushi rolls generally contain a lot of cooked ingredients, but even the rolls with raw seafood are a good place to start for beginners, since the flavors of raw seafood are often overpowered by the sushi rolls' other ingredients.
Why do you think sushi has become so popular in the United States?
This, of course, isn't an answer that is all-encompassing or without flaws, but sushi is a unique dining experience in the American world of fast-food. Sushi has culture and etiquette behind it that is different and requires something for Americans to learn. It's also expensive, which makes it seem more sophisticated in the eyes of many, and it has become something of a trend to eat sushi in large cities. This response isn't scientific, though, so give us your opinions. Why do you eat sushi?
Can eating sushi be dangerous?
Because sushi can contain raw seafood, it does run a higher risk of potential sickness than cooked foods. That being said, the purpose of the wasabi, ginger, soy sauce, and other fixins aren't just eaten for their complementary flavors; they're eaten with sushi for their positive bacteria-warding effects. But don't be too worried about getting sick -- your chances of getting sick are relatively slim. Some doctors do recommend that pregnant women not eat much fish, however, since fish can contain mercury if you are not in a non-polluted area. One last thing to remember is that the only fish that brings an extremely large amount of danger is fugu, or pufferfish. Fugu is poisonous if it is not cut correctly, and chefs in the United States must obtain individual liscenses in order to serve fugu.
Have you heard of a product called "Sushi Magic"? It looks idiot proof. Do you have any advice?
We would not recommend using Sushi Magic. Sushi Magic is basically a product that is a mold for making sushi. Although this IS one way to make it relatively quickly and efficiently, sushi really doesn't take that long to make. The hardest part is getting the sushi rice correct, and that is also the most time consuming part. If you take the time to make the sushi rice, there's no real reason why you shouldn't take the extra five minutes to make the sushi with your hands. It may seem tricky at first, but can be fun and is a much more rewarding (and impressive) experience! But... if your main goal is to crack it out as quickly as possible, give Sushi Magic a try.
What kind of vinegar do you use to make sushi rice?
Rice vinegar, particularly that which is not too acidic OR light. No other vinegars will do! A lot of people also create the sushi rice with a piece of kombu in the mix, and that may help with the flavor.
Where do I buy fish to make sushi or sashimi with?
Many supermarkets will have sections where you can purchase cuts of fish to make sashimi and nigiri sushi (hand-pressed sushi) with. Asian supermarkets are a good place to look, or if not, larger supermarkets like Safeway may sometimes have a selection.
How much is 1 cup in ml?
1 cup = 8 fl. oz. = = ½ pt. = 16 tablespoons = 236.6 ml
What is a "part"?
When "part" is used in a recipe, it represents a fraction. If you have 2 parts corn and 1 part orange juice, you put 33.333333333333333% orange juice and 66.6666666666666666666666666666666666666666% corn!
I'm the only person at home who likes sushi and when I keep leftovers in the fridge the smell is strong. Nobody can stand it. How should I keep the sushi?
The sushi should be fine if you keep it sealed in a container, but we still would recommend you eat it within a day. Sushi just doesn't stay very well. Wrapping it in plastic wrap is another solution, but both will definitely help you out. Vacuum seal if you must! :)
Have a question? Write us at eat@sushimonsters.com!
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