Sashimi vs Sushi: What’s The Difference?

We've all been there, staring at the menu of a new sushi restaurant and wondering, "What on earth is the difference between sashimi and sushi?" The good news is that they're not all that different. Both sashimi and sushi feature raw seafood but differ slightly in how they're prepared. 

We'll get into the specifics later, but the main thing you need to know when picking between sushi vs. sashimi for dinner is that sushi is a bite-sized shape with raw fish wrapped in cooked sushi rice and/or seaweed. Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish that is only sometimes served with rice, but if it is, it rests on top rather than being wrapped in the rice.

Whether buying sushi-grade fish online or browsing your local sushi restaurant, knowing the type you're ordering is essential, let's get into the specifics.

What is Sashimi?

Sashimi is a Japanese dish of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, typically served with soy sauce, wasabi, and other garnishes. It differs from sushi, which includes vinegared rice (sushi rice). Sashimi is the purest form of raw fish and seafood, sliced thinly and served independently of rice, vegetables, or other accompaniments. 

Common Types of Sashimi

Tuna – Tuna, or "Maguro" in Japanese, is often served as Akami (lean tuna), Chutoro (medium fatty tuna), and Otoro (fatty tuna). The varying fat content affects flavor, with fattier cuts of tuna having a richer flavor than leaner cuts. Fattier cuts are also less tough than leaner cuts, as there's little to no muscle to chew through.

Salmon – Salmon sashimi is immensely popular because of its soft, buttery texture and rich flavors. Its fresh and subtly sweet taste makes it a favorite among many Sashimi aficionados.

Yellowtail – Commonly known as Hamachi (this is different than Yellowfin tuna (also called Ahi), which is commonly confused for Yellowtail and vice versa). Yellowtail has a firm texture, high-fat content, and mild, buttery flavor.

How to Prepare Sashimi

In Japan, becoming a sushi chef takes ten (10) years of dedicated training. These are the only individuals "qualified" to cut and prepare authentic sashimi. 

However, as someone attempting to prepare for sashimi at home, you don't want to wait 10 years or change career paths. Buying fresh, never-frozen seafood is the most crucial key to organizing and making sashimi at home. Frozen seafood has a noticeably different taste and texture compared to fresh seafood. Even flash-frozen seafood is lower in quality than fresh seafood – so to prepare the best sashimi, you must use fresh fish. 

Beyond that, you must use one of three specialized knives: Yanagiba, Takohiki, or Fuguhiki. Each is intended for a different type of cut, but these knife blades enhance taste and texture. 

And unlike sushi, you don't need rice or rolls; just a bit of soy sauce, wasabi paste, pickled ginger, or any other small accompaniments you desire. 

What is Sushi?

Sushi is a Japanese dish typically consisting of vinegared rice and various ingredients, including raw or cooked seafood, vegetables, and sometimes tropical fruits. It is often served in rolls or as individual pieces.

Read that again—sushi can consist of raw or cooked seafood; not all sushi is necessarily raw fish. Popular dishes like shrimp tempura and California rolls both consist of cooked seafood.

Common Types of Sushi

Nigiri – Nigiri is an oval-shaped sushi rice mound hand-pressed below a thin slice of raw fish or seafood. Unlike most sushi rolls you've likely seen on a restaurant menu, nigiri contains nothing besides raw fish and rice. There's no masking flavor with other ingredients; it's just fish, rice, and occasionally, seaweed. 

Maki – When you think of sushi rolls, you probably envision maki. It comprises sushi rice, raw fish, and/or vegetables rolled into a carpet of Kimnori seaweed.

Uramaki—Uramaki, or inside-out rolls, are the reverse of maki. In this sushi roll, the rice occupies the exterior, and the nori (seaweed) encases the ingredients internally. This roll is often garnished with sesame seeds or fish roe for an extra layer of texture.

Temaki—Temaki is a distinct serving style for sushi. It consists of hand-rolled cones of sushi rice, raw or cooked fish, and vegetables encased within a solitary nori sheet.

How to Prepare Sushi

The preparation methods for sushi and sashimi differ quite a bit, mainly since sushi contains more garnishes and ingredients, namely rice. Again, while Japanese sushi chefs train for ten (10) years, you can make your own sushi at home with some sushi rice, raw fish, vegetables, and a bamboo sushi rolling mat. 

Main Differences Between Sashimi and Sushi

Let's recap the main differences between sushi and sashimi: 

Element	Sashimi	Sushi
Ingredients	Raw fish only	Raw fish, rice, and other ingredients
Rice	Not present	Present
Seaweed	Not present	Present
Serving Style	On bed of radish	Rolled, layered, or folded
Eating Style	Chopsticks	Fingers or chopsticks

From a nutritional standpoint, the two differ slightly. Since sashimi does not contain rice, there are far fewer carbohydrates (nearly 0 grams) in a serving of sashimi. With rice in sushi, a standard sushi roll of 6-8 pieces can contain 25-35 grams of carbohydrates and pack an extra 140 calories compared to sashimi. So, if you're conscious of your macronutrient intake, sashimi is probably your best bet for weight loss.

Both, however, are excellent sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though certain seafoods are healthier than others. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary distinctions between 'sashimi' and 'nigiri'?

Sashimi is raw fish served without rice, while nigiri is sushi rice topped with seafood.

How are 'sashimi' and 'sushi' visually served?

Sushi is rolled and cut into bite-sized pieces, while sashimi is thin slices of raw fish served with soy sauce and wasabi.

What are the common types of fish used in 'sashimi'?

Tuna, salmon, and yellowtail are commonly used for sashimi.

How does dining etiquette differ for 'sashimi' and 'sushi'?

Etiquette differs for handling soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger, depending on whether you're eating sashimi or sushi. Sushi is meant to be finger food, whereas sashimi should be eaten with chopsticks.