Do you love sushi? Or, are you one of the 32 percent of Americans who have never tried it?
If you fall into the latter category, what are you waiting for? Sushi is delicious and can be quite healthy, so it’s the perfect food to eat if you’re working on your beach body!
Maybe you don’t live close to any sushi restaurants or you just prefer to prepare your meals at home instead of eating out. The good news is that, with a little preparation, you can easily put together a tasty sushi dinner to enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
In order to make great sushi, you have to start with the right fish. Read on to learn more about the best types of sushi fish.
Best Types of Sushi Fish
If you’re not a big fish eater, you might be under the impression that all types of fish taste the same. This couldn’t be further from the truth, though.
Certain types of fish taste infinitely better than others when used to make sushi. Some of the best types of sushi fish include:
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna is one of the most prized and popular fish in Japan. It has an incredibly rich flavor and is coveted by sushi masters everywhere.
At the same time, though, it can be hard to get your hands on, especially now that overfishing has caused it to become classified as an endangered species.
Salmon
Salmon is a classic sushi fish, one that you’ll find on just about any sushi menu. Salmon is not only aesthetically pleasing, thanks to its bright pink color, but it also has a fresh, mild taste that even those who aren’t fish fans typically enjoy.
Mackerel
Mackerel is a highly versatile fish with a potent flavor. Thanks to its strong taste, it’s usually more preferable to sushi aficionados. Sushi rookies might prefer a more mild fish like salmon instead.
Yellowtail
Yellowtail, also known as Japanese Amberjack, is another popular sushi fish. Sushi chefs especially love it because of its high-fat content. This extra fat helps to give yellowtail a spicy, rich, and salty flavor that tastes great in both cooked and raw rolls.
Halibut
Like salmon, halibut has a more mild taste. It’s a great sushi option if you want to enjoy something light, airy, and relatively lean.
Freshwater Eel
If you want to try something a bit more adventurous, consider giving freshwater eel a try. It tastes great brushed with soy sauce and has a delicious, fatty flavor.
Sea Urchin
Sea urchin is another unique option that, surprisingly, has a rich, buttery texture. Once you try it, you won’t want to eat any other type of sushi!
Gizzard Shad
Gizzard shad is a bait fish that has a very strong flavor. It’s definitely a “fishy” fish, but if you don’t mind that, this can be a fun one to experiment with when making your own sushi.
Squid
Squid is often underrated, but it’s delicious in sushi. The texture takes some getting used to, but it has a tasty umami flavor that many people love.
Mollusks
Mollusks like clams, abalone, and scallops are all popular options that taste great in a sushi roll. Steer clear of oysters, though, which don’t taste very good when paired with rich.
Sardine
Yes, even sardines make an incredible sushi fish. They’re loaded with nutrients and have a mild flavor that’s not too “fishy.” They’re also highly affordable, so you can enjoy homemade sushi even when you’re on a tight budget.
Tips for Making Delicious Sushi
Now that you know which types of fish to buy, it’s time to start learning how to prepare your own sushi. These tips can help simplify the process and ensure you get great results:
Buy Sushi-Grade Fish
Make sure your fish is considered “sushi grade.” This will help you avoid any food-borne illnesses. You’ll also know you’re getting a high-quality, tasty fish to make the best sushi possible.
Gather Your Ingredients
In addition to your fish, you’ll also need to make sure you have some other tools and ingredients on hand. Some sushi-making staples include:
- Sushi rice
- A bamboo mat
- Plastic wrap
- Seaweed sheets (nori)
- Soy sauce
- Toasted sesame seeds
It’s also good to have some wasabi and/or pickled ginger on hand for extra flavor.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Keep your raw ingredients chilled when you’re not using them, and make sure they don’t come in contact with anything other than the food with which you intend to eat them and your utensils.
Don’t Overwork the Rice
When they’re making sushi, many people make the mistake of overworking the rice when adding seasoning or creating a bed for their sushi. Remember, the rice needs some air, otherwise, it will just turn to mush.
Tips for Ordering Sushi When Eating Out
Not ready to make your own sushi yet?
If you want your first sushi experience to be in a nice restaurant, keep these tips in mind when ordering. They’ll help you decipher the menu and ensure you’re making the right choice:
- Ask your server for recommendations
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions
- Stick to simple rolls
- Ask about the chef’s specialties
Don’t be afraid to look up the menu beforehand either so you can plan your meal ahead of time.
Most restaurants have their menu posted online. For example, you can learn more here about what this restaurant has to offer.
Want to Eat Tasty Sushi While Traveling?
Now that you know how to spot the best sushi fish, you can prepare this delicious dish for yourself and your friends whenever a craving strikes! And, when you’re traveling, you can keep these ordering tips in mind to make sure you’re getting the best sushi possible.
Worried about finding good sushi when you’re on the go?
The good news is that most major cities have at least one great sushi restaurant, if not more. This is especially true if you’re traveling somewhere like Beverly Hills that is located close to the ocean.
If you’re planning a trip to the Beverly Hills area in the near future, be sure to check out this article to learn about all the great restaurants — including an excellent sushi spot — and attractions to visit during your trip.