How is Sushi Different from Sashimi?

Sushi and sashimi may sound similar and are also used interchangeably by some but in reality they are two different dishes made up with different ingredients and in different ways. If you are not native Japanese, you might think that sushi is anything that has raw fish. However, sushi is vinegar flavored rice that may or may not have raw fish. Sashimi, on the other hand, is everything raw fish that is cut into thin slices and served with wasabi and soy sauce. Here is everything that you need to know about the two delicacies and find out what makes them different from one another:

What is sushi and sashimi? Sashimi is meat cut into thin slices and served raw. This is mostly raw fish, like salmon or tuna and is served without rice. Sushi, on the other hand, is rice seasoned with vinegar that is served with other ingredients. This can be raw fish, cooked fish, vegetables like cucumber or avocadoes or other sea food. However, there is no compulsion for sushi to have raw fish.

Nutritional value: The nutritional value offered by sashimi can vary depending on the type of fish or meat it contains. Sashimi that contains fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and thus can fight against heart diseases and free radicals in the body. Sushi however, has more calories and carbohydrates as compared to sashimi because it contains rice. Likes sashimi, sushi that has fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

Common types: In sashimi, tuna and salmon are the two most common types of fishes. Apart from these, sea bream, mackerel, yellowtail, squid or octopus, shrimps, salmon eggs, sea urchins, scallops and clams are also commonly found. Raw red meat like horse is also used but not often doe to the risk of food borne diseases. Sushi, most commonly, includes nigiri, gunkan and temaki. There can be slight differences between how Sushi Rolls are made in Japan and outside Japan. Traditionally, it is made with rice and other ingredients wrapped in nori or dried seaweed. Outside Japan, these rolls are made with rice on the outside and seaweed and other ingredients on the inside.

Food safety: Although both sushi and sashimi are safe and many stores also sell sushi and sashimi grade fish. But it is recommended that pregnant women and those with problems in immune system should be careful while consuming sushi or sashimi or avoid the delicacies altogether.

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