Wasabi Guide To Sushi
If you’re not already an aficionado, getting into the sushi scene can be pretty intimidating. That’s why we here at Wasabi have put together a handy manual to make sushi accessible to even the most hesitant of eaters. Welcome to the Wasabi Guide To Sushi!Stage 1 - Beginner
So you want to love sushi, but you don’t know where to start. That’s okay! The best place to begin is… well, from the beginning. In Stage 1, we’ll teach you the basics of sushi, answer some FAQs, and suggest some rolls to try. Let’s go!What Types Of Sushi Are There?
The first place to start your sushi adventure is the menu. But the names of each dish may seem unfamiliar, and you’re not sure what to order! Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Here are the different types of sushi served at Wasabi so you know just what you’re getting into.MAKI
This is what you might expect when ordering sushi; maki is prepared with cold boiled rice, rolled in a sheet of dry seaweed (called nori), and sliced into bite-sized pieces. Maki comes with all different kinds of ingredients and doesn’t encompass one type of protein or topping — it simply refers to how the sushi is prepared.
NIGIRI
This one is a little more advanced in the sushi eater’s world, so we’ll cover that later on in the guide. Nigiri is also made with cold boiled rice, but the rice is shaped into bite-sized pieces (rather than rolled in seaweed) and covered with raw seafood, like salmon, tuna, or crab.
SASHIMI
This dish is definitely farther along in the guide as well (unless you’re very adventurous and want to dive right in!) but it’s still delicious. And it’s the least complicated as well — sashimi is just thinly sliced raw fish served with soy sauce. No rice, no seaweed, just seafood at its simplest (and freshest.)
What Types Of Seafood Can I Get In Sushi?
Once you’ve figured out the type of sushi you’d like to try, the next step is to decide on the seafood that’s right for you. (Unless you’d like to go fully vegetarian, in which case it’s pretty self-explanatory!)
RAW FISH
Raw fish like tuna (white and yellowfin), salmon, mackerel, and yellowtail are the top seafoods used for sushi. These fish bring diverse flavors and textures to sushi, ranging from mild and tender to buttery richness.COOKED SEAFOOD
Beginners might enjoy our cooked selection of sushi. Cooked seafood like; shrimp, scallops, crab, eel, squid, octopus, and lobster are some of the top ingredients used in sushi.
Non-Sushi Menu Options
If you’re worried about someone in the family who might not be satisfied with any type of sushi, there are always other options. Some of the best things about going out for sushi don’t involve sushi at all!AMAZING APPETIZERS
Another great thing to love about sushi restaurants is their amazing appetizers. Crispy Spring Rolls. Flavorful Gyoza. Sticky Shumai Dumplings. Rich Crab Rangoon. One could easily order nothing but apps at a sushi restaurant and be completely satisfied. Protein-packed and nutrient-rich Edamame is nearly a meal in itself! If you really love appetizers, you’ll love your local sushi bar. Keep an eye out for great discounts at happy hour!
SIGNATURE SIDES
Sushi restaurants typically offer some signature sides like a house salad with ginger dressing, miso soup, and gyoza soup to accompany your meal. Those with a less adventurous palate can also usually find fried, steamed, or brown rice or even french fries to fill them up.
NON-SEAFOOD ENTREES
Fish and seafood may not be suited to everyone’s taste, but everybody deserves to enjoy their meal, even if they didn’t pick the place. A good sushi restaurant values every customer and will offer some non-seafood menu items. Japanese cuisine is well-rounded with plenty of delicious dishes featuring land-based meats, poultry, fruits, grains, and vegetables. Teriyaki stir fry, anyone? How about some Chicken Katsu, Yaki Soba with Beef, or a Tofu Poke Bowl? Many beginners are surprised by the variety of options available on their sushi restaurant menu.
Sushi for Kids
To keep the kids interested when the food arrives, create some fun ways to interact with their sushi. Challenge them to use their chopsticks and see who figures them out the fastest! Another idea is to ask them what they think the rolls should be called -- if they were in charge of naming each sushi roll, what would they name it? This makes the process exciting, as well as memorable. Your child might even come up with a better name than the chef did!Sushi for the Family
Whether it’s your first time out trying sushi together or it’s a regular outing, sushi with the family is truly an experience to be treasured. Come to any of our Wasabi Sushi locations and bring your loved ones. We can’t wait to serve you a family-friendly afternoon or evening you’ll never forget!
