Out of Sushi rice, one case
Sushi rice substitute - for sushi & Japanese cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Short-grain white rice
Same amount as the sushi rice
The best sushi rice substitutes are short-grain white rice, arborio rice, or jasmine rice. For authentic sushi, use short-grain white rice. For onigiri, use any short-grain rice. For budget options, use medium-grain white rice.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- sushi
One casethe full rice card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sushi rice | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Short-grain white ricesushi | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Arborio riceonigiri | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Jasmine ricesushi | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Medium-grain white ricesushi | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Calrose ricesushi | Same amountWorks | Works |
Short-grain white rice
similar taste and texture
Short-grain white rice with similar starch content and stickiness to sushi rice
- Best for
- sushi, onigiri, Japanese rice dishes, when you want authentic texture
Best substitute for sushi rice, similar starch content and texture.
Arborio rice
similar taste and texture
Italian short-grain rice with high starch content, very sticky when cooked
- Best for
- onigiri, sticky rice dishes, when you want extra stickiness
High starch content, good for sticky rice dishes.
Jasmine rice
different taste and texture
Aromatic long-grain rice that works well for sushi and Japanese dishes
- Best for
- sushi, Japanese rice dishes, when you want aromatic rice
Aromatic, slightly different texture but works well.
Medium-grain white rice
similar taste and texture
Medium-grain white rice with similar texture to short-grain rice
- Best for
- sushi, onigiri, budget option, when short-grain unavailable
Budget option, similar texture to short-grain rice.
Calrose rice
similar taste and texture
Medium-grain rice with good stickiness for sushi and Japanese dishes
- Best for
- sushi, onigiri, Japanese rice dishes, when you want medium-grain
Medium-grain rice, good for sushi and Japanese dishes.
How it behaves in this recipe
Sushi rice is essential for authentic sushi because of its unique sticky texture and ability to hold together. The best substitutes maintain this stickiness and starch content that's necessary for proper sushi preparation. The rice must also be properly seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Tips for substituting sushi rice
5 tips- For sushi, the rice must be sticky enough to hold together but not mushy
- Rinse sushi rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch
- Use a 1:1.1 ratio of rice to water for good sushi rice texture
- Let the rice cool slightly before making sushi to prevent it from being too hot
- Season the rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for authentic sushi flavor
Notes on sushi rice
- Brown rice for a healthier option (though less sticky)
- Quinoa for a protein-rich alternative
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Mixed grains for a different texture
Questions
5 questionsWhat makes rice good for sushi?
Sushi rice needs to be short-grain with high starch content to create the sticky texture that holds sushi together. It also needs to be seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Can I use regular white rice for sushi?
You can use short-grain white rice for sushi, but long-grain rice won't work well as it's not sticky enough to hold sushi together.
What's the best substitute for sushi rice?
Short-grain white rice is the best substitute for sushi rice. It has similar starch content and texture that's essential for making sushi.
Can I use jasmine rice for sushi?
Jasmine rice can work for sushi, but it's not as sticky as short-grain rice. You may need to adjust the cooking method to get the right texture.
Why is sushi rice so expensive?
Sushi rice is a premium short-grain rice with specific growing conditions. It's more expensive than regular rice but essential for authentic sushi.