Sushi is a collection of Japanese dishes featuring vinegared rice and ingredients like raw fish, vegetables, and cooked elements like *[tamagoyaki](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tamagoyaki-recipe)*, sweet rolled omelet. Sushi rolls come in all shapes and sizes, from large, multicolored *futomaki*, to simple, elegant *nigiri*. 

In Japan, traditional sushi, like *nigiri*, is typically served with a dish of [soy sauce](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soy-sauce-explained) and pickled ginger to cleanse the palate between bites. In most sushi restaurants, the sushi chefs will have seasoned the undersides of the fish with [wasabi](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-wasabi) rather than providing it as an accompaniment. *Makizushi* is a popular item in [bento-style lunch boxes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-bento-box-explained).
Sashimi is a Japanese presentation of raw fish or meat, sliced thin and eaten alongside an assortment of garnishes and condiments like freshly grated ginger and wasabi, shredded daikon radish, minty [shiso leaves](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/shiso-culinary-guide), and a dipping sauce like soy sauce or [ponzu](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ponzu-sauce-recipe).

You can make [sashimi](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-sashimi) from vegetables, “sashimi-grade” saltwater fish (freshwater fish, which is more susceptible to harmful bacteria or parasites, is not used), shellfish, or raw meat. In the *tataki* style of sashimi preparation, the exterior of the protein is briefly seared or marinated in vinegar before being sliced. Some of the most popular types of sashimi include fatty tuna (*otoro*), [mackerel](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/roasted-mackerel-recipe) (*saba*), yellowtail (*hamachi*), and [scallop](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-scallops-easy-pan-seared-scallops-recipe) (*hotate*).
There are three distinct differences between these popular presentations of raw fish:

- __Sushi rice__. The primary difference between sashimi and other dishes featuring raw fish—such as nigiri, sushi rolls like *[futomaki](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/futomaki-recipe)* and *makizushi*, and nori-wrapped cones of *[temaki](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hand-roll-sushi-guide)*—is the presence of seasoned, short-grain [sushi rice](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-sushi-rice-perfect-sushi-rice-recipe). Sushi rice is seasoned with sushi vinegar, a combination of [rice vinegar](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-rice-vinegar-how-to-cook-with-rice-vinegar-and-best-rice-vinegar-substitutes), sugar, and salt, which brightens and elevates the flavors of the fish.
- __Complementary ingredients__. Like a *maki* roll or *temaki*, many types of sushi feature a combination of ingredients rolled together in an outer layer of rice held together with a [nori wrapper](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/nori-roll-recipe). While Japanese restaurants offer condiments or garnishes with sashimi, it is typically served on its own to draw attention to the distinct flavors of the ingredient. 
- __Utensils__. You can eat sushi by hand—many of the best sushi chefs shape pieces of nigiri to be consumed in one easy bite. On the other hand, chopsticks are the optimal utensils for eating thin sashimi slices.
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Sushi and sashimi are two titans of Japanese cuisine, each with its own distinguishing features.

Sushi and sashimi are two titans of Japanese cuisine, each with its own distinguishing features.

Sushi vs. Sashimi: Differences Between Sushi and Sashimi

Sushi is a collection of Japanese dishes featuring vinegared rice and ingredients like raw fish, vegetables, and cooked elements like <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tamagoyaki-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tamagoyaki-recipe","linkCopy":"tamagoyaki","category":null}'>tamagoyaki</a>, sweet rolled omelet. Sushi rolls come in all shapes and sizes, from large, multicolored futomaki, to simple, elegant nigiri. In Japan, traditional sushi, like nigiri, is typically served with a dish of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soy-sauce-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soy-sauce-explained","linkCopy":"soy sauce","category":null}'>soy sauce</a> and pickled ginger to cleanse the palate between bites. In most sushi restaurants, the sushi chefs will have seasoned the undersides of the fish with <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-wasabi' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-wasabi","linkCopy":"wasabi","category":null}'>wasabi</a> rather than providing it as an accompaniment. Makizushi is a popular item in <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-bento-box-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-bento-box-explained","linkCopy":"bento-style lunch boxes","category":null}'>bento-style lunch boxes</a>.

What Is Sushi?

Sashimi is a Japanese presentation of raw fish or meat, sliced thin and eaten alongside an assortment of garnishes and condiments like freshly grated ginger and wasabi, shredded daikon radish, minty <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/shiso-culinary-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/shiso-culinary-guide","linkCopy":"shiso leaves","category":null}'>shiso leaves</a>, and a dipping sauce like soy sauce or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ponzu-sauce-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ponzu-sauce-recipe","linkCopy":"ponzu","category":null}'>ponzu</a>.You can make <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-sashimi' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-sashimi","linkCopy":"sashimi","category":null}'>sashimi</a> from vegetables, “sashimi-grade” saltwater fish (freshwater fish, which is more susceptible to harmful bacteria or parasites, is not used), shellfish, or raw meat. In the tataki style of sashimi preparation, the exterior of the protein is briefly seared or marinated in vinegar before being sliced. Some of the most popular types of sashimi include fatty tuna (otoro), <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/roasted-mackerel-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/roasted-mackerel-recipe","linkCopy":"mackerel","category":null}'>mackerel</a> (saba), yellowtail (hamachi), and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-scallops-easy-pan-seared-scallops-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-scallops-easy-pan-seared-scallops-recipe","linkCopy":"scallop","category":null}'>scallop</a> (hotate).

What Is Sashimi?

There are three distinct differences between these popular presentations of raw fish:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Sushi rice. The primary difference between sashimi and other dishes featuring raw fish—such as nigiri, sushi rolls like <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/futomaki-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/futomaki-recipe","linkCopy":"futomaki","category":null}'>futomaki</a> and makizushi, and nori-wrapped cones of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hand-roll-sushi-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hand-roll-sushi-guide","linkCopy":"temaki","category":null}'>temaki</a>—is the presence of seasoned, short-grain <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-sushi-rice-perfect-sushi-rice-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-sushi-rice-perfect-sushi-rice-recipe","linkCopy":"sushi rice","category":null}'>sushi rice</a>. Sushi rice is seasoned with sushi vinegar, a combination of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-rice-vinegar-how-to-cook-with-rice-vinegar-and-best-rice-vinegar-substitutes' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-rice-vinegar-how-to-cook-with-rice-vinegar-and-best-rice-vinegar-substitutes","linkCopy":"rice vinegar","category":null}'>rice vinegar</a>, sugar, and salt, which brightens and elevates the flavors of the fish. </li><li class="">Complementary ingredients. Like a maki roll or temaki, many types of sushi feature a combination of ingredients rolled together in an outer layer of rice held together with a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/nori-roll-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/nori-roll-recipe","linkCopy":"nori wrapper","category":null}'>nori wrapper</a>. While Japanese restaurants offer condiments or garnishes with sashimi, it is typically served on its own to draw attention to the distinct flavors of the ingredient. </li><li class="">Utensils. You can eat sushi by hand—many of the best sushi chefs shape pieces of nigiri to be consumed in one easy bite. On the other hand, chopsticks are the optimal utensils for eating thin sashimi slices. </li></ul>

What Are the Differences Between Sushi and Sashimi?

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Sushi and sashimi are two titans of Japanese cuisine, each with its own distinguishing features.

Sushi and sashimi are two titans of Japanese cuisine, each with its own distinguishing features.
