Sushi Rice (Japonica)

Neutral sushi-adjacent rice for dons, poke bowls, and protein toppings. Lightly seasoned, not full sushi rice.

Serves:4
Prep:5 minRest:20 minCook:20 minTotal:45 min

Ingredients:

Rice

  • 200 g japonica rice
  • 240 g water1:1.15–1.2 rice to water

Seasoning

  • 2 tsp (10 ml) rice vinegaror apple cider vinegar at ¾ the amount
  • 1 tsp (4 g) sugar
  • ½ tsp (3 g) saltrecommended for meal prep(optional)

Method:

  1. Rinse
    • Rinse rice 3–4 times until water is mostly clear.
  2. Soak (recommended)
    • Soak rinsed rice in measured water for 15–20 min.
  3. Cook
    • Bring rice + water to a gentle boil uncovered.
    • Cover tightly, reduce to low (3), cook 10–12 min.
  4. Steam rest
    • Turn off heat, keep covered 10 min.
  5. Season
    • Mix vinegar + sugar (+ salt if using).
    • Drizzle over hot rice.
    • Fold gently using slicing/lifting motions.
  6. Cool for storage
    • Spread rice out briefly or portion immediately to cool fast.

Notes:

Portioning (important)

  • Divide into 4 equal portions (≈50 g dry rice, ≈110 g cooked each).
  • Store while rice is just warm, not fully cold (prevents dryness).

Storage

Fridge

  • 3–4 days
  • Store airtight
  • Best texture within 48 hours

Freezer (recommended for batch prep)

  • 1 month+
  • Flatten portions in zip bags or shallow containers
  • Label with date + portion size

Reheating

This is the make-or-break step.

Microwave (best)

  1. Sprinkle 1–2 tsp water over rice.
  2. Cover loosely.
  3. Microwave until steaming hot (not just warm).
  4. Fluff immediately.

Stovetop

  • Add rice + splash of water.
  • Cover, low heat, steam 3–5 min.

❌ Do not reheat more than once.

❌ Do not eat rice left at room temp overnight.

Vinegar substitution

If no rice vinegar, per 2 tsp rice vinegar use:

  • 1½ tsp apple cider vinegar + pinch sugar
  • 1 tsp white vinegar + extra pinch sugar
  • ½–¾ tsp Chinkiang vinegar + pinch sugar (changes flavour, acceptable)

What this rice is for (and not for)

  • ✔ Spicy tuna / salmon don
  • ✔ Poke bowls
  • ✔ Protein + sauce bowls
  • ✖ Nigiri / rolled sushi (needs stronger seasoning)
Divide into:
4
servings

Nutrition Facts

Makes 4 servings

Serving size: 1 of 4 servings

Calories

Per serving

184

Total recipe

734

Total Fat
0.3g1g
Total Carbs
40.5g162g
Dietary Fiber
0.3g1g
Protein
3.3g13g

Meal type:

side

Cuisine:

Japanese