What is nigiri sushi?

Nigiri sushi is a type of sushi consisting of a slice of raw fish (or other seafood) pressed onto a small mound of vinegared rice. The term "nigiri" itself comes from the Japanese word "nigirizushi" (握り寿司), meaning "hand-pressed sushi."

The preparation of nigiri involves a few key components:

• Sushi Rice: This is specially prepared short-grain Japanese rice seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. The proper consistency and flavor of the rice are crucial to the overall quality of the nigiri.

• Neta: This refers to the topping, most commonly a slice of raw fish (such as salmon, tuna, or yellowtail). Other popular neta include shrimp (ebi), eel (unagi), squid (ika), and octopus (tako). The quality and freshness of the neta are paramount.

• Preparation: The chef (itamae) carefully molds the sushi rice into an oblong shape using their hands. They then place a small amount of wasabi (optional) on the rice before gently pressing the neta onto the rice.

• Serving: Nigiri sushi is typically served in pairs. It's often accompanied by soy sauce for dipping (though some purists believe high-quality fish shouldn't need it), pickled ginger (gari) for palate cleansing, and wasabi for added flavor.

There are many variations of nigiri, depending on the type of fish used, the preparation techniques, and regional preferences. It is considered a classic and essential element of Japanese cuisine.