Short grain rice makes the best sushi.
In order to make sushi, you need to have the right kind of rice. When cooking at home, you may be tempted to experiment with different rice varieties, but you're likely to find that it's best to stick with traditional Japanese rice. Jasmine rice doesn't usually have the right qualities to be a sushi rice.
Taste
Jasmine rice his a unique flavor. It is part of the "aromatic family" of rices and has a sweet, nutty flavor. In sushi, the rice shouldn't be the stand-out flavor. The idea is that the mild taste of the rice brings out the flavor of the vinegar and fish or vegetables rolled inside. The unique flavor of jasmine rice will overpower the other flavors, making it a poor choice.
Texture
The key to keeping your sushi together is to use a rice that cooks to a sticky texture. Short grain rice has more gluten on the outside, which helps the rice to stick together without getting too mushy. Traditional jasmine rice is a long grain rice. When cooked, it has a fluffy texture and the grains of rice don't stick together. If you use it for sushi, you will find that your rolls fall apart.
Short vs. Long Grain
Though the most traditional form of jasmine rice is the long grain variety, you can sometimes find a short grain version. In a pinch, it's possible to use this variety in sushi. It will alter the flavor of the sushi, but your rolls will still stick together. Carefully read the label to ensure that you do indeed have the short grain variety. If the package doesn't include the words, assume that you have the long grain style.
Best Sushi Rice
The best type of rice to use for sushi is a short grain Japanese rice. Look for the names "sushi rice," "Japanese rice" or "Japonica rice." Typically, you can find these varieties in the Asian foods section of your grocery store. If your store does not offer this, look for any other type of short grain rice. However, you should avoid "glutinous rice" -- though the name sounds like it would be suitable for sushi, it actually becomes too sticky to use.
Tags: grain rice, Japanese rice, long grain, stick together, find that, flavor sushi
