If there is one food that has taken the world by storm in recent years, it is sushi. The endless number of Japanese restaurants that have opened in several cities attests to their popularity. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that people are going crazy over this Japanese dish. But with so many different varieties available for us to choose from, there are also an equal number of misconceptions surrounding them. Many people think sushi is all about raw fish, while others think it’s impossible to make it at home. As there are so many theories floating around sushi, let’s put them to rest once and for all, and enjoy this beloved Japanese delicacy the right way.
Also read: A beginner’s guide to making sushi, including tips that will come in handy
Here are 5 common misconceptions about sushi:
1. Sushi is about raw fish
The most common misconception about sushi is that it is only made with fish. It is true that sushi traditionally contained raw fish, but now there are so many different varieties of it, including those made with chicken, vegetables and even no fish at all. Fish or no fish, it is the vinegared rice seasoned with salt and sugar that makes sushi what it is. So put this myth to rest and explore all the other delicious flavors out there.
2. Sushi is hard to make
Most people perceive sushi as a fancy food and prefer to eat it only in restaurants. The idea of making it at home may seem intimidating, but with a little practice, you’ll realize how easy it is to make sushi. This misconception also stems from the fact that many people think that sushi can only be made with seafood. But as mentioned above, that is not true. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to make it at home.
3. Sushi is always healthy
Sushi is often considered a healthy food. After all, how can something containing only rice, meat or vegetables be unhealthy for us? It is true that certain types of sushi provide us with essential nutrients such as protein and omega-3, but it is not correct to assume that all sushi is healthy. Some varieties, such as tempura style sushi rolls are typically fried and can be high in calories. The health aspect of sushi depends on how it is prepared and the ingredients used to make it.
Also read: Try this delicious Pinwheel Chicken Sandwich that looks like sushi (recipe inside)
4. Sushi must always be dipped in soy sauce
Sushi is usually served with soy sauce. It works as the perfect accompaniment to it, but it is not always necessary to use it. If you think the sushi is seasoned well enough, you may not even need to dip it in the sauce. There are no hard and fast rules about this, so it really depends on your personal preference. Similarly, having wasabi or pickled ginger with it is not always a necessity.
5. Sushi is expensive
Enjoying sushi shouldn’t always come at a high price. Sure, fancy restaurants have it priced high on their menus, but there are so many other ways to enjoy it on a budget. The best way to do it is by making it yourself at home. Trust us, it’s not as hard as it seems. If you want to skip the cooking part, there are several other affordable restaurants that sell them at nominal prices so you can enjoy them without breaking the bank. You will be surprised to know that modern sushi as we know it today actually started as a street food in Tokyo in 1824.
Now that you’re aware of these myths about sushi, we hope you enjoy it the right way.