Chirashi Sushi: A Vibrant and Delightful Japanese Dish
Chirashi sushi is like a party in a bowl! This dish is perfect for summer days with its light, refreshing nature and vibrant, colourful presentation. It’s essentially a deconstructed sushi roll served in a bowl, with seasoned sushi rice topped with a variety of fresh ingredients.
What is Chirashi Sushi?
Chirashi sushi, also known as “scattered sushi,” is a traditional Japanese dish where vinegared sushi rice is topped with an assortment of ingredients like sashimi, vegetables, and garnishes. It’s a versatile dish that allows for creativity and personalisation, making it both a visually stunning and delicious meal.
Toppings for Chirashi Sushi
The beauty of chirashi sushi lies in its flexibility. Here are some popular toppings you can use:
Assorted Sashimi: Salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and other fresh fish.
Vegetables: Sliced cucumbers, avocados, radishes, and pickled ginger.
Egg Shreds or Egg Omelette Cubes: Known as tamagoyaki, these add a sweet and savoury element.
Flying Fish Roe (Masago Caviar): Adds a burst of umami flavour and a nice texture.
Nori Seaweed: Nori strips for a touch of the ocean.
Herbs: Chopped spring onion greens or shiso leaves.
Making chirashi sushi at home is not only fun but can also be budget-friendly. Grab a sashimi box from your local store and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish without the price tag! Get creative and jazz up your chirashi sushi bowl with your favourite ingredients.
Scroll down to see the video about how I make my own Chirashi Sushi Bento!
Where to Get Sashimi Grade Fish in London?
Here are some of my go-to places in London to get fresh, high-quality sashimi-grade fish:
- Natural Natural : Japanese & Organic Food Stores in London
- Japan Centre : The largest Japanese supermarket stores in the UK
- Atariya Food : Japanese grocery stores and food suppliers in London
- Waso Tokyo (online supermarket) : Online Japanese supermarket
If you also know any other reliable places to get fresh sashimi-grade fish, please comment below and let me know!
Chirashi Sushi Bento Box
Ingredients
Vinegared Rice
- 200 g sushi rice (short grain rice)
- 200 g water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- ½ tbsp sugar
- A small pinch of salt
Toppings
- Chopped spring onion greens
- Assorted sashimi
- Sliced cucumbers
- Egg omelette cubes
- Flying fish roe (Masago caviar)
- Hello Kitty fish chips (optional)
Instructions
To Make Vinegared Rice
- Rinse sushi rice and cook the rice with the same amount of water in a rice cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp rice vinegar, ½ tbsp sugar, and a small pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed. (Microwave or heat the mixture in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar and salt dissolve completely)
- Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large plate or a shallow container.
- Gradually pour the vinegar mixture over the rice while using a spatula to gently fold and mix. Be careful not to smash the rice grains. Continue adding the vinegar mixture until the rice is evenly coated.
- Cool the rice with a fan or a piece of cardboard to help cool it down. This will give the rice its characteristic glossy sheen and sticky texture.
Assemble Chirashi Sushi
- Prepare the toppings by chopping the spring onion greens, slicing the cucumbers, making an egg omelette and cutting it into cubes, and slicing the assorted sashimi into bite-sized pieces.
- Spread the cooled vinegared rice evenly in a bento box or a sushi platter.
- Arrange the prepared toppings over the rice. Add flying fish roe (Masago caviar), Hello Kitty fish chips or any other favorite toppings for a creative touch.
- Serve the chirashi sushi immediately and enjoy the vibrant and delightful flavors of this easy-to-make Japanese dish!
Love it!