Sushi vs Sashimi: What's the Difference? (Complete Guide)
Sushi and sashimi are both Japanese, both often raw — but they're completely different dishes. Here's everything you need to know about sushi vs sashimi.
Admin User
March 13, 2026
Walk into any Japanese restaurant and you'll see both sushi and sashimi on the menu. Many people use the terms interchangeably — but they're actually very different dishes. Understanding the distinction will make you a more confident orderer and a better home cook.
The Quick Answer
| Sushi | Sashimi | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Vinegared rice with toppings/fillings | Sliced raw fish/meat, no rice |
| Rice | Always includes rice | Never includes rice |
| Raw fish | Sometimes (not always) | Always raw |
| Origin | Edo period street food | Ancient Japanese tradition |
| Eaten with | Soy sauce, wasabi, ginger | Soy sauce, wasabi |
The key difference: Sushi is about the rice (the word sushi actually refers to the vinegared rice). Sashimi is about the fish (the word means "pierced body").
What Is Sushi?
Sushi is vinegared rice combined with various toppings or fillings — which may or may not include raw fish. The rice is the star; the toppings are the supporting cast.
Types of Sushi
Nigiri — A hand-pressed mound of rice topped with a slice of fish. The most classic form.
Maki — Rice and fillings rolled in seaweed (nori). Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Temaki — Hand-rolled sushi in a cone shape. Eaten immediately.
Uramaki — Inside-out roll (rice on the outside, nori inside). The California roll is an uramaki.
Chirashi — A bowl of sushi rice topped with scattered sashimi and garnishes.
Oshi — Pressed sushi from Osaka, pushed into a mold.
Not All Sushi Is Raw
This is the biggest misconception. Many popular sushi types contain no raw fish at all:
- California roll — Crab (usually imitation), avocado, cucumber
- Tamago nigiri — Sweet egg omelette
- Unagi — Grilled freshwater eel
- Ebi — Cooked shrimp
- Vegetable rolls — Cucumber, avocado, sweet potato
Make it at home: Sushi — Our complete guide to making sushi rice and rolling your own maki.
What Is Sashimi?
Sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish or meat served without rice. It's the purest expression of the ingredient — no cooking, no rice, no seaweed to hide behind. The quality of the fish is everything.
Popular Sashimi Types
| Fish | Japanese Name | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon | Sake | Rich, buttery, orange |
| Tuna (lean) | Maguro | Clean, mild, deep red |
| Tuna belly (fatty) | Toro | Melt-in-mouth, most prized |
| Yellowtail | Hamachi | Buttery, slightly sweet |
| Octopus | Tako | Firm, slightly chewy |
| Sweet shrimp | Amaebi | Sweet, delicate |
| Sea bream | Tai | Light, clean, slightly sweet |
| Mackerel | Saba | Rich, oily, bold |
Sashimi Is Not Just Fish
In Japan, sashimi can also include:
- Horse meat (basashi) — A specialty in Kumamoto
- Chicken (torisashi) — Ultra-fresh raw chicken (not recommended outside Japan)
- Whale — Controversial but traditional
- Tofu — Silken tofu served sashimi-style
Nutrition Comparison
| Per 100g | Sushi (salmon nigiri) | Sashimi (salmon) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal | ~130 kcal |
| Protein | 8g | 20g |
| Carbs | 20g | 0g |
| Fat | 4g | 6g |
| Omega-3 | Moderate | High |
Winner for weight loss: Sashimi (no rice = lower carbs/calories, higher protein) Winner for energy: Sushi (rice provides sustained energy)
How to Eat: Etiquette Guide
Sushi Etiquette
- You CAN eat with your hands — Nigiri was originally finger food
- Dip fish-side down into soy sauce (not the rice — it absorbs too much)
- Don't mix wasabi into soy sauce — Place wasabi directly on the fish (though this rule is often relaxed outside Japan)
- Eat ginger between pieces — It's a palate cleanser, not a topping
- Eat in one bite — Nigiri is designed to be a single bite
Sashimi Etiquette
- Use chopsticks (not hands)
- Dip lightly in soy sauce
- Eat lighter fish first, then progress to richer ones
- Wasabi goes directly on the fish, then dip
Which Should You Order?
| If you want... | Order... |
|---|---|
| A filling meal | Sushi |
| To taste the fish quality | Sashimi |
| Lower calories | Sashimi |
| Variety of textures | Sushi |
| The best value | Sushi (rice makes it more filling) |
| To impress a date | Omakase (chef's choice — includes both) |
More Japanese Recipes to Explore
Build a complete Japanese meal at home:
- Sushi — Master the art of homemade sushi
- Chicken Karaage — Japan's best fried chicken
- Japanese Katsudon — Crispy pork cutlet rice bowl
- Tonkatsu Pork — The breaded pork cutlet
- Ramen Noodles with Boiled Egg — Rich noodle soup
- Honey Teriyaki Salmon — Sweet glazed salmon
- Yaki Udon — Stir-fried thick noodles
- Japanese Gohan Rice — Perfect Japanese rice
- Katsu Chicken Curry — Crispy chicken with curry sauce
- Teriyaki Chicken Casserole — Easy weeknight Japanese dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sushi always raw? No! Many sushi types use cooked ingredients — shrimp, eel, crab, egg, vegetables.
Is sashimi safe to eat? Yes, when sourced from reputable suppliers who sell "sushi-grade" or "sashimi-grade" fish. This fish is flash-frozen to kill parasites.
Can I make sashimi at home? Only with sushi-grade fish from a trusted fishmonger. Never use regular supermarket fish for sashimi.
Which is more expensive? Sashimi is typically more expensive per piece because you're paying purely for premium fish without rice filler.
External Resources:
- Sushi vs Sashimi Guide — Japan Times
- FDA Sushi Safety Guide — FDA
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