Inari Sushi (Inarizushi) Recipe

 

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 60 mins

Assemble: 30 mins

Total: 100 mins

Servings: 10 servings

Yield: 20 pockets

Inari sushi is made by filling a pouch of seasoned fried tofu (aburaage) with sushi rice. These portable, healthy, and vegetarian or vegan treats are named after the Shinto god Inari, who is said to have a fondness for tofu.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sushi rice, or medium-grain rice
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 sheets nori, or gim, crumbled
• 10 square inari pockets, cut in half

Steps to Make It

Make the Sushi Rice

1. Gather the ingredients.

2. Cook the sushi rice according to instructions in a rice cooker or in a pot on the stove.

3. Fluff the rice with a spoon once it's done cooking. Let it rest with the lid on for another 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Prepare the vinegar mixture: In a bowl, combine the sugar with the vinegar, whisking to dissolve the sugar completely.

5. Cool the rice: Transfer the rice to a very large wooden bowl or salad bowl. Spread the rice out in a thin layer so that it cools quickly. Use a hand fan or wave a magazine back and forth to help cool the rice.

6. Season the rice: When the rice is cool enough to handle, gently mix in the vinegar-sugar mixture into the rice while continuing to fan it. Be gentle to avoid mashing the rice grains.

Assemble the Inari Sushi

7. Mix in the crumbled seaweed into the seasoned rice.

8. Divide the rice: Wet your hands with rice vinegar or water to prevent sticking. Divide the rice into 20 portions, using a 1/4 cup measuring cup or by weighing and neatly dividing the total amount.

9. Form rice balls: Shape each portion into egg-shaped balls.

10. Fill the inari pockets: Press the rice firmly into the inari pockets. Repeat the process until you have used all the rice and pockets.

11. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making Inari Sushi

• Cool the Rice Quickly: Place the cooked rice into the biggest bowl you have. The more surface area, the quicker the rice cools.
• Fanning the Rice: This helps to create the beautiful shine that sushi rice is known for.
• Gentle Mixing: When adding the vinegar-sugar mixture and seaweed, be gentle to avoid making the rice mushy.

Ways to Dress Up Inari Sushi

• Add-Ins: Consider adding steamed vegetables, furikake seasoning, radishes, avocado, thinly-sliced seaweed, bamboo shoots, or proteins like crab, pork, or fish.
• Sprinkle Toppings: Sesame seeds add crunch and nutrition.
• Serve with Dipping Sauce: Soy sauce, tamari, or spicy homemade mayo.

What to Serve With Inari Sushi

• Dipping Sauces: Soy sauce, tamari, or wasabi.
• Side Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, broccoli, and snap peas.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the sushi.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 154
• Fat: 3g
• Carbs: 28g
• Protein: 4g

Enjoy your delicious homemade Inari Sushi!