Food and Recipes Seafood Sushi Vs Sashimi: What's The Difference? While both are Japanese in origin, they're not the same dish. By Coastal Living Coastal Living Published quarterly, Coastal Living reaches consumers who love life on the coast. Whether they are living right on the water or are dreaming of their next beach escape, these passionate consumers want the coastal lifestyle in their home, travel, and every other aspect of their lives. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on July 12, 2023 Reviewed by Carolyn O'Neil, MS, RDN Reviewed by Carolyn O'Neil, MS, RDN Carolyn O'Neil MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a Masters Degree in Nutrition and Communication. O'Neil has more than 30 years experience as a television presenter and nutrition communications professional specializing in writing about food, nutrition, and cuisine. Learn more about the Southern Living Food & Nutrition Review Board Fact checked by Isaac Winter Fact checked by Isaac Winter Isaac Winter is a fact checker. He graduated from Lake Forest College in 2020 with a degree in English Literature. While in college, he was the Editorial Head of the school's literary magazine, Tusitala, for two years. Recently, he worked as an AmeriCorps employee at Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center in Chicago. There he helped set up a food pantry in the West Garfield Park neighborhood. brand's fact checking process Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Nattapol Poonpiriya/EyeEm/Getty Images If you’ve ever been to a restaurant that serves sushi, you’ve probably noticed sashimi on the menu and wondered, “Is sashimi a type of sushi?” While both are Japanese in origin, they’re not the same dish. Here’s the difference between sushi and sashimi (and nigiri, too). What Is Ceviche? What is sushi? Ina Peters/Westend61/Getty Images If there’s no rice, it’s not sushi. Vinegar-soaked rice is the ingredient that makes sushi, well, sushi. The name itself means “sour tasting” due to the flavor from the vinegar, as well as the raw fish that’s often included. While traditional sushi features raw seafood, it’s not a component necessary to consider a dish sushi. Modern takes can include cooked seafood, veggies, or even other meats. Bottom line: Sushi doesn’t need to include raw fish (or fish at all) to be considered such—only vinegar rice. What is sashimi? Liyao Xie/Getty Images Sashimi is specifically raw—and fresh—seafood, like tuna, salmon, mackerel, hamachi yellow tail and even shrimp. Sashimi is usually served thinly sliced on a bed of daikon radish and shiso leaves, sans rice. A little bit of wasabi or fresh ginger may also be added. Bottom line: Sashimi is thinly sliced raw seafood served without rice and is not considered a type of sushi. What is nigiri? A Longer Speech/Getty Images Nigiri is usually listed near sushi and sashimi on a menu, and it falls somewhere between the two dishes. Nigiri is raw seafood, similar to sashimi, served over hand-balled vinegared rice. Though it’s a type of sushi (remember, it’s all about the rice), nigiri doesn’t include any extra ingredients like cucumbers or avocado. Bottom line: Nigiri is raw seafood served over rice and is a type of sushi. How to make sushi Sushi Rice Remember, it’s not technically sushi without the rice. Avocado and Shrimp Sushi Forget the takeout—try this homemade take on a California roll instead. Thomas J. Story Sushi Burrito We love fusion food, especially when we can make it ourselves. Teresa Sabga Ahi Sushi Cups Sushi, but hold the roll—these tasty cups are easy and breezy to prepare. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit