Nigiri assortment platter

Nigiri assortment platter featuring fresh fish, seasoned rice, and wasabi, a classic of Japanese cuisine.

About this subject

Nigiri is one of the most traditional styles of sushi, consisting of a slice of raw fish or seafood over a small portion of vinegared rice. An assortment platter brings together different types of nigiri, such as salmon (sake), tuna (maguro), shrimp (ebi), eel (unagi), and sea urchin (uni). Each piece is made with rice seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, and often includes a thin layer of wasabi between the fish and rice to enhance flavor. The technique requires that the rice be warm and the fish at room temperature, ensuring contrasting textures. In Japan, nigiri originated in the Edo period (19th century) in Tokyo as street fast food. Today it is enjoyed worldwide, and presentation on an assortment platter highlights the freshness and variety of ingredients, common in specialized restaurants and special occasions. The balance between the subtle taste of the fish and the mildly acidic rice is key to good nigiri. Additionally, the selection of fish reflects seasonality and provenance, valuing fresh daily catches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nigiri?

Nigiri is a type of sushi consisting of a slice of raw fish or seafood over a portion of seasoned rice, often with wasabi.

What is the difference between nigiri and sashimi?

Nigiri includes rice, while sashimi is just the raw fish slice without rice.

How to eat nigiri properly?

Dip only the fish side into soy sauce, not the rice, and eat in one bite to enjoy the combination.