If you are visiting a Japanese restaurant, rest assured that everything on the menu is a blend of nutrient-dense foods and tasteful cuisines. Japanese food is globally famous for its unique taste, a perfect pleasure for our olfactory senses.
Whether you are a connoisseur or a newbie to Japanese dishes, there is no chance of you not hearing the names Sushi and Sashimi. They are, without an argument, an essential part of Japanese food and are widely popular. You can find them in every corner of the world since their distinguishable taste has made them find their way to our table.
Choosing between sushi and sashimi is often a difficult call when you are dining at a Japanese eatery. All of us have heard of them both, but not every one of us knows the difference between them. Here is what you need to know about the taste and making methods of both the world-renowned Japanese food:
The Difference between Sushi and Sashimi:
It’s a common misconception that sushi and sashimi are the same. They are pretty similar, but there are some significant differences between them. There is no doubt that both the dishes are absolutely delicious.
When translated into Japanese, the word sushi means ‘it is sour’, whereas the word sashimi means pierced fish. Sushi is not a raw fish and is served with seasoned rice and vinegar. The amalgam of sour and salty tastes satisfies our taste buds accurately.
The word sashimi refers to any piece of raw meat that is thinly sliced. It can be seafood such as tuna, shrimp, octopus, mackerel, clams, yellow tale, etc. Sashimi is served raw with condiments like wasabi, grated ginger, and soy sauce can be used as the dipping sauce.
How Do Sashimi Tastes and How to eat it?
The taste of sashimi depends on whether you are eating it, and the choices vary from person to person. Some prefer to eat it the way it is served initially. While others prefer pouring some soy sauce in a small bowl with a small amount of wasabi paste, picking a piece of sashimi with a chopstick and dipping in it.
You can feel the texture of uncooked meat coupled with some salt and soy, making sashimi more flavored. The cherry on the top is the end note with a bit of spice from wasabi paste.
How Do Sushi Tastes and How to eat it?
Sushi is made by compiling a couple of dishes like vinegared rice, sweet omelette, and vegetables. It is often served with soy sauce and wasabi paste, and you can eat it as per your taste. These Sushi rolls come in all sizes and shapes. However, the only etiquette you need to remember while dining at a Japanese restaurant is to eat sushi roll in one bite. Some people prefer eating it by hand, while the best utensil to use is the chopstick since you can easily eat it in one go.
How valuable are Sushi and Sashimi Nutritionally?
We know for a fact that sushi and sashimi have high nutritious value. Since sashimi is made from fish, it is high in omega-3 fatty acids. On the other hand, sushi has more calories and carbs because it contains rice. It is also high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Is it Safe to Eat Raw Meat in the form of Sashimi or Sushi?
The most common question that arises when it comes to these famous Japanese dishes is why it is safe to eat raw fish and not raw meat? The answer is pretty simple. The microorganisms that are found in other forms of meat, i.e. chicken, mutton, beef or pork, are poisonous and can lead to fatal health issues.
Trichinella, campylobacter, and salmonella are the bacteria that are commonly found in raw meat items; consuming it uncooked makes you prone to E-coli infection. However, it is recommended for pregnant women and those with weak immunity to either be careful or avoid eating sashimi or sushi.
The Elegance of Sushi and Sashimi:
The way sushi and sashimi are served will leave you in awe. The perfection in delicacy and the beauty of food might make you not want to dig into the plate. The overall presentation is another experience that you enjoy.
Sashimi is cut into very thin and perfectly rectangular or cubic shapes. They look visually appealing and are truly mouth-watering. It is usually used as an appetizer. Likewise, sushi is also served either on a platter or dish. It is wrapped in seaweed or rice paper filled with delicious condiments.
Sushi and sashimi are considered to be the finest of a Japanese meals. They are eaten as the main course of the meal. Sashimi is very common in Japan; however, it hasn’t gained the fame that sushi has gotten all around the globe. One fun tip, if you are going to have these fantastic dishes at a restaurant in Japan, avoid wearing strong fragrances; it is an offence since the deliciousness of the food, and the aroma is disturbed by it.
Sashimi is apparently a simple dish, but it takes years of training to learn to make it with perfection. The slicing and finding the finest quality of fish is requires some expertise.
The Bottom Line:
Japanese food is unique. You will never experience the same taste and deliciousness in any other part of the world. The authentic sushi and sashimi are tasteful and presented with utmost delicacy and elegance.
Both sushi and sashimi are fantastic seafood items that are perfect meals for any time you want. Japanese are mainly focused on etiquette when it comes to eating at a local restaurant. Make sure to follow the basic rules of eating these amazing dishes as you might not want to mean an offence to the other people at the restaurant. Get a heightened experience by trying out sushi and sashimi. Try keeping the originality of taste by not adding more sauces to it.
Happy eating!