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5 Stunning Sushi Facts From Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Susannah Chen — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:50:18 PST

Recently we had the chance to preview the Magnolia Pictures documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, a portrait of 85-year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the greatest sushi chef in the world. Despite missing the first 20 minutes (you aren't going to believe us, but we were coming late from a sushi dinner!), the film was a stunner.

On top of the movie's haute cinematography and touching score, we learned a number of fascinating facts about sushi that, even as avid raw fish eaters, we were surprised to learn. Do you know what temperature sushi should be served at, or when the California roll was invented? Learn some interesting tidbits about the movie, which is out March 9, when you keep reading.

How to Read a Sushi Menu

Susannah Chen — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:30:21 PST

There's no food more beloved by seafood lovers than sushi. The Japanese treat is low-fat, filling, and adorably bite-size. But unless you were raised with chopsticks in one hand and a bento box in the other, the world of rice rolls can be a bit trying to navigate.

If you aren't fluent in sushi-speak, there's no need to worry. We've compiled a go-to glossary that'll help you keep everything straight. In Japan, many traditional sushi bars don't even have menus, but here are some terms you might come across when dining at one in the States.

Nigiri: Hand-squeezed rectangles of fish-topped sushi rice (rice that's been seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt). These can be eaten with your fingers.
Temaki: Cones of nori (dried seaweed) filled with sushi rice, as well as fish and/or vegetables. Similar to maki, these are also known as hand rolls.
Inari: Pouches of seasoned fried tofu that are stuffed with sushi rice.
Maki or makimono: Sushi rice and seaweed rolls filled with fish or vegetables. There are varying types of maki.

To learn more about the different types of maki, read more.

Yummy Links: From Marinades to Sushi

YumSugar — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:34:36 PDT

Adam Perry Lang's three basic marinade rules. - Food Republic
Ten Summer drinks that pack on the pounds. - TLC
Nancy Silverton answers focaccia questions. - Daily Dish
How to survive a breakfast buffet. - Huffington Post Food
Pimento cheese: the Southern spread with staying power. - The Washington Post
Everything you need to know about dragon fruit. - Serious Eats
It's National Iced Tea Month; here's how you should celebrate. - The FN Dish
Sarah Palin and Donald Trump had a pizza party in NYC. - Daily Intel
Is sushi becoming too popular? - Eater

Source: Flickr User daisybush

6 Sushi Orders Under 350 Calories

Shape — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 04:30:31 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape, here on FitSugar. If you love sushi but are watching your waistline, try these orders - none of which will break the caloric bank.

A Brief History of Naked Sushi

Colleen Barrett — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:45:37 PDT

The best known sushi plate may be Samantha Jones from Sex and the City, but the practice goes way back in Japan, having its own name nyotaimori (female plates) and nantaimori (male plates). Even so, it is not commonplace or even socially acceptable, happening mostly in sex clubs and at gatherings for organized criminals.

Today photos of human sushi platters are floating around, bringing the age-old tradition front and center. Besides the obvious eroticism, why would anyone want to eat off a naked human. Find out below.

Would You Eat Fermented Sushi?

Tara Block — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 04:00:49 PST

I was watching the Japan episode of Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern the other day, wherein Zimmern samples funazushi, an ancient preparation of sushi that involves packing a fish (eggs intact) with salt, then aging it for up to six years. Even the show's host wasn't a big fan, and he's enjoyed some unconventional meals. Still, he could appreciate the historical value of this Japanese delicacy. Are you adventurous enough to try it?

Source: Flickr User Kida Yasuo

Yummy Links: From Heinz Ketchup to Chinese Brown Sauce

YumSugar — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:00:28 PDT

Ketchup: Why even some of the most local chefs prefer Heinz to homemade. - Chow
On a budget? You can still afford organic. - Huffington Post Food
The second season of Shaq VS will feature Rachael Ray and Joey Chestnut. - Eater
Classic recipes to make now and freeze for later. - The Epi-Log
Everything you need to know about making your own sushi. - Serious Eats
Pronounce these pastas like an Italian pro. - SFoodie
A first look at Stephanie Izard's The Girl & the Goat. - Grub Street CHI
Gwyneth Paltrow cooks up a storm. - Vogue
Unraveling the history (and mystery) of Chinese brown sauce. - Atlantic Food

Source: Flickr User meandmybadself

A Simple Swap to Make Sushi Even Healthier

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 07:00:38 PDT

Sushi has to be my favorite late-night post-workout meal - I love the taste of fresh tuna with a nice kick of heat from wasabi. But since I don't like how nori tastes, I've been limited to nigiri sushi, which is a thin slice of raw fish placed on a bit of sushi rice. My cravings for a hand roll led me to making my own sushi at home. Not only is it cheaper, it's much healthier too. Following this Epicurious recipe on how to make sushi rice, I swap out standard sushi rice for short-grain brown rice instead. I also use soy wraps, a nori replacement that is made from soy protein. Soy wraps are vegan, nonfat, and gluten free. Though I wish I could get all the amazing health benefits that nori has, I'm excited that I can finally have hand rolls!At home, I get creative and fill my sushi with whatever fresh veggies or fish I have on hand. Last night that meant cucumbers, avocado, yams, and tuna. An added plus to using brown rice is that it keeps me fuller longer, which means I don't need to devour too many pieces at once.

How Solid Is Your Sushi Vocabulary? Part Two

YumSugar — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:50:13 PST

During a sushi dinner kick earlier this month, I put you to the test to find out how savvy you are when it comes to ordering sushi in Japanese. Since the pop quiz was so popular, I thought I'd put you up to another round of sushi vocab. Many of you scored high marks on the last one - but be forewarned, this one's not as easy!

Here's the drill: I'm going to name a Japanese term, and I want you to tell me what it translates to in English. Ready to tackle this for a second time? Let's go!

Source: Flickr User avlxyz

Take the Quiz

Name That Sushi Roll!

YumSugar — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:50:40 PST

My current cuisine du jour is sushi. It's lowfat, filling, and adorably bite-sized. I love it so much that one of my culinary resolutions is to learn how to make it.

I recently tested your knowledge of sushi vocabulary. Many of you did surprisingly well, so I thought I'd see how you fared when it comes to the ever-popular Western sushi rolls that dominate America's Japanese restaurants.

I'll show you a photograph of a roll, and you tell me what it's called. Ready for a visual feast? Get started!

Source: Flickr User Phu Son

Take the Quiz