While many know the traditional Japanese rice wine, sake, the same term is also used to describe salmon.
But what is sake sushi? This type of sushi could be either classic sushi rolls topped with succulent fish or sushi with sake-infused rice.
In this article, we explore what sake sushi is, what it tastes like and what you can serve with this delicious Japanese dish.
What Is Sake Sushi?
Sake sushi is a type of traditional Japanese nigiri sushi with rice and slices of salmon. It is a popular dish with everyone who wants to try sushi for the first time.
Sake sushi is typically eaten by hand in a single bite, although you can also enjoy it with a variety of side dishes, such as pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce.
Sake sushi can also have another meaning. This could also be a type of sushi that is made with sake-infused rice.
Sake rice is larger than the classic sushi rice making your sushi rolls plump and tasty. Thanks to the sake, this type of premium sushi also tastes slightly different.
What Is Sake Sushi Made Of?
The Japanese word sake means salmon, so sake sushi is typically the classic sushi with delicious salmon.
Sake sushi is made from rice, some type of fish and a black seaweed sheet to make your sushi roll.
This type of sushi contains salmon that is rich in proteins and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The fish is dipped in soy sauce and then fried. This gives sake sushi its distinctive sweet and succulent flavor.
Sake sushi is a common dish in Japanese cuisine and you can find it in restaurants all over Japan and even other parts of the world.
Is Sake A Salmon Or Alcohol?
The term “sake” in Japanese can refer to both rice wine sake or salmon. Generally, the meaning in written texts only becomes clear in a context or when pronounced.
Why Is Salmon Sushi Called Sake?
In Japan, salmon sushi is also known as sake because the Japanese word for salmon is sake. The word usually refers to the chum salmon which is also known as spotted salmon.
While the original name of this type of salmon is Shirozake, many Japanese still call this fish sake.
In the past, sake was the name for different Pacific salmons, while today it refers to the Atlantic salmon that is bred as part of aquaculture.
This change is due to eating habits because the Japanese would not often eat salmon with their sushi or sashimi.
Is Sake Raw Salmon?
No, sake salmon is not usually raw because it is dipped in soy sauce and then fried. However, you can also eat sake raw in some dishes, such as sushi, where it is typically served cold.
What Does Sake Sushi Taste Like?
Saki sushi has a gentle fishy flavor because salmon is the main ingredient of this type of sushi. This being said, salmon is usually relatively mild compared to other fish species.
Traditional sushi has a subtle umami aroma, thanks to the vinegar. You may also be able to taste the hint of sugar and salt in fish sushi.
Many sushi recipes for sake sushi also contain soy sauce and wasabi that give the dish a light sweetness with a spicy kick.
You can also add a variety of other flavors to your sushi with different side dishes, such as pickled ginger.
Is Salmon Sushi Good For Beginners?
Tuna rolls or salmon rolls made with sushi rice, raw fish and seaweed paper are usually ideal for sushi beginners.
This kind of sushi has a subtle flavor and it isn’t made with too many complex ingredients. You can just focus on the mild fish aroma and the filling rice.
In addition, sake sushi also has a beautiful buttery flavor with a creamy texture which makes the fish melt in your mouth.
Is Salmon Sushi Healthy?
Salmon sushi made with raw salmon is high in protein and omega 3 fatty acids that support our body’s metabolism.
Salmon and other types of fish are a popular source of protein, especially when you want to cut down on meat consumption.
This being said, the Japanese didn’t consume raw salmon for a long time because they were afraid of parasitic worms or bacteria growing in the salmon.
However, raw salmon is typically instantly frozen after it has been caught which reduces the risk of parasites in sake sushi.
What To Serve With Sake Sushi
Sake sushi is a popular fish across parts of Japan and the rest of the world. You can enjoy the sushi rolls on their own or add more flavor with some side dishes.
Pickled Ginger
Also known as Gair, pickled ginger is one of the most popular side dishes with a sushi meal. The translucent skin and tender texture make it ideal for the fish aroma of sushi.
Gari also has a mild flavor, so it is also suitable for sushi beginners. Plus, ginger is a traditional medicine that boosts your immune system and balances your cholesterol levels.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a classic ingredient of many sushi recipes, including sake sushi. In fact, it is one of the oldest condiments in the world.
Made with mashed soybeans, enzymes and salt, soy sauce is perfect for dipping your sake sushi.
Wasabi Paste
If you want to add some spiciness to your sushi, then you can dip your salmon into wasabi paste. It is a popular sushi condiment but you can use wasabi also as a dip for other dishes.
Seaweed Salad
You can eat any type of fresh salad with your sushi but seaweed salad works best because the sushi already contains mild seaweed flavors.
If you love seaweed, then you can also use a stronger seaweed sheet for your sushi recipe.
Final Thoughts
Sake sushi is a delicious salmon sushi that you can enjoy with salad, pickled ginger, wasabi paste or just on its own.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan anytime soon, do exactly that - plan! Read up on all of the amazing things to do here to make the most of your time. I can bet that you’ll still return home feeling like you could’ve explored much more.
