Sushi Vs. Sashimi: What's The Difference?

While both are Japanese in origin, they're not the same dish.

Fact checked by Isaac Winter
Medically reviewed by Carolyn O'Neil, MS, RDN

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. Sashimi isn't a type of sushi—it's a separate dish that doesn't include rice. Both can be eaten as an appetizer or main dish, but they have different ingredients, preparation, and flavors that make them unique. Here’s the difference between sushi and sashimi (and nigiri, too).

Related: What Is Ceviche?

What Is Sushi?

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. Some sushi but not all is wrapped in nori, a dried, edible seaweed, or soy paper. A layer of rice, which can be spread over or topped with nori, is filled, rolled, and then sliced. Modern takes can include cooked seafood, veggies, or even other protein, like tempura shrimp or even beef.

Bottom line: Sushi doesn’t need to include raw fish (or fish at all) to be considered such—only vinegar rice.

What Is Sashimi?

Sashimi is specifically raw—and fresh—seafood, like tuna, salmon, mackerel, hamachi yellow tail, and even shrimp. It is usually made with saltwater fish so there's less risk for contamination. Sashimi is usually served thinly sliced on a bed of daikon radish and shiso leaves, sans rice and nori. A little bit of wasabi or fresh ginger may also be added.

Bottom line: Sashimi is thinly sliced raw seafood served without rice and seaweed and is not considered a type of sushi.

What Is Nigiri?

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 a hand-rolled ball of 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, and it's not wrapped in nori.

Bottom line: Nigiri is raw seafood served over rice and is a type of sushi.

What Ingredients Are Used?

Sushi Rice

Remember, it’s not technically sushi without the rice. Sushi uses short-grained rice because of its high starch content that makes it sticky. You can use medium-grain rice if you can't find short-grain, but long-grain rice won't work and shouldn't be used. You can buy short-grained Japanese rice or sushi rice at the grocery store or in specialty markets. The rice is seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. It's also used in nigiri.

Nori Sheets

These dried, edible sheets are made from red algae that tastes salty and sweet with a rich umami flavor. It can be soaked to make it more pliable before rolling. Make the sushi with dry hands on a dry surface to keep it from being chewy.

Filling

Sashimi, sushi, and nigiri can all be made with sushi-grade raw seafood like tuna. Sushi-grade means the fish is safe to eat raw. Sushi can also be made with other proteins like cooked shrimp, beef, or crab. Cucumbers, avocado, carrots, and tofu are also popular additions.

How To Make Sushi Variations

Sushi Burrito

We love fusion food, and sushi that's made and served like a burrito ranks high on the list. To make a sushi burrito, spread seasoned sushi rice on a sheet of nori, add sushi ingredients, and wrap it like a burrito. Their large size means these fusion burritos can have a variety of fillings, like sushi rice, raw fish, avocado, fresh vegetables, and spicy mayo.

Ahi Sushi Cups

Sushi, but hold the roll—these tasty cups are easy and breezy to prepare. To make sushi cups, line the cups of a muffin pan with parchment paper, press prepared sushi rice into each cup, and refrigerate until firm. Then add raw tuna and other desired toppings.

Frequently asked Questions

Why is sashimi more expensive than sushi?

Sushi has rice and other fillings in addition to raw fish. Sashimi is more expensive than sushi because it is made only of raw fish.

Which is healthier: sushi or sashimi?

Sushi contains rice, making it higher in carbs and fiber than sashimi. It can contain added fat, sodium, and sugar from ingredients like sauces it is made with. Since sashimi is made entirely of raw fish, it's a good source of heart-healthy fats and protein, but it can contain levels of mercury, which can lead to mercury poisoning in high amounts.