Inari Sushi

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Homemade Inari Sushi Recipe

This dish reminds me of my childhood as I loved Inari Sushi when I was a kid. While my parents were eating Sushi and I was not ready for eating raw fish, they always prepared the Inari Sushi for me.

The simmered Aburaage, fried Tofu pouch is so juicy, sweet and savory, and I was just a happy kid with a few of the Inari Sushi.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this classic Japanese delicacy!

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RECIPE

Servings: 12-16 pcs

Time: 60 min

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups rice

• 2 cups water

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp sugar

• a pinch of salt

• 6-8 sheets aburaage (tofu-pouch, rectangular size)

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon mentsuyu (noodle soup base)

• 1 tablespoon mirin

• 1 ½ cups water

Instructions:

1. Begin by sharpening the rice with water, cook the rice

2. While cooking the rice, cut the Aburaage sheets in half, creating square pouches (one side is open)

3. In a pot, combine the sugar, soy sauce, Mentsuyu, mirin, water, and the cut Aburaage

4. Simmer the Aburaage in the mixture for 20-30 minutes

5. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl

6. Remove the cooked rice into a bowl, add the vinegar mixture and stir quickly

7. Take each seasoned Aburaage, gently open the pouch, stuff it with the small ball size of Sushi rice

What is Inari Sushi?: It is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of vinegared rice stuffed into seasoned Aburaage, thin slices of deep-fried Tofu. The resulting pouches are often shaped like small, slightly sweet pockets, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

The Sushi rice can be changed into Takikomi Gohan, mixed rice, or Chirashi Sushi rice. They are adding more flavors to the dish.

It is commonly found in sushi restaurants, bento boxes, and as a popular item in Japanese households during festivals and special occasions.

History of Inari Sushi:

The origins of Inari sushi trace back centuries and are intertwined with Shinto mythology.

The dish is named after Inari Ōkami, the Shinto god of fertility, rice, and prosperity. Inari Ōkami is believed to have a fondness for foxes, which are considered messengers of the god. Fox statues, often holding a key in their mouths, can be found at Inari shrines throughout Japan.

The connection between Inari sushi and Inari Ōkami lies in the use of Aburaage. The foxes, or Kitsune, are said to have a particular liking for Aburaage, and thus, offerings of this dish are made at Inari shrines as a gesture of goodwill and gratitude.