Good sushi begins long before the bamboo mat—it starts with the shopping list. This article is a detailed expansion of the ingredients section from our main guide How to make sushi at home—here we focus solely on what to buy and why.
Rice—the foundation everything is built on
The most common mistake beginners make is using regular long-grain rice. Sushi requires short-grain rice, high in starch—this is what gives it the characteristic stickiness that makes the roll hold together. Look for "sushi rice" or "Japanese rice" on the package.
You'll also need rice vinegar for the rice—not regular spirit vinegar, which has a completely different, too sharp taste. Real rice vinegar is mild and slightly sweet. A full selection of rice and vinegar can be found in the Rice and pasta collection.
Nori—seaweed sheets
Nori is bought in sheets, most often in packs of 10. Good nori is dark green, almost black, and crispy—if the sheet is dull or gummy, it's stale. Store in an airtight container; moisture is its biggest enemy.
Sauces and additions, without which sushi tastes different
Soy sauce is a given, but the differences between brands are significant—lighter sauce (usukuchi) is salty and delicate, while darker sauce has a deeper, more distinct flavor. Wasabi in a tube is a convenient option to start with, though enthusiasts reach for a real root to grate. Pickled ginger (gari) is always served separately, as a palate cleanser between bites, not as an addition to the roll itself.
A full assortment of sauces, pastes, and additions—including less obvious Asian cuisine ingredients, such as miso or curry pastes—can be found in the Sauces and dressings, Nori and sushi additions, and Miso and curry pastes collections.
What to put inside
Classics include top-quality sushi-grade raw salmon or tuna, cucumber, avocado, and surimi. For a fish-free version, fried tofu, bell pepper, or sweet tamagoyaki omelet work great. There's no single right answer—homemade sushi is a place for experimentation.
Something for dessert and to drink
If you're planning an entire Japanese-themed evening, it's worth thinking about what else to have besides sushi. Japanese sweets and snacks pair well as something light after a meal, and a well-chosen drink—be it traditional tea or something refreshing—completes the whole experience. See Sweets and snacks and Drinks.
What's next
Ingredients are only half the story—the other half is equipment. Check out Japanese knives—types, uses, and care to know what to cut everything with, and Sushi bowls, plates, and dinnerware to know what to serve it on.
Returning to the main guide? How to make sushi at home—a complete guide.
