Inari Sushi Recipe: How to Make Authentic Inarizushi at Home

When people think about sushi, they often imagine raw fish or colorful rolls. But Japan has many kinds of sushi, and Inari Sushi is one of the simplest and most comforting. Known as Inarizushi in Japan, this dish is light, slightly sweet, and loved for its unique taste and texture. Let’s look at what Inari Sushi is, where it comes from, and how you can make it at home.

What Is Inari Sushi?

Inari Sushi is sushi rice stuffed inside seasoned tofu pouches called “aburaage.” These thin slices of fried tofu are simmered in a sweet and savory broth made with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin until they soak up the flavor. Once cooked, the pockets are filled with vinegared sushi rice, then shaped by hand.

Inari Sushi doesn’t have raw fish, which makes it perfect for those who want to try sushi but don’t like seafood. It’s mild, slightly sweet, and has a satisfying bite thanks to the chewy tofu and fluffy rice.

A Bit of History

Inari Sushi has deep roots in Japanese culture. It’s named after Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. According to folklore, foxes are messengers of Inari and are said to love fried tofu. This is why these sushi pockets are called “Inari,” linking them to the fox spirits and the Inari shrines you see across Japan.

Inari Sushi became popular in the Edo period as a simple street food. Its sweet taste and ease of packing made it a favorite for picnics, school lunches, and temple offerings.

Ingredients Needed for Inari Sushi

To make Inarizushi at home, you’ll need only a few basic ingredients. Here’s a simple list:

• Aburaage (fried tofu pouches): Available in most Asian grocery stores. They come flat and need to be opened into pockets.
• Sushi rice: Short-grain rice cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
• Seasoning broth: A mix of soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and dashi (optional) to flavor the tofu pockets.
• Optional fillings: Some people like to mix the rice with sesame seeds, chopped vegetables, or even cooked mushrooms for extra flavor.

How to Prepare Aburaage

Aburaage comes flat and needs some prep before you can fill it:

1. Pour hot water over the tofu to remove excess oil.
2. Gently squeeze out the water and pat dry.
3. Cut each piece in half to form pockets.
4. In a pot, bring the seasoning broth to a simmer. Add the aburaage and cook for about 15 minutes so they soak up the sweet-savory taste.
5. Let the tofu cool in the broth for more flavor.

Making the Sushi Rice

Good rice makes or breaks Inari Sushi. Here’s how to get it right:

1. Rinse 2 cups of short-grain rice until the water runs clear.
2. Cook the rice in a rice cooker or pot.
3. While warm, mix in a blend of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Use a wooden spoon to fold it gently to avoid smashing the grains.
4. Let the rice cool to room temperature before stuffing.

How to Assemble Inari Sushi

Once your tofu pockets and rice are ready, it’s time to put it all together:

1. Gently open each pocket without tearing it.
2. Wet your hands with water to stop the rice from sticking.
3. Shape a small ball of rice and tuck it inside the pocket.
4. Fold the open edge under or pinch it closed.
5. Arrange the finished sushi on a plate, seam side down.

Some people sprinkle black sesame seeds on top or garnish with shredded nori for extra color.

How to Serve Inari Sushi

Inari Sushi is usually served at room temperature. It’s a common item in bento boxes, picnic spreads, and sushi platters. It pairs well with miso soup, pickled vegetables, or other light side dishes.

Many Japanese convenience stores and sushi shops sell Inarizushi ready-made because it’s affordable, quick, and satisfying. It’s also popular during seasonal celebrations and family gatherings.

Tips to Make It Perfect

• Don’t overfill the tofu pockets or they may tear.
• Use freshly cooked sushi rice that’s cooled just enough to handle.
• Store leftover Inari Sushi in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within a day for the best taste.
• Try adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots, shiitake mushrooms, or cooked spinach to the rice for extra flavor.

Is Inari Sushi Healthy?

Inari Sushi is lighter than many other sushi types. It’s low in fat, has no raw fish, and is easy to digest. However, the sweet seasoning does add sugar, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal.

Where to Find Inari Sushi

If you don’t want to make it from scratch, you can find Inari Sushi at Japanese restaurants, sushi counters in Asian markets, and even some grocery store sushi sections. You can also buy pre-made seasoned tofu pockets that only need to be filled with rice.

A Comforting Taste of Japan

Inari Sushi is proof that sushi doesn’t need to be complicated. With its sweet and savory taste, soft texture, and simple prep, it’s easy to see why this dish has stayed popular for centuries. Whether you’re new to Japanese cooking or just want a meat-free sushi option, Inarizushi is worth trying at home. Give it a go and enjoy a bite of Japan’s comforting, everyday sushi.