Easy Instant Pot Sushi Rice

Sushi is one of my all-time favorite foods. I have been missing eating out sushi these days. So, I thought, why not make it at home? Making perfect sushi rice is an art. But when I make it at home, I leave the cooking totally on my Instant Pot. And guess what, it turns out amazing every time and so simple – just a bit of rice vinegar, salt and a touch of sugar.

What is Sushi Rice?

Sushi rice, or sushi meshi (in Japanese), is a white short grain Japanese rice that has been dressed in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. It has a sticky texture which helps to hold the shape of the roll, and the flavors complement the fillings or toppings.

What are the Best Sushi Rice brands and seasonings to use?

It is very important when making rice for sushi that you use the right type of rice. Some excellent sushi rice brands are:

Nishiki Premium Sushi Rice Tamanishiki Super Premium Short Grain Rice Tamaki Gold California Koshihikari Short Grain Rice

How to Make Instant Pot Sushi Rice?

Sushi rice is so easy to make in Instant Pot! The two main important things that you’ll need to get it right are:

The type of rice that you use The rice seasoning

Couple those ingredients with the perfect cooking method, making sushi rice in the instant pot, and you will be a champion in rolling homemade sushi rolls and making sushi bowls in no time!

Ingredients you’ll need

Sushi Rice Japanese Rice Vinegar Cold Water Sugar Salt

Instant Pot Cooking Method

Rinsing the rice: Place the rice into a mixing bowl and cover with cold water. Clean the rice in the water with your hand 2-3 times or until the water is clear.
After the rice is rinsed, let the rice drain in a colander or strainer for 5-10 minutes. Cook rice: Pour in cold water and the well rinsed & drained rice into an Instant Pot. Ensure all the rice is fully submerged in the water. Pressure cook for 5 minutes at HIGH pressure. Allow for a natural pressure release for five minutes before releasing steam manually. Seasoning: While the rice cooks, mix the vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl until blended. Gently heat in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop, if needed. Note: Do not bring sushi vinegar to a boil. Mix it well and ensure the sugar and salt dissolve in the vinegar mixture. Season the rice: Transfer the rice to a large container or a bowl and gently spread out the rice with a rice paddle. Slowly & evenly pour the sushi vinegar over the rice. Gently mix the rice with the rice paddle. That’s it; your sushi rice is ready to eat! If you are making sushi rolls, keep them covered with a kitchen towel to prevent them from drying till the sushi rice is cooled to room temperature. Don’t forget to check out my vegan sushi rolls recipe for beginners. Enjoy!