Sushi rice is a delicious and popular grain used in sushi rolls. However, if you are looking for a gluten-free or grain-free alternative, you may be wondering what else you can use.
I never imagined I’d be able to enjoy sushi again after going gluten-free, but thanks to some clever substitutes, I can now indulge in my favorite sushi rolls without feeling deprived.
The first time I tried a sushi roll made with cauliflower rice, I was amazed at how close the taste and texture came to traditional sushi rice.
Since then, I’ve experimented with a few other substitutes and have found that each one offers its own unique flavor and texture.
So, whether you’re looking for a sushi rice substitute because you’re gluten-free or grain-free, or simply want to try something new
Read on for a list of my favorite sushi rice substitutes that taste just as good – or even better!
Substitutes for Sushi Rice:
- Brown rice
- Couscous
- Risotto rice
- Arborio
- Regular white rice
- Quinoa
- Black rice
- Pudding rice
- Rice milk
- Cauliflower rice
Brown rice
If you’re looking for a nutritious and fiber-rich alternative to white sushi rice, look no further than brown rice.
This whole grain has a higher nutrient content than white rice, and it doesn’t cause the same blood sugar spike. Brown rice also has a darker color, which some people prefer.
You can use brown rice as a 1-to-1 sushi substitute in any recipe that calls for sushi rice, including Korean-style mapo tofu.
This dish is traditionally made with white rice, but substituting brown rice gives it a nutritional boost.
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to use brown rice, give this sushi rice substitute a try.
Couscous
Couscous is a great 1-to-1 replacement for sushi rice. This pasta-like grain has a similar texture to sushi rice, and its mild flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients in your dish.
Couscous is made from wheat, and the best part is, that you don’t have to boil it!
Simply add hot water, and a bit of sugar and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the liquid.
Afterward, yum, you’re good to go!
Tuna Poke is a great dish to prepare using couscous as a substitute for sushi rice. The pasta-like taste of the couscous compliments the tuna perfectly.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add other ingredients to the dish, like avocado or cucumber.
Risotto rice
Risotto rice is a type of short-grain rice that is not as sticky as sushi rice.
This attribute makes it somewhat less ideal for sushi,
Nevertheless, it does add a nice level of texture to the dish and can be used as a suitable alternative to sushi rice.
Plus, it still tastes good!
For instance, you can use it to make delicious sushi salmon rolls.
The benefits of using the 1-to-1 substitute are numerous. Not only does it save you time and effort, but it also adds a unique touch to your dishes.
Arborio
Arborio rice is a good substitute for sushi rice. It has a similar taste and texture, and it soaks up flavors well.
However, it is not as readily available as sushi rice, so you may have to look for it in specialty stores. Nevertheless, it is a good 1-to-1 alternative if you can’t find sushi rice.
It is also easy to cook, making it a good choice for those who are new to making sushi at home.
When preparing sushi with arborio, it is important to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch.
Once cooked, the rice should be cooled quickly so that it retains its stickiness. This will help it to hold together when shaping into rolls or balls.
With a little practice, anyone can make delicious sushi using arborio as a substitute for sushi rice.
Regular white rice
Regular white rice is actually a great substitute. This long-grain variety is a good replacement for sushi rice because it gets the job done.
It may not be as authentic, but it’ll still make perfect rolls.
Plus, it’s a 1:1 substitution, so you don’t need to adjust any of your other ingredients. The only downside is that white rice doesn’t have the same sticky texture as sushi rice.
But hey, we all have to make do with what we’ve got sometimes – and in this case, regular white rice gets the job done just fine.
So go ahead and experiment with your sushi rolls.
There’s no wrong way to do it!
Quinoa
It’s no secret that sushi is one of the trendiest foods out there. But what you may not know is that quinoa is a great 1-to-1 substitute for sushi rice.
Here are some cases where you can use this healthy alternative:
- When you’re looking for a fiber-packed option: With about twice as much fiber as sushi rice, quinoa is a great choice if you’re looking to up your fiber intake.
- When you’re trying to be healthy: Quinoa is a good source of protein and amino acids, making it a healthier option than white sushi rice.
- When you want something different: If you’re looking to switch things up, quinoa makes a great alternative to traditional sushi rice.
You can even make Spicy Salmon Fried Rice Balls using quinoa instead of rice.
Black rice
Black rice is the perfect substitute for traditional sushi rice. Not only does it contain a surplus of antioxidants, but its dark shade also indicates that it is higher in nutrients than white or brown rice.
Additionally, the deep color of the black rice is perfect for attracting attention, and the nutty-sweet flavor pairs well with sushi fillings such as fish, vegetables, and avocado.
You can prepare sushi maki rolls using the same ingredients and ratios (1:1), or get creative and experiment with different fillings.
Furthermore, did you know that black rice is rich in anthocyanins?
Studies have shown that black rice and its powerful antioxidants prevent cancer by inhibiting the growth of tumor cells.
Pudding rice
I am a sushi chef and I approve of this message!
Let me introduce you to pudding rice, the perfect 1-to-1 substitute for sushi rice.
Believe me, pudding rice has a perfect texture that takes in added flavors without being too overpowering, it is also alike in shape to sushi rice making it perfect for Kappa Maki or Tekka Maki rolls.
Along with the benefits of perfect texture and flavor, pudding rice is also great for bone-building due to it being rich in phosphorus.
So it’s not only delicious but nutritious too! Who knew?
Rice milk
Looking for a sweeter, more creamy option for your sushi?
Say hello to rice milk!
This dairy-free alternative is not only great for those with lactose intolerance, but it’s also a good binder and provides fewer calories.
Plus, it’s packed with vitamins and minerals that are great for your skin, immune system, and bones. Rice milk can be used as a 1-to-1 substitution for sushi rice in most dishes.
Wondering what that will taste like?
Try it in Spicy Tuna Rolls – you won’t be disappointed!
Cauliflower rice
Cauliflower rice is starting to make its way into a lot of different dishes as a substitute for sushi rice and for good reason too.
For starters, it takes in added flavors very well so you can play around with different seasonings to find what you like best.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in an extra serving of veggies.
It’s also a nice source of antioxidants and nutrients and a great swap if you’re trying to cut down on carbs.
You can use cauliflower rice in all sorts of dishes, but it’s especially delicious in tuna rolls. Just be sure to cook it properly so it has the same nice, fluffy texture as sushi rice.
FAQ
What is the best sushi rice substitute?
The best sushi rice substitute depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for a healthier option, quinoa is a good choice.
If you’re looking for something different, black rice makes a great alternative.
Finally, if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is a great choice.
What is sushi made of?
Sushi is typically made with sushi rice, fish, vegetables, and seaweed.
However, you can use any type of rice as a substitute for sushi rice.
In Conclusion
There are a variety of sushi rice substitutes to choose from, so you can find the perfect one that fits your taste and dietary needs.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier option, something different, or a low-carb alternative, there’s sure to be a sushi rice substitute that satisfies your cravings.
It all comes down to what you’re looking for in a replacement.
So go ahead and experiment with different options to find your favorite sushi chef-approved sushi rice substitutes!