If you're a sushi lover looking for a healthier alternative without compromising on taste, you should try our brown sushi rice rolls [jump to recipe].
Making mindful substitutions with healthier alternatives is a great way to cook healthier, and one dish ripe for a nutritious makeover is sushi. Full of vegetables, protein, and delicious rice, you can make this meal both tasty and nutritious by altering some ingredients.
Among its key ingredients, rice plays a pivotal role, and by opting for brown rice over the traditional Japanese white sushi rice, you can add the nutritional benefits of this hearty brown rice, turning your sushi rice into healthy sushi rice!
In this blog, we'll explore how to make brown sushi rice and create mouthwatering sushi rolls right in your own kitchen.
➡️ Buy California Brown Japonica Rice! ⬅️
What Rice is Normally Used for Sushi?
Although we are switching things up with this brown sushi rice recipe, it is good to know what rice is traditionally used when making sushi.
Commonly this rice is referred to as “Sushi Rice.” The rice is a short grain white Japanese rice that is a variety of Japonica rice. The grains are shorter, plump and cling together when cooked.
Short-grain Japanese white rice is also part of the glutinous (glue-like) type of Japonica rice and has a large amount of amylopectin which makes the rice sticky and provides a great base for sushi fillings.
Japonica rice is commonly grown in the United States, especially California. However, the rice grown in California is a variety of medium-grain Japonica rice. This rice is also part of the glutinous type and is sticky when cooked like Japanese sushi rice.
Through seasoning and preparation, medium-grain brown Japonica rice will make a great healthy alternative for your sushi!
How Brown Sushi Rice Is Healthier
Though white Japanese rice is the standard choice for sushi, you can easily substitute it with brown rice for a healthy sushi rice twist.
Brown rice retains its bran and germ layers, making it a nutritious whole grain option packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
One of the nutritious benefits that brown rice has over white sushi rice is that it is higher in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness. Additionally, brown rice contains more essential nutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.
Brown rice is also a great source of carbohydrates, low in fat, cholesterol and helps with your overall health and metabolism.
Seasoning Your Brown Sushi Rice
The word Sushi comes from a Japanese word that means “sour rice.” This is in reference to the vinegar seasoning that is essential for achieving authentic flavor. Combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a saucepan, then heat until the sugar and salt dissolve. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked brown rice while it's still warm, ensuring each grain is coated evenly.
It is important to remember that brown rice has a different taste than white Japanese sushi rice. Without seasoning, the brown rice will have a natural sweet nutty flavor. By adding the vinegar seasoning that is used in traditional recipes, the taste will be closer.
Now that we have learned about the health benefits and the seasoning needed, it is time to learn HOW to make brown sushi rice!
Recipe: How To Make Brown Sushi Rice
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 50
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Ingredients for Brown Sushi Rice
- 2 cups of Chico Rice California Brown Japonica Rice
- 4 cups water (For stovetop)
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sushi Ingredients
- Nori seaweed sheets
- Assorted sushi fillings (e.g., cucumber, avocado, carrots, cooked shrimp, crab meat, salmon, tofu)
- Soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for serving.
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Tools Needed for Sushi Making
- Spatula
- Bamboo mat
Preparing the Rice
*In this recipe we will be using our, Chico Rice California Brown Japonica Rice. If you are using a different rice, please follow the cooking directions found on that rice’s bag.
In a separate bowl or colander add your rice. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This takes off any excess starch that is on the rice.
Cooking Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil. Once boiling add the rinsed rice.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 40 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
Using a rice cooker? Click here for cooking instructions.
Using a Instant Pot? Click here for cooking instructions.
Prepare the Seasoned Vinegar Mixture
- In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the seasoned vinegar mixture cool to room temperature.
Season the Cooked Rice
- Transfer the cooked brown rice to a large mixing bowl.
- Gradually pour the seasoned vinegar mixture over the warm rice while gently folding it in with a spatula.
- Continue folding until the rice is well coated with the seasoned vinegar mixture and has cooled down slightly.
Assemble the Brown Sushi Rice Rolls
- Lay a bamboo sushi rolling mat on a clean surface.
- Place a sheet of nori seaweed shiny side down on the bamboo mat.
- Moisten your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking, then spread a thin layer of seasoned brown rice evenly over the nori sheet, leaving about a 1-inch border at the top edge.
- Arrange your desired sushi fillings horizontally across the center of the rice-covered nori sheet.
- Using the bamboo mat, tightly roll the nori and rice over the fillings, applying gentle pressure to shape the sushi roll.
- Continue rolling until you reach the top edge of the nori.
- Moisten the top edge of the nori with water to seal the roll.
Slice and Serve
- Use a sharp knife to slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces, wiping the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to prevent sticking.
- Serve the brown sushi rice rolls with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side for dipping and add sesame seeds as a garnish to top it off (optional).
- Enjoy!
With our brown sushi rice recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of homemade sushi while reaping the health benefits of nutritious brown rice. Experiment with different fillings and flavors to really make this recipe your own! Say goodbye to store-bought sushi and hello to wholesome, healthy sushi rice.
