All You Need to Know about Inari Sushi (Inarizushi)
Updated: Oct 9
When you hear the word "Sushi", you may think of Nigiri Sushi or Maki Sushi (sushi roll). Compared to these types of sushi, Inari Sushi (Inarizushi) is a bit plain looking and is not well known outside of Japan. However, it is a dish that has been loved in Japan for a long time. Plus, basically, Inari Sushi is made of only rice and tofu, so it is recommended vegan to enjoy Sushi. Here is the description about Inari Sushi.
Table of Contents
What is Inari Sushi (Inarizushi)?
Inari Sushi is a type of sushi consisting of sushi rice packed into pouches of sweet-savory flavored and juicy abura-age. Abura-age is a Japanese food product made from tofu. Thin slices of tofu are deep-fried, then the product can be split open to form pouches. In Japan inari sushi is popular among children and adults of all ages, it is often eaten as a snack when getting a little hungry and a side dish for lunch or dinner.
The Origin of Inari Sushi
The origin of Inari Sushi has a deep connection with Inari Shrine. Inari Shrine is famous for its blessings of a good harvest and business success. Especially during the Edo period (1603-1867), when most of the population was engaged in agriculture, Inari Shrine became the most popular shrine in Japan. You can find a pair of fox statues in the precincts of such Inari shrines, and they are known to be the messengers of the gods and protectors of the gods. The favorite food of these foxes was abura-age. Inari Sushi was first made by stuffing rice inside the fried tofu, which was offered at the Inari shrine, to make sushi.
The Shape of Inari Sushi
Inari Sushi may be either squarish oval shape or triangle shape, more like onigiri. Historically, squarish oval shape is more common in Eastern Japan, the triangle shape is found in the Western Japan.
The Different Types of Fillings for Inari Sushi
There are also differences between fillings from Eastern and Western Japan. In Eastern Japan, particularly in the Kanto region, inari with a sweet-savory flavor is popular. The filling is usually just plain sushi rice or mixing sesame in the rice. In Western Japan, more common in the Kansai region, the inari have a light flavor using dashi soup stock and the flavor of the abura-age itself. In the sushi rice, colorful ingredients like carrots and shiitake mushrooms are added.
How to Make Inari Sushi
Here is the easy recipe to make inari sushi which can be made with minimal seasonings if you get only abura-age.
Ingredients for 8 inari sushi:
4 abura-age (it is difficult to find, you can buy inarizushi-no-moto in Asian groceries more easily. If you buy inarizushi-no-moto, please start cooking at directions #5.)
5 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoon soy sauce
Sushi rice
Directions:
1. Cut abura-age in half lengthwise. Then, open them like a pouch.
2. Place abura-age in a strainer and pour 5 cups of boiling water over the top to remove its oil.
3. Add 1 cup of water and abura-age in a pot and bring to a boil.
4. Add sugar and soy sauce to the pot and simmer over medium heat for another 10 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat, close the lid and wait until it cools down. This allows the flavors to soak in.
6. While waiting, make sushi rice. It tastes better if the rice is cooked a little harder than usual.
7. Squeeze out gently the seasoned abura-age and carefully open its pockets.
8. Stuff each sushi rice into the abura-age pockets. Stuff the rice all the way into the pocket so that the two pocket corners look smooth and round.
9. Then, fold the front and back edges down. Place the sealed Inari Sushi seam side down on a plate or tray. Continue with the rest of the pockets. Your Inari Sushi are now ready to serve.
Specialty Shops for Inari Sushi in Tokyo
Knowing more about Inari Sushi, it seems you want to try them. If you have a plan to go Tokyo for sightseeing or a business trip, here are 3 specialty shops for Inari Sushi you should go. The following information below is current as of April 2024. These are subject to change, so please check each official websites in advance.
Yukiyameshi
Source: Tripadvisor
Yukiyameshi is located a 7-minute walk from Nakameguro Station. Out-of-the-ordinary and innovative sushi has become a hot topic on social media. Using seasonal ingredients, the colorful Inari Sushi is very satisfying in both appearance and taste.
Hours Weekdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Close on weekends
Map
Tsukiji Kaisen Takarabune
Source: Tabelog
If you have a chance to visit Tsukiji Outside Market, you should stop by Tsukiji Kaisen Takarabune. Overflowing fresh seafood on top, too fancy Inari Sushi is waiting for you.
Hours 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Map
Kokitsune
Source: Tripadvisor
Kokitsune is located a few minutes walk from Roppongi Station. You can enjoy a variety of flavors such as walnut, cod roe, yuzu etc. The quality of the taste is exceptional, as it is produced by a famous sushi restaurant.
Hours 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Map
Don’t worry if you won’t go to Tokyo, you can get Inari Sushi easily in supermarkets and convenience stores all over in Japan! The shape and flavors are a bit different at each shop so please try several Inari Sushi and enjoy it while staying in Japan.
Want to Learn More about Inari Sushi?
For a full hands-on experience with Inari Sushi, learn from a pro chef in this Patia’s Japanese Cooking Class in Tokyo. The instructor can speak English and have the kindness to teach how to make Inari Sushi. After your class, you’ll be taking home skills as well as memories…and a full belly!
Now, let's get cooking Inari Sushi with us!
Comments