Sushi is a Japanese delicacy that has gained popularity in the Western world throughout the last few decades. As the number of sushi lovers continues to grow in the US, many people now desire to make their sushi at home. This brings up a common question: can you use fish found at the supermarket to make your own sushi?
Fish found at H-E-B or any other local supermarket can be used to make sushi at home. H-E-B carries a wide variety of fresh seafood that is perfect for many homemade sushi creations.
The H-E-B has a beautiful selection of house-made sushi, but if you want to make your own sushi creations, they have your ingredient list covered. In this article, we will discuss what sushi is and what types of fish are found in sushi. We will also look at tips for buying fish, as well as tips for making homemade sushi.
Sushi Deconstructed
Let’s begin by adequately defining sushi. The word sushi is a broad term. We can break down sushi into four main categories:
- Sashimi. Sashimi is essentially thin strips of raw fish. Tuna is a very popular fish used for sashimi.
- Nigiri. Nigiri consists of small molded chunks of vinegared rice with raw fish on top. According to a survey taken in Japan in 2019, salmon was the most popular fish used for nigiri.
- Chirashi. Chirashi translates to the word “scattered” in English. This type of sushi is served in a bowl with vinegared rice, raw fish, and various vegetables.
- Maki. Maki is what usually comes to mind when someone says “sushi.” Maki is composed of vinegared rice, and other fillings rolled and then cut into bite-sized pieces. It is the most popular type of sushi consumed in the US.
Types of Fish in Sushi
While there are a few vegetarian options, most sushi contains raw or cooked fish. If you want to make sushi at home, it’s good to know what types of fish to be on the lookout for at your local grocer.
The following is a regular selection of seafood available at most H-E-B’s that you can use to make homemade sushi.
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Striped Bass
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Imitation Crab
- Scallops
- Squid
- Octopus
- Flounder
With all of the seafood types listed above, you are set to create dozens of different sushi combinations. A few simple options to consider making are tuna rolls, striped bass nigiri, spicy shrimp rolls, rainbow rolls, scallop sashimi, and flounder chirashi. What I also wrote about Can You Freeze H-E-B Meal Simple?
Tips for Buying Fish
If you are wondering where to shop for all of your sushi ingredients, consider this: a store that makes and sells its own sushi is an excellent indicator that they have all of the elements you need. That’s why your local H-E-B is an excellent place to shop from.
That said, buying fish can be a daunting task. And many people aren’t sure what to look for when shopping for seafood.
To ensure store-bought seafood is the quality your taste buds genuinely desire:
- Look at purchasing wild-caught fish rather than farmed fish.
- According to Wild Alaskan Company, you should give your fish a sniff before purchasing – whether fresh or frozen, fish should be relatively odorless.
- Ask questions if you’re uncertain about the fish you want to purchase. The Meat & Seafood Department employees at the H-E-B are there to assist with whatever inquiries you may have about the seafood you are considering.
Tips for Making Homemade Sushi
Now that we have discussed the fishy stuff, let’s go over some basic tips for making sushi at home.
- Start with something simple. The art of making sushi takes time to master. Be sure to start with sushi that features a short list of simple ingredients. Once you’re a pro as a beginner, begin to work your way up to something more complex.
- Be prepared. When you are ready to make your own sushi, be sure to have a plan. Once you have decided which type of sushi you wish to make, head to your H-E-B to gather all of the necessary ingredients.
- Have water handy. Sushi making can be a very sticky business. Sushi chefs recommend having a bowl of water nearby to keep ingredients from sticking to your hands.
- Be patient. Making sushi is unlike any other culinary craft. Beginners are bound to make mistakes. Do your best to enjoy the process and have fun!
Conclusion
Fish is the star ingredient in sushi. The various fish flavors, textures, and colors are part of the reason why it’s such a key component of the dish. Thankfully, your local H-E-B is typically stocked with many different fish options for you to incorporate into your homemade sushi.
For most people, the thought of making their own sushi is a bit scary, but it can be a really simple process. With the right ingredients and some practice, you can make sushi from the comfort of your own home.
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