Unlock the Perfect Pairing: What to Serve with Sushi?

“Sushi, the beloved Japanese delicacy, has taken the world by storm with its fresh and flavorful ingredients wrapped in perfectly seasoned rice and seaweed. But when it comes to a complete sushi experience, one cannot overlook the importance of complementary side dishes. From traditional Japanese favorites to fusion creations, the options are endless when it comes to what to serve with sushi. In this article, we will dive deeper into this question and discover the perfect accompaniments that will elevate your sushi experience to a whole new level.”

What to Serve with Sushi: A Comprehensive Guide

Sushi, a beloved Japanese dish, has become increasingly popular around the world. It is not just delicious, but also healthy and customizable according to different tastes and preferences. While sushi can be enjoyed on its own, it is often served with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and add texture to the meal. If you are new to sushi or simply looking to spice up your sushi experience, here are some suggestions for what you can serve with sushi.

1. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is undoubtedly the most common condiment served with sushi. It adds a hint of saltiness and umami flavor to the dish, making it more savory and satisfying. When dipping your sushi into soy sauce, make sure not to put too much as it can overpower the delicate flavors of the fish and rice. Instead, lightly dip the fish side of your sushi into the soy sauce to get just the right amount of flavor.

There are various types of soy sauce available in the market, including regular soy sauce, low sodium soy sauce, and even gluten-free soy sauce for those with dietary restrictions. You can also experiment with different brands as each may have its unique taste profile.

2. Wasabi

Wasabi is a spicy Japanese horseradish paste that is commonly served with sushi. It adds a punch of heat and sharpness to balance out the other flavors in the dish. When serving wasabi, it is recommended to mix it with a small amount of soy sauce before applying it directly onto your sushi.

Traditionally, wasabi is made by grating fresh wasabi root using a sharkskin grater. However, due to its limited availability and high price, most restaurants use store-bought wasabi paste made from horseradish powder. If you would like to try the authentic version, you can purchase fresh wasabi root from specialty stores or opt for a wasabi paste that is made with real wasabi.

3. Pickled Ginger (Gari)

Pickled ginger, also known as gari, is another staple accompaniment served with sushi. It is not only used as a palate cleanser between different types of sushi but also adds a sweet and tangy taste to each bite. Gari is made by grating and pickling young ginger with vinegar, sugar, and salt.

When eating sushi, it is recommended to take small bites of gari in between different types of sushi to refresh your taste buds. You can also eat gari on its own or mix it into soy sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

4. Green Tea

Green tea has been an essential part of Japanese culture for centuries and is often served alongside sushi. The subtle flavors and health benefits of green tea make it a perfect pairing with the light and delicate flavors of sushi. It also helps cleanse the palate in between bites, allowing you to fully appreciate each type of fish.

If you are dining at a sushi restaurant, you may be offered complimentary green tea. However, if you are making sushi at home, consider serving hot or iced green tea as a refreshing beverage option.

5. Miso Soup

Miso soup is another classic Japanese dish that goes well with sushi. Made from fermented soybean paste, miso soup has a savory and slightly salty taste that complements the flavors of sushi. It also helps balance out the cold temperature of the sushi by providing warmth and comfort.

You can easily make miso soup at home using miso paste, dashi (Japanese soup stock), tofu cubes, scallions, and seaweed. Alternatively, you can order it from a Japanese restaurant or purchase instant miso soup packets from your local grocery store.

6. Tempura

Tempura, a type of Japanese deep-fried dish, can be served as an appetizer or a side dish with sushi. The crispy texture and savory taste of tempura provide a nice contrast to the soft and delicate textures of sushi. It is typically made by battering and frying vegetables, seafood, or meat.

Some popular tempura options to serve with sushi include shrimp tempura, mixed vegetable tempura, and even avocado tempura for a creamier addition. If you prefer a lighter option, you can also try baked tempura instead of deep-fried.

7. Sunomono

Sunomono is a refreshing Japanese salad that can be served with sushi. It is usually made with thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce and topped with seaweed or sesame seeds. The tangy flavors of sunomono help cleanse the palate between bites of sushi while adding a crunchy element to the meal.

You can make sunomono at home using cucumbers, dashi (Japanese soup stock), rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. You can also add other ingredients

Sushi: A Culinary Delight

Sushi, a traditional Japanese dish, has become increasingly popular around the world. Known for its elegant presentation, delicate flavors, and creative combinations, sushi has captured the hearts and taste buds of people everywhere. But what many might not know is that in Japan, sushi is typically served as a light snack or appetizer before the main course. So, what should you serve with sushi to make it a complete meal? Let’s take a closer look at some delicious options.

Savory Sides to Accompany Your Sushi

One of the best things about sushi is that it is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of tasty side dishes. The key is to choose sides that complement rather than overpower the delicate flavors of the sushi. Here are some delicious options to serve with your next sushi feast:

Miso Soup

A staple in Japanese cuisine, miso soup is a warm and comforting addition to any sushi meal. Made from fermented soybean paste combined with dashi broth (made from kelp and bonito flakes), miso soup offers a savory umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the subtle taste of sushi. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and probiotics, making it a healthy choice too.

Edamame

Another popular Japanese side dish, edamame are immature soybeans still in their pods. These vibrant green beans are boiled or steamed and served with a sprinkle of salt for added flavor. Edamame not only adds color and texture to your meal but also provides high amounts of protein and fiber.

Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)

Gyoza, or pan-fried dumplings filled with ground meat or vegetables, are another traditional side dish often served alongside sushi in Japan. These savory dumplings offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor from the filling. They can also be steamed or boiled, depending on your preference. Dip them in soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and rice vinegar for extra flavor.

Seaweed Salad

Seaweed salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that pairs well with sushi. Made from various types of seaweed, typically wakame or hijiki, it is marinated in a dressing of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and other seasonings. Seaweed salad adds a unique texture and salty flavor to your meal while providing important nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

Hot Dishes to Complement Your Sushi

If you’re looking for some warm and hearty options to serve with your sushi, here are some delicious hot dishes to consider:

Tempura

Tempura is a popular Japanese dish consisting of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. The light and crispy batter complements the fresh flavors of sushi perfectly. Popular tempura options include shrimp, fish, sweet potato, eggplant, and bell peppers.

Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)

Takoyaki are small fried balls made with wheat flour batter filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, green onion, and other ingredients. These flavorful snacks pair well with sushi as they add an interesting texture to the meal. They can also be served as appetizers or as part of a larger Japanese-style tapas meal.

Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

Karaage is marinated chicken that is coated in flour or potato starch before being deep-fried until golden and crispy. This popular Japanese street food offers juicy pieces of chicken with a crispy exterior that goes well with sushi. You can also add different seasonings like garlic, chili powder, or sesame seeds to customize the flavor.

Sukiyaki

Sukiyaki is a hot pot dish consisting of thinly sliced beef, tofu, vegetables, and noodles cooked in a flavored broth at the table. This interactive dining experience is a great option to pair with sushi as it offers a variety of flavors and textures for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it’s perfect for colder days when you want something warm and comforting.

Drinks to Complement Your Sushi

A traditional Japanese meal is not complete without some delicious drinks. Here are some options that go perfectly with sushi:

Green Tea

Green tea is a staple beverage in Japan and pairs exceptionally well with sushi. The slight bitterness of the tea helps cleanse your palate between bites of sushi, allowing you to fully appreciate the flavors of each piece. Green tea is also rich in antioxidants and has many health benefits.

Sake

Sake, a Japanese rice wine, is another popular drink that goes hand in hand with sushi. Its subtle sweetness and smooth finish complement the delicate flavors of sushi perfectly. Served chilled or warm depending on the type, sake provides an excellent accompaniment to your meal

Q: What should I serve with sushi?
A: Traditional sides for sushi include pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce. However, you can also pair it with edamame, miso soup, or a simple salad.

Q: What drinks go well with sushi?
A: Green tea is a popular choice to accompany sushi. Other options include sake, light beer, or white wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.

Q: Can I serve sushi with cooked dishes?
A: Yes, you can serve sushi alongside cooked dishes to balance out the meal. Some popular options are tempura vegetables, teriyaki chicken, or seaweed salad.

Q: Are there any vegetarian options to serve with sushi?
A: Absolutely! Vegetarian rolls like avocado or cucumber rolls are great additions to a sushi platter. You can also serve tofu or vegetable gyoza as a side dish.

Q: How should I present the sides for serving with sushi?
A: The traditional way to present sides for serving with sushi is in small bowls or plates placed alongside the platter of sushi. Alternatively, you can place them directly on top of individual pieces of sushi for easier consumption.

Q: Should I serve dessert after eating sushi?
A: It is not necessary to serve dessert after eating sushi since it is considered a complete meal on its own. However, if you wish to offer something sweet, fruit such as sliced melon or lychees would be a light and refreshing option. Avoid heavy desserts that could mask the delicate flavors of the sushi.

In conclusion, sushi is a popular and delicious dish that originated in Japan and has spread throughout the world. While it may seem simple on its own, the question of what to serve with sushi can be a bit more complex. Throughout this article, we have discussed various side dishes, condiments, and beverages that can complement and enhance the flavors of sushi.

We learned that traditional Japanese side dishes such as miso soup, edamame, and pickled vegetables are excellent options to pair with sushi. Other popular choices include seaweed salad, tempura vegetables, and steamed rice. Additionally, incorporating different sauces and condiments such as soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger can add a depth of flavor to the sushi experience.

When it comes to beverages, sake is considered the most traditional pairing for sushi due to its cultural significance in Japan. However, other options like green tea or Japanese beer can also complement the flavors of sushi well.

It is worth noting that ultimately the choice of what to serve with sushi will depend on personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Some may prefer a more traditional approach while others may want to experiment with fusion cuisines.

Overall, serving various side dishes and condiments alongside sushi not only adds balance and variety to the meal but also enhances the overall dining

Author Profile

Erick Benitez

In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.