Inari Sushi

inari-sushi

Index

What Is Inari Sushi?

Inari sushi is a simple style of sushi made of sweetened rice packed into pouches of seasoned aburaage (deep-fried tofu) pouches. It is easy to make and eat, and is enjoyed everyday in Japan as a type of fast food. It is also called kitsune sushi (“fox” sushi) and konkon sushi.

History of Inari Sushi

Inari sushi was first introduced in Japan during the Edo period in the late 18th century. Its exact origins are unknown, though its namesake is a reference to Inari shrines. These shrines scattered across Japan are dedicated to a kami (deity) of fertility and business prosperity, and are associated with foxes. Japanese folklore claims that foxes love aburaage, and thus aburaage was a common offering to leave at shrine grounds. Over time, rice was added to the aburaage – and thus, inari sushi was born.

When Is Inari Sushi Eaten in Japan?

Due to the ease in which inari sushi is made and eaten, it is a popular and affordable dish across Japan. It can be picked up as a quick meal in convenience stores and supermarkets, while also being available at sushi and other Japanese restaurants as a side dish. Since inari sushi can easily be made at home and travels well, it’s a popular choice for bento (packed meals) to take to school, work, or a picnic.

Etymology of Inari Sushi

Inari sushi (いなり寿司) gets its name from Inari shrines. These shrines are used to worship the Shinto deity Inari, who is associated with foxes, rice, fertility, agriculture, and industry.

What’s the Difference Between Inari Sushi in Kanto and Kansai?

Food culture and various traditional Japanese dishes evolved quite differently in the Kanto and Kansai regions. Inari sushi is no exception. In Kanto, aburaage pouches are rectangular shaped, reminiscent of a rice bag. In contrast, aburaage pouches are triangle shaped in Kansai. The shape has been likened to fox ears – remember that according to Japanese myth, foxes love aburaage. Another difference between the two types of regional inari sushi lies in the rice filling. While Kanto-style inari sushi usually contains only vinegared rice, Kansai inari sushi often has other ingredients mixed into the rice. This is why Kansai inari sushi is also called gomoku inari, its Japanese name alluding to the fact the roll contains five ingredients total – three in addition to the rice and aburaage.

Inari Sushi Ingredients

Basic Components of Inari Sushi

Sushi Meshi (すし飯)

Sushi meshi refers to the sweetened rice used in sushi. Cooked rice is mixed with vinegar, sugar, and salt to make sushi rice, also called shari.

Aburaage (油揚げ)

The deep-fried tofu skin that makes up the outside pouch of inari sushi is called aburaage. The aburaage is typically simmered in dashi, sugar, and soy sauce to give it a sweet and savory flavor.

Optional Ingredients for Inari Sushi

Black Sesame Seeds

These small pink shrimp add a colorful and savory seafood flavor to relatively sweet inari sushi.

Pickled Cherry Blossoms

These are a festive addition to inari sushi during cherry blossom season in the spring. Inari sushi with pickled cherry blossoms are perfect to pack in a hanami bento for cherry blossom viewing picnics and parties.

For Gomoku Inari

As mentioned above, gomoku inari is synonymous with Kansai inari sushi. Its name references the five ingredients this style of inari sushi contains – three excluding the foundational sushi rice and aburaage. Below are common ingredients that are mixed into gomoku inari rice.

How Do You Eat Inari Sushi?

Since this sushi is already nicely packed in little pouches, it is exceedingly easy to eat on the go without having to fear making a mess! You can eat it either with your hands or chopsticks, adding soy sauce only if you’d like – the aburaage already carries a lot of flavor.

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