What to Eat with Sushi: A Guide for Beginners

AvatarByKelsey Hammons General Blog

Sushi is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. But what do you eat with sushi? In this article, we will explore the best foods to pair with sushi, from traditional Japanese sides to more creative options. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make the perfect sushi meal. So whether you’re a sushi novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know about what to eat with sushi!

Food Description Pairing
Sushi A Japanese dish of vinegared rice topped with seafood, vegetables, or meat Soy sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger
Sashimi A Japanese dish of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood Soy sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger
Maki rolls A Japanese dish of sushi rice rolled inside seaweed and filled with various ingredients Soy sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger
Nigiri sushi A Japanese dish of sushi rice topped with a piece of raw fish or seafood Soy sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger

Sushi is a Japanese dish consisting of small balls or rolls of rice, typically seasoned with vinegar, and wrapped in seaweed. It is often served with a variety of toppings, such as fish, vegetables, and fruit. Sushi is a popular dish in many countries around the world, and there are many different ways to enjoy it.

One of the best ways to enjoy sushi is to pair it with a variety of side dishes and drinks. This can help to balance out the flavors of the sushi and create a more enjoyable dining experience.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best side dishes and drinks to serve with sushi. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right pairings for your next sushi meal.

Sushi Side Dishes

There are many different side dishes that can be served with sushi. Some of the most popular options include:

  • Edamame: Edamame are young soybeans that are steamed and served in their pods. They are a good source of protein and fiber, and they can help to cleanse the palate between sushi courses.
  • Gyoza: Gyoza are Japanese dumplings that are filled with meat and vegetables. They are often pan-fried or steamed, and they make a delicious and hearty side dish for sushi.
  • Takoyaki: Takoyaki are small balls of dough that are filled with octopus and then deep-fried. They are a popular street food in Japan, and they are also a great option for serving with sushi.
  • Agedashi Tofu: Agedashi Tofu is a Japanese dish made with tofu that is fried in a light batter and then served with a dipping sauce. It is a light and refreshing side dish that can help to balance out the richness of sushi.
  • Cucumber: Cucumber is a simple but delicious side dish that can be served with sushi. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it can help to cleanse the palate between courses.
  • Crab Rangoon: Crab Rangoon are small wontons that are filled with crab and cream cheese. They are a popular appetizer in Chinese restaurants, but they can also be served as a side dish with sushi.
  • Onigiri: Onigiri are Japanese rice balls that are often filled with fish, vegetables, or meat. They are a portable and filling snack that can be enjoyed with sushi.
  • Tekkamaki: Tekkamaki is a type of sushi roll that is made with tuna and cucumber. It is a simple but delicious roll that is perfect for beginners.
  • California Roll: California Roll is a type of sushi roll that is made with crab, cucumber, and avocado. It is a popular roll that is often served as an to sushi.

Sushi Drinks

There are many different drinks that can be served with sushi. Some of the most popular options include:

  • Sake: Sake is a Japanese rice wine that is made from fermented rice. It is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it pairs well with a variety of sushi dishes.
  • Shochu: Shochu is a Japanese distilled spirit that is made from fermented rice, barley, or sweet potatoes. It is a clear liquor that has a slightly sweet flavor, and it pairs well with sushi rolls that are made with fish.
  • Asahi Beer: Asahi Beer is a Japanese lager that is known for its crisp and refreshing taste. It is a good choice for pairing with sushi rolls that are made with light and delicate flavors.
  • Kirin Ichiban Beer: Kirin Ichiban Beer is a Japanese pale ale that is known for its smooth and malty flavor. It is a good choice for pairing with sushi rolls that are made with richer and more complex flavors.
  • Green Tea: Green tea is a popular drink in Japan, and it is often served with sushi. It is a good choice for cleansing the palate between courses.
  • Oolong Tea: Oolong tea is a type of tea that is made from partially oxidized leaves. It has a slightly sweet and floral flavor, and it pairs well with sushi rolls that are made with fish.
  • Barley Tea: Barley tea is a type of tea that is made from roasted barley. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, and it pairs well with sushi rolls that are made with vegetables.
  • Ramune: Ramune is a Japanese soda that is made with carbonated water and syrup. It is flavored with fruit or herbs, and it is a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed with sushi.
  • Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola is a popular soft drink that is made with carbonated water, sugar, and flavorings. It is a sweet and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed with sushi.

Sushi is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. By pairing it with a variety of side dishes and drinks, you can create a dining experience that is both enjoyable

What To Eat With Sushi?

Sushi is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. While it is often eaten on its own, there are a number of other foods that can be paired with sushi to create a truly memorable dining experience.

Some of the most popular sushi accompaniments include:

  • Wasabi
  • Soy sauce
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Ponzu sauce
  • Tuna mayo
  • Spicy mayo
  • Yuzu kosho
  • Tsukudani

These condiments can add a variety of flavors and textures to your sushi, and help to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

In addition to these condiments, there are also a number of other foods that can be eaten with sushi. Some popular choices include:

  • Maki rolls
  • Sashimi
  • Tempura
  • Edamame
  • Usuyaki tamago
  • Cucumber
  • Avocado
  • Tofu
  • Rice

These foods can help to round out your meal and provide you with a variety of nutrients.

When choosing what to eat with sushi, it is important to consider your personal preferences and the flavors of the sushi you are eating. Some sushi dishes are more flavorful than others, so you may not need as many condiments or side dishes.

If you are new to sushi, it is a good idea to start with a few simple dishes and then gradually add more condiments and side dishes as you become more familiar with the flavors.

Here are a few tips for eating sushi:

  • Use chopsticks to eat sushi. If you are not comfortable using chopsticks, you can also use your fingers.
  • Start with the nigiri sushi. Nigiri sushi is made with a small piece of fish or seafood on top of a ball of rice. It is a good way to try different types of fish and seafood.
  • Dip your sushi in soy sauce. Soy sauce is a traditional condiment for sushi. However, you should only dip the fish or seafood in the soy sauce, not the rice.
  • Add wasabi to your sushi if you like. Wasabi is a hot and spicy condiment that is made from horseradish and green peas. It can add a lot of flavor to your sushi.
  • Eat your sushi in one bite. Sushi is meant to be eaten in one bite. This will help you to enjoy all of the flavors of the dish.

Sushi is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. By following these tips, you can create a sushi meal that is both enjoyable and satisfying.

Sushi Condiments

In addition to the main ingredients of sushi, there are a number of condiments that can be used to enhance the flavor of the dish. These condiments can be used to add flavor, texture, and acidity to your sushi.

Some of the most popular sushi condiments include:

  • Wasabi
  • Soy sauce
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Ponzu sauce
  • Tuna mayo
  • Spicy mayo
  • Yuzu kosho
  • Tsukudani

Each of these condiments has its own unique flavor and can be used to create a variety of different sushi dishes.

Wasabi is a green paste made from the root of the Japanese horseradish plant. It has a strong, spicy flavor that can add a kick to your sushi.

Soy sauce is a dark, salty sauce made from fermented soybeans, wheat, and water. It is a traditional condiment for sushi and can add a rich flavor to the dish.

Ginger is a root vegetable that has a slightly sweet and spicy flavor. It can be pickled or grated and used as a condiment for sushi.

Garlic is a pungent bulb that has a strong flavor. It can be added to sushi in a variety of ways, such as minced, roasted, or pickled.

Ponzu sauce is a citrus-based sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, citrus juice, and sugar. It has a tart and tangy flavor that can add a refreshing touch to your sushi.

Tuna mayo is a mayonnaise-based sauce made with tuna, mayonnaise, and spices. It has a creamy and flavorful taste that can be used to add richness to your sushi.

Spicy mayo is a mayonnaise-based sauce made with mayonnaise, chili sauce, and spices. It has a spicy and tangy flavor that can add a kick to your sushi

What to Eat with Sushi?

Sushi is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. However, many people are not sure what to eat with sushi. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect sushi meal:

  • Start with a light appetizer. This could be something like edamame, sashimi, or a small salad. This will help to cleanse your palate and prepare you for the main course.
  • Choose a variety of sushi rolls. There are many different types of sushi rolls to choose from, so try to sample a few different ones. Some popular options include the California roll, the tuna roll, and the shrimp tempura roll.
  • Don’t forget the sides! Sushi is often served with a variety of sides, such as pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce. These sides can help to enhance the flavor of the sushi and add a bit of variety to your meal.
  • Finish with a sweet dessert. A traditional Japanese dessert like mochi or matcha ice cream is the perfect way to end your sushi meal.

Here are some additional tips for eating sushi:

  • Use chopsticks or your fingers to eat sushi. Do not use a fork, as this is considered to be rude in Japanese culture.
  • Dip each piece of sushi in soy sauce before eating it. Be sure to only dip the part of the sushi that is covered in rice in the soy sauce.
  • Add a little wasabi to your soy sauce if you like. Wasabi is a spicy horseradish paste that can add a bit of heat to your sushi.
  • Eat your sushi in one bite. Do not try to cut your sushi into pieces, as this is considered to be rude.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying sushi meal.

What are some common side dishes served with sushi?

There are many different side dishes that can be served with sushi, but some of the most popular options include:

  • Edamame: Edamame are young soybeans that are steamed and served in the pod. They are a good source of protein and fiber, and they make a healthy and refreshing appetizer.
  • Cucumber sunomono salad: This salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, and salt. It is a light and refreshing way to cleanse your palate between sushi courses.
  • Miso soup: Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup made with miso paste, dashi broth, and vegetables. It is a warming and comforting soup that is perfect for a cold winter day.
  • Gyoza: Gyoza are Japanese dumplings that are filled with pork, vegetables, and ginger. They are pan-fried or steamed, and they make a delicious and filling main course.

These are just a few of the many side dishes that can be served with sushi. You can experiment with different combinations to find what you like best.

What is the best way to eat sushi?

There are a few different ways to eat sushi, but the most common way is to use chopsticks. To do this, hold the chopsticks in your dominant hand with the tips together. Dip the tips of the chopsticks in the soy sauce and then pick up a piece of sushi. Hold the sushi with the tips of the chopsticks and bring it to your mouth. You can also eat sushi with your fingers, but this is considered to be rude in Japanese culture.

Here are a few tips for eating sushi:

  • Dip only the part of the sushi that is covered in rice in the soy sauce. This will help to prevent the rice from becoming soggy.
  • Add a little wasabi to your soy sauce if you like. Wasabi is a spicy horseradish paste that can add a bit of heat to your sushi.
  • Eat your sushi in one bite. Do not try to cut your sushi into pieces, as this is considered to be rude.
  • Enjoy your sushi! Sushi is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

What are some common mistakes people make when eating sushi?

There are a few common mistakes people make when eating sushi. These include:

  • Not using chopsticks correctly. Chopsticks are the traditional way to eat sushi, but many people do not know how to use them properly. To hold the chopsticks correctly, hold them in your dominant hand with the tips together. Dip the tips of the chopsticks in the soy sauce and then pick up a piece of sushi. Hold the sushi with the tips of the chopsticks and bring it to your mouth.
  • Dipping the entire piece of sushi in the soy sauce. This will make the

    there are many different things that can be eaten with sushi. Some of the most popular choices include sashimi, miso soup, edamame, and pickled ginger. It is important to experiment and find what you like best. With so many delicious options, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Sushi is a Japanese dish made with vinegared rice, seafood, and vegetables.
  • There are many different types of sushi, each with its own unique flavor and texture.
  • Sushi can be eaten with a variety of sides, including sashimi, miso soup, edamame, and pickled ginger.
  • It is important to experiment and find what you like best.
  • With so many delicious options, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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