nigiri-zushi (nigiri, sushi)
握り寿司
にぎりずし
nigiri zushi
Nigiri-zushi is the most popular type of sushi.
Nigiri-zushi, often referred to simply as nigiri, is a type of sushi that consists of a small mound of vinegared sushi rice that is shaped by hand, typically with a small amount of wasabi between the rice and a thin slice of fresh fish, seafood, or other toppings draped over the rice.
Nigiri is usually served in pairs and is eaten with fingers or chopsticks, often dipped in soy sauce mixed with a little wasabi. Nigiri-zushi is known for its simplicity and the focus on highlighting the quality of the ingredients, particularly the freshness of the fish.
onigiri
おにぎり
onigiri
Onigiri, also known as omusubi, is a Japanese rice ball made from steamed white rice that is shaped into a triangle or oval shape and often wrapped in nori (dried seaweed). Onigiri can be filled with various ingredients, such as pickled plum (umeboshi), salted salmon, tuna, or other fillings. It is a popular traditional food and is commonly found in convenience stores in Japan. Onigiri is known for its portability and is often enjoyed as a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
nigiru
握る
にぎる
nigiru
In Japanese, “nigiru” (握る) means “to grasp” or “to grip,” and it is often used in the context of making nigiri-zushi (握り寿司), where the sushi rice is shaped by hand. The term reflects the action of forming the rice into a compact mound before adding the topping.
