Sushizu (sushi vinegar) is a simple, traditional mix of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. A perfectly balanced dressing used to season rice for sushi, nigiri and rice balls.

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Sushizu (sushi vinegar)

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Sushizu (sushi vinegar) is a simple, traditional mix of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. A perfectly balanced dressing used to season rice for sushi, nigiri and rice balls.

Sushi rice vinegar is an essential ingredient when making sushi. It gives sushi rice its signature slightly sweet, and tangy taste, complementing the seaweed, fish and other fillings

Sushi rice seasoned with sushi vinegar in a black oven tray. A white rice spoon holding up a spoon of rice

You can find pre made Sushizu in well stocked food stores however it's very easy to make yourself with standard pantry ingredients and it taste far better then the store bought ones.

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Ingredients for Sushi vinegar

Only 3 ingredients needed to make Sushizu

  • Rice vinegar
  • sugar
  • salt

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Sushi vinegar

Add all ingredients in a saucepan and turn on low heat. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar and salt has dissolved. Let it cool.

Salt, sugar and rice vinegar in a sauce pan on the stove top
  1. Step 1: Add all ingredients in a saucepan
Salt, sugar and rice vinegar simmer in a sauce pan on the stove top
  1. Step 2: Turn on low to medium heat
Stirring salt, sugar and rice vinegar with a wooden spoon in a sauce pan
  1. Step 3: Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar and salt has dissolved.
  1. Step 4: When the liquid is clear it's ready. Let it cool.

Hint: Don’t let the sushizu come to a boil. Keep it on low to medium heat and as soon as the liquid is clear remove the pot from the heat to cool down.

Equipment

Sauce pan

wooden spoon

Storage

Keep the sushizu covered in a cool dark place and it will last for a very long time, maybe forever. No need to refrigerate.

Sushi vinegar in a recycled glass jar on a white table

Top Tip

Sushi vinegar can be made a head of time and is even better the next day once all the flavor has infused together.

FAQ

Can you make sushi vinegar in the microwave?

Yes, add all the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and heat one minute at the time. Stirring in between.

What is sushizu used for?

Sushizu is used to season rice for sushi, nigiri, hand rolls and rice balls.

Did you try this sushizu recipe? Leave me a comment below. I love to hear from you!

Looking for other dressing or sauce recipes? Try these:

Seafood cocktail sauce

Sour cream lemon and herb dressing

Mint and yoghurt sauce

Pairing

Tempura pairs well with sushi. Try my crispy tempura batter:

sushizu in a white bowl on a white table top

Sushizu (sushi vinegar)

cremneblad
This sushi vinegar mixture gives the sushi rice its distinctive tangy-sweet flavor, glossy coating, and sticky texture, which helps it hold its shape for making sushi. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
2 hours
Course component
Cuisine Japanese

Ingredients
  

  • 600 ml Rice vinegar unflavored
  • 500 g sugar
  • 50 g salt

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients in a saucepan and turn on low heat.
  • Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar and salt has dissolved.
  • Let it cool.

Notes

  • Don’t let it come to a boil. Keep it on low to medium heat and as soon as the liquid is clear remove the pot from the heat to cool down.
  • Sushi vinegar can be made a head of time and is even better the next day once all the flavor has infused together
Keyword sushi rice vinegar, sushi vinegar, sushizu

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Recipe Rating




This sushi vinegar mixture gives sushi the rice its distinctive tangy-sweet flavor, glossy coating, and sticky texture, which helps it hold its shape for making sushi.