Nigiri vs Sashimi

Last updated on Jan 8, 2024
Kayla Nelson

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, sushi is often the first thing that comes to mind. Within the world of sushi, various types offer unique flavors and experiences. Two popular options are nigiri and sashimi. They usually appear together on sushi menus, but what are the differences? While both involve raw fish, they differ in how they are served and eaten.

Difference Between Nigiri and Sashimi

Nigiri vs Sashimi side by side

Shown here: Nigiri compared to sashimi. Nigiri features a slice of raw fish on top of a hand-pressed mound of vinegared rice, while sashimi is a slice of raw fish.

While both nigiri and sashimi feature raw fish, the key difference lies in the presentation. Nigiri is thinly sliced raw fish or meat laid over a bed of vinegared rice, whereas sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish or meat without any rice. Sashimi is all about showcasing the raw fish in its purest form, while nigiri elevates the experience by adding the complementary element of vinegared rice. It's worth noting that nigiri is a type of sushi, while sashimi is not. Sushi refers to any dish made with vinegared rice, while sashimi focuses solely on raw fish.

What Is Nigiri?

Nigiri presented on a wooden table

Nigiri is a type of sushi made up of an oval-shaped, hand-pressed mound of vinegared rice topped with a thin slice of raw fish or meat. Popular raw fish toppings include tuna, salmon, yellowtail, or mackerel. These particular fish varieties are known for their firm texture and rich fat content, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. It is common to have some cooked seafood options, such as shrimp, eel, or octopus nigiri. Typically, nigiri has a dollop of wasabi between the rice and meat to keep the topping in place.

Nigiri vs Sushi

Sushi is a Japanese cold dish with seasoned rice and fish or seafood, often raw. Sushi can be served in many ways, such as layering a sheet of seaweed with vinegared rice and fillings and rolling it into bite-sized pieces or simply placing the raw fish on a bed of rice. Nigiri is a sushi type that combines raw fish or meat with a bite-sized mound of vinegared rice.

How to Eat Nigiri

Since nigiri is a one-bite dish, it is socially acceptable to eat it with your hands. However, you can also use chopsticks (or a fork) to eat it. Nigiri is often served with soy sauce and pickled ginger on the side to enhance the flavors. When dipping nigiri into soy sauce, you should lightly dip the fish side into the sauce. Since the rice is already seasoned, it is not customary to dip the nigiri into the sauce rice side down.

What Is Sashimi?

Sashimi restaurant dish

Sashimi, which translates to “pierced body”, is a traditional Japanese dish of thinly sliced raw meat, typically fish and seafood, but it could be other types of meat. There is no rice used in the dish to enhance its taste; instead, the raw fish stands on its own and is enjoyed in its purest form. Because there is no rice, sashimi is not a type of sushi. However, it is often still found on many sushi menus. Sashimi and nigiri utilize the same variety of fish and meat, but sashimi is exclusively served raw. Due to its delicate and fresh flavor, sashimi is traditionally served as the first course in Japanese dining to prevent more complex dishes from overshadowing its taste.

Sashimi is often served on a platter or dish and comes with two to three pieces per order. It is served with a garnish of shiso (an aromatic Japanese herb) and shredded daikon radish alongside soy sauce for dipping and condiments such as wasabi and ginger. Compared to nigiri and other sushi, sashimi tends to be pricier because you are getting a more generous portion of protein.

How to Eat Sashimi

To properly eat sashimi, take one piece with your chopsticks, add a small dollop of wasabi on top of the fish, and fold it in half. Lightly dip the folded sashimi into your soy sauce and eat. Be careful not to use too much soy sauce with sashimi, as its richness easily overwhelms the delicate flavors of the raw fish. When enjoying a sashimi platter with various fish options, it is best to start with the lightest fish and progress towards the darkest to ensure you experience the flavors gradually intensifying from mild to more robust.


The main difference between nigiri and sashimi lies in their presentation and the inclusion of vinegared rice. While sashimi offers a pure and unadulterated taste of raw fish, nigiri combines the flavors of fish and vinegared rice for a more well-rounded sushi experience. So, whether you prefer the simplicity of sashimi or the harmonious blend of flavors in nigiri, both options offer a delightful journey into the world of Japanese cuisine.

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