How Long to Cook Sushi Rice
Sushi rice requires slightly less water and proper rinsing for authentic sticky texture. Learn exact cooking times for stove, rice cooker, and Instant Pot.
How long to cook sushi rice?
Sushi rice takes 18-20 minutes on the stove, 30-35 minutes in a rice cooker, or 4 minutes in an Instant Pot plus natural pressure release. Use a 1:1.1 water ratio and rinse rice thoroughly before cooking for best results.
Sushi Rice Cooking Times by Method
Sushi rice requires slightly less water than regular white rice. The goal is sticky rice that holds together for sushi rolls. Always rinse 4-5 times until water runs clear.
| Method | Cooking Time | Water Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stove | 18-20 min | 1:1.1 | Rinse until water runs clear |
| Rice Cooker | 30-35 min | 1:1.1 | Use sushi setting if available |
| Instant Pot | 4 min + NPR | 1:1 | Natural pressure release 10 min |
How Long to Cook Sushi Rice on Stove?
Sushi rice takes 18-20 minutes on the stove. This method gives you the most control over texture.
Stove Method Steps:
- Rinse 2 cups sushi rice until water runs clear (4-5 times)
- Add rice and 2.2 cups water to pot
- Let soak 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Bring to boil over high heat
- Reduce to lowest heat, cover tightly
- Simmer 15 minutes without lifting lid
- Remove from heat, rest 5 minutes covered
- Season with sushi vinegar while warm
How Long to Cook Sushi Rice in Rice Cooker?
Sushi rice takes 30-35 minutes in a rice cooker. Many Japanese rice cookers have a dedicated sushi rice setting.
- Use sushi or white rice setting
- Use 1:1.1 water ratio
- Let rest 10 minutes after cooking completes
- Fluff and season immediately
How to Season Sushi Rice
Proper seasoning is essential for authentic sushi rice flavor.
Sushi Vinegar Recipe (for 2 cups rice):
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Heat vinegar mixture until sugar dissolves. Fold into warm rice using cutting motions. Fan rice while mixing to cool quickly and add shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sushi rice takes 18-20 minutes on the stove. Bring to boil, reduce to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, then rest 5 minutes without lifting the lid.
Sushi rice takes 30-35 minutes in a rice cooker. Use the sushi or white rice setting. The cooker will automatically switch to warm when done.
Rice for sushi takes 18-20 minutes on stove or 30-35 minutes in rice cooker. After cooking, season with rice vinegar mixture while still warm.
Yes, rinse sushi rice 4-5 times until water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents gummy texture. Rinsing is essential for authentic sushi rice.
Use 1:1.1 water ratio for sushi rice (1 cup rice to 1.1 cups water). Slightly less water than regular white rice creates the sticky texture needed for sushi.
Compare Rice Types
Different rice types have different cooking times and water ratios. Find the perfect rice for your dish.