Have you ever wanted to make sushi at home without rolling mats, sharp knives, or complicated steps? Chirashi Sushi is the answer. This colorful Japanese rice dish brings together seasoned rice and many toppings in one bowl. It looks festive, tastes balanced, and is surprisingly easy to prepare. Chirashi Sushi 五目ちらし寿司 is a dish that feels special but stays simple.

Table of Contents

What Makes Chirashi Sushi Special

Chirashi Sushi 五目ちらし寿司 is known as “scattered sushi.” Instead of rolling ingredients inside seaweed, everything is mixed or placed on top of sushi rice. The word gomoku means “five ingredients,” showing how this dish celebrates variety.

This recipe is special because it:

• Uses gentle Japanese seasoning
• Can be prepared in under 45 minutes
• Requires no special tools
• Is easy enough for beginners

Quick Facts Chirashi Sushi Recipe (五目ちらし寿司)

Difficulty

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Easy

Total Time

35–45 minutes including rice + simmered mix

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Essential Ingredients and Their Roles

Key Ingredients (材料)

Chirashi Sushi 五目ちらし寿司

Chirashi Sushi is all about well-seasoned rice, a savory vegetable mix, and bright toppings. These key ingredients give you the classic Japanese taste and a beautiful “scattered sushi” look. Each card explains what the ingredient does and easy substitutions you can use.

1

Japanese Short-Grain Rice (2 cups)

Short-grain rice is the base of Chirashi Sushi. It becomes sticky and glossy, so it holds the sushi seasoning and mixes well with the vegetables.

Substitution ideas:

• Sushi rice (same thing, different label)
• Calrose rice (good option outside Japan)
• Avoid long-grain rice (it won’t hold the seasoning well)

2

Sushi Seasoning (Rice vinegar + sugar + salt)

This mix turns plain rice into sushi rice. Vinegar gives a clean tang, sugar softens the taste, and salt makes the flavors pop.

Substitution ideas:

• Ready-made sushi vinegar (reduce extra sugar)
• Apple cider vinegar (mild option, not traditional)
• Skip if needed, but the dish will taste less “sushi-like”

3

Dried Shiitake (10g) + Soaking Dashi (about 100g)

Dried shiitake gives a deep umami taste. The soaking liquid becomes a quick dashi-style broth that flavors the vegetable mix.

Substitution ideas:

• Fresh shiitake (less intense, still good)
• Konbu dashi (for a clean, sea-like flavor)
• Low-salt vegetable broth (easy pantry option)

4

Carrot (50g, thin strips)

Carrot adds color and gentle sweetness. Thin strips cook fast and blend nicely into the rice.

5

Lotus Root (50g, thin slices)

Lotus root (renkon) gives a light crunch and a classic Japanese look. Thin slices cook quickly and stay firm.

Substitution ideas:

• Bamboo shoots (takenoko) for a spring taste
• Burdock root (gobo) for a stronger earthy flavor
• Water chestnuts for crunch (not traditional, but similar texture)

6

Soy Sauce + Mirin + Sugar (seasoning A)

This simple trio creates the familiar Japanese sweet-salty glaze for the simmered mix. It makes the vegetables taste rich without needing many spices.

Substitution ideas:

• Tamari for gluten-free (similar flavor)
• Sake + a little extra sugar instead of mirin
• Light soy sauce if you want a paler color

7

Traditional Toppings (as desired)

Toppings make Chirashi Sushi look bright and feel special. Use what you like and what you have. Keep colors separate for the best “festival” look.

Topping ideas:

• Shredded tamagoyaki (rolled egg)
• Boiled shrimp
• Blanched greens (snap peas, spinach, or rape blossoms)
• Salmon roe, nori strips, toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Soak dried shiitake mushrooms in warm dashi until soft. Slice thinly. Cut carrots into fine strips and lotus root into thin half-moon shapes. Briefly rinse lotus root to remove excess starch.

Step 2: Simmer the Filling

Add shiitake mushrooms, soaking dashi, carrot, lotus root, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to a pan. Simmer gently until liquid is almost gone and vegetables are tender. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Season the Rice

Place warm cooked rice in a wide bowl. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently fold into rice using a slicing motion. Add the cooked vegetable mixture and mix lightly.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Spread rice evenly in a serving bowl or platter. Arrange toppings neatly on top. Finish with sesame seeds or nori strips for aroma and texture.

Secrets to Success and Expert Tips

These practical tips help you make balanced, flavorful, and beautifully textured Chirashi Sushi 五目ちらし寿司 every time:

• ♥
  Season the rice while it is still warm
  Warm rice absorbs the vinegar mixture better, giving the grains a gentle, even flavor without becoming soggy.
• ♥
  Use a slicing motion when mixing
  Gently fold the rice using a cutting motion to keep each grain fluffy and prevent the rice from becoming mashed.
• ♥
  Let the simmered vegetables cool
  Adding hot ingredients directly to rice can change the texture. Cooling them slightly keeps the rice light and glossy.
• ♥
  Balance sweet and savory flavors
  Chirashi Sushi should taste gentle, not strong. Adjust sugar and soy sauce lightly so the toppings and rice stay in harmony.
• ♥
  Arrange toppings just before serving
  Adding toppings at the end keeps colors bright and textures fresh, giving Chirashi Sushi its signature festive look.

Assembly and Presentation Tips

Chirashi Sushi is meant to look bright and inviting. Keep colors separate when placing toppings. Arrange items in small groups instead of mixing everything together. A shallow bowl or wooden sushi tray works best for presentation.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store rice and toppings separately in airtight containers
• Keep refrigerated for up to 24 hours
• Do not freeze sushi rice
• Bring to room temperature before serving

Recipe Variations

Chirashi Sushi 五目ちらし寿司 is very flexible, and you can easily adjust the ingredients based on the season, your preferences, or what you have at home. Here are some simple and traditional ways to customize your Chirashi Sushi.

1

Change the Protein

Swap or add proteins to suit your taste or occasion:

• Sliced cooked eel (unagi) for a rich flavor
• Simmered tofu for a vegetarian option
• Thinly sliced sashimi-grade fish for a fresh style

2

Use Seasonal Vegetables

Seasonal vegetables keep the dish fresh and colorful:

• Bamboo shoots in spring
• Snow peas or green beans in early summer
• Chestnuts or burdock root in autumn

3

Adjust the Rice Flavor

You can gently change the rice seasoning for a different taste:

• Add a little konbu to the rice while cooking
• Use slightly less vinegar for a softer flavor
• Mix in toasted sesame seeds for aroma

4

Try Different Serving Styles

Presentation can change the feel of the dish:

• Serve in individual bowls for casual meals
• Use a large platter for celebrations
• Arrange toppings by color for a festive look

More Japanese Recipes to Try

If you enjoy the simple and comforting flavors of Chirashi Sushi, here are two classic Japanese dishes that are perfect to try next. Both recipes are easy to follow and great for home cooking.

Tamagoyaki (玉子焼き) – Easy Japanese Rolled Omelet Recipe
Tamagoyaki is a slightly sweet, soft rolled omelet that is popular in Japanese homes and bento boxes. It pairs beautifully with sushi rice and makes a great side dish or topping.

Okonomiyaki Recipe お好み焼き
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake made with cabbage and simple pantry ingredients. It is filling, customizable, and fun to cook, making it a favorite comfort food across Japan.

These recipes work well together and help create a complete and satisfying Japanese-style meal at home.

Conclusion

Chirashi Sushi 五目ちらし寿司 is a beautiful way to enjoy sushi without stress. It is flexible, colorful, and deeply rooted in Japanese home cooking. With simple steps and balanced flavors, this dish fits everyday meals and special moments alike.

FAQs

Can Chirashi Sushi be made ahead?

Yes, prepare components separately and assemble before serving.

Is Chirashi Sushi healthy?

It includes vegetables, fish, and moderate seasoning, making it a balanced meal.

Can I use regular rice?

Japanese short-grain rice is recommended for texture and flavor.

How long does it last?

Best eaten the same day, but safe for up to 24 hours when chilled properly.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @jp.dishes on Instagram so we can see your delicious creation!