While sushi is always better to be eaten fresh, sometimes you will have leftovers. Doing so might have you thinking whether the rice will expire and go bad.
While we have already looked at whether sushi can go bad, today we shall be taking a look at rice. However, when we talk about sushi rice going bad, it depends on whether it is cooked or uncooked.
For example, cooked sushi rice can last for around a few hours to a number of days. However, this is all down to how it is stored. On the other hand, uncooked and raw sushi rice can be good to use for many years if, again, it is stored correctly.
For that reason we shall be discussing them both. To find how long is sushi rice good for, read on!
What Actually Is Sushi Rice?
Sushi rice sounds like a type of rice, but it actually is not. It is in reference to how the rice is prepared. Sushi rice is often made by mixing hot short-grain white rice with sugar, vinegar and salt.
Sometimes even brown short-grain rice is used, which is healthier than white. Once the rice is cool, it is then ready to create sushi. It is stickier and can be molded easily.
The one thing that may confuse you into thinking that sushi rice is a type of rice is the fact you can buy it labeled as such in the grocery store. In Japan, it is never referred to as this – it is a term used in western culture.
This type of rice has extra starch in order to make them sticky when cooked. You will then be able to create your own Japanese inspired dishes at home. However, while you can eat this kind of rice as-is, you can also add vinegar, sugar and salt to make the perfect rice for sushi.
How Long Is Sushi Rice Good For Before It Goes Bad?
Sushi rice can be both cooked or uncooked, or brown or white, so let’s take a look at all the scenarios:
Uncooked White Sushi Rice
Uncooked white sushi rice can last for a very long time – we’re talking years. However, this is only if it is stored correctly. If unopened, place it in the pantry or a cupboard and keep the box away from moisture.
If the uncooked white rice has been opened, place it in an airtight container. Uncooked white sushi rice in its raw form shouldn’t expire if the conditions are correct.
Uncooked Brown Sushi Rice
Uncooked brown sushi rice is a different story. While uncooked white sushi rice can last for years, brown sushi rice may only last for around six months. This is because it has a higher oil content.
You should still store it in a cool, dry place such as a pantry. If you want it to last even longer (say, two years), then placing it in the freezer will do the trick.
In both scenarios, make sure the packaging is airtight.
Cooked Unseasoned White Or Brown Sushi Rice
If you have unseasoned white or brown cooked sushi rice, then it should be able to last for up to 5 days in the fridge. You will need to place it into an airtight container.
Do keep in mind this is unseasoned sushi rice, which may not be the case for the type you brought back home from the restaurant.
If you need it to last longer, then place it in an airtight container and leave it in the freezer for up to six months. Do check on it here and there to make sure it is okay. However, never thaw and refreeze again.
Cooked Seasoned White Or Brown Sushi Rice
Cooked and seasoned sushi rice is a little more difficult to keep. While it won’t go bad, it just won’t taste or feel very nice.
Cooked white or brown seasoned sushi rice is the type that should be used and eaten immediately. Once it becomes leftovers and put into the fridge, the next day you will find it has likely gone dry.
If you plan to make seasoned sushi rice yet need to store it, freezing it also isn’t an option. You will find that once you defrost the rice it will be soft and unsuitable to use.
Is Sticky Rice And Sushi Rice The Same Thing?
Sticky rice and sushi rice aren’t the same thing, despite a very similar consistency. In Japan, sticky rice is very glutinous and is called mochigome. It is also a japonica rice that is well-known for its stickiness.
This type of rice is often used to create the likes of candies, rice crackers, and mochi. However, what it isn’t used for is sushi. Its texture is too sticky and far too gloopy, making it unsuitable to be used.
How Should You Store Uncooked Sushi Rice?
When it comes to both brown and white sushi rice, they both need the same kind of environment. This is a cool but dry place away from direct sunlight.
If the bag is new and unopened, then you can just leave it as-is inside the pantry. Once the bag is opened, always transfer it to an airtight container. This stops it from becoming spoiled, whether by bugs, dust, moisture, or something else.
You can also place an opened bag of uncooked rice in the freezer too, but this isn’t necessary.
Final Thoughts
If you have sushi rice, then you will likely want to know how long it stays good for. If you have leftovers from a restaurant, this is likely to be seasoned sushi rice which may not fare well the next day.
While it will not make you sick, it might have a drier texture. However, uncooked sushi rice can last for a long time if stored well. White sushi rice can last for years, while brown sushi rice may last for a few months.
Just remember to store it in the right conditions to prolong its life.
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
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