Chirashi Sushi Recipe – Best Toppings & How to Make It at Home
Chirashi Sushi (ちらし寿司), or "scattered sushi," is a beautiful and delicious dish that showcases a variety of fresh and flavorful toppings over seasoned sushi rice. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or a quick weeknight meal, the right toppings can take your chirashi to the next level.
In this guide, we'll explore the best Chirashi Sushi toppings, categorized by their cooking method. From fresh sashimi to flavorful marinated and cooked ingredients, this list will help you create a sushi bowl that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning.
Fresh & Raw Toppings (Sashimi-Style)
Fresh sushi grade ingredients bring out the natural sweetness of the seafood and provide a traditional sushi experience. These are some of the most common fish toppings for Chirashi Sushi. Choose your favorite, slice thinly or cut them into bite-size cubes.
- Salmon (Sake)
- Tuna (Maguro)
- Yellowtail (Hamachi)
- Sweet Shrimp (Amaebi)
- Scallops (Hotate)
- Sea Urchin (Uni)
- Ikura (Salmon Roe)
💡 Pro Tip: The natural colors of the fishes look great visually, however, if you wanted a heavier flavor, you could marinate the fishes in a small amount of soy sauce and mirin, and store in the refrigerator for a maximum of 15 minutes to bring out the best texture and flavor. Marinating them for too long could affect the texture of the fish. Clear soy sauce is also available for achieving both a visually stunning and richly flavored topping.
Boiled & Blanched Toppings (For a Softer Texture)
Boiling or blanching enhances the natural sweetness of ingredients while keeping them light and tender.
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Shrimp (Ebi) – Boiled and butterflied
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Snow Crab or King Crab (Kani) - Gently boiled for a sweet, flaky texture
- Octopus (Tako) – Slightly boiled for a chewy bite
- Lotus Root (Renkon) – Thinly sliced and boiled for a crisp texture.
- Snap Peas or Green Beans – Boiled for 45 seconds to a minute and cooled in ice water for a crunch texture.
💡 Pro Tip: Shrimp and lotus root can be marinated in sweet vinegar for extra flavor. To make sweet vinegar, mix equal parts rice vinegar and sugar, then add a dash of salt.
Stir-Fried & Grilled Toppings (For Extra Umami)
These toppings add a smoky depth and richer flavor to your Chirashi bowl.
- Grilled Eel (Unagi) – Glazed with sweet soy sauce
- Shiitake Mushrooms – Julienned and sautéed in soy sauce and mirin
- Carrots - Julienned and sautéed in soy sauce and mirin
- Gobo (Burdock) - Julienned and sautéed in soy sauce and mirin
💡 Pro Tip: Lightly toasting the eel before serving enhances its flavor and texture.
Unique & Creative Toppings (For a Modern Twist)
Put in some fresh vegetables for an extra color and texture.
- Avocado – Cut into bite size
- Cucumber – Julienned and cut into bite size
💡 Pro Tip: Lightly sprinkle lemon juice on avocado to prevent browning while keeping its creamy texture intact.
How to Make the Perfect Chirashi Sushi at Home
- Prepare Sushi Rice – Mix freshly cooked rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir in sesame seeds, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and gobo from the toppings above.
- Arrange Toppings – Start with a base layer of fish and seafood, then build up with contrasting textures like crunchy vegetables or grilled elements.
- Garnish with Style – Sprinkle sesame seeds, shredded nori strips, or edible flowers for an Instagram-worthy finish.
💡 Pro Tip: To elevate presentation, arrange toppings symmetrically or create a color gradient for a visually appealing dish.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Own Chirashi Sushi Masterpiece
With these topping ideas, you can customize your Chirashi Sushi to suit any occasion. Have fun mixing and matching flavors to create your own version of this classic sushi bowl!
👉 What’s your favorite Chirashi Sushi topping? Let us know in the comments below!
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