Inari sushi, often simply called Inari Food, is a delightful and accessible Japanese dish featuring seasoned sushi rice nestled inside flavorful, deep-fried tofu pouches. This simple yet satisfying creation is a staple in Japanese cuisine, enjoyed as part of sushi platters, a quick snack, or a comforting side dish to any Japanese meal. My inari food recipe is designed to be fast and straightforward, delivering a perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet notes that appeal to all ages. Its mild and pleasing taste makes it an excellent choice for children, vegetarians, and anyone who prefers to avoid raw seafood.
What is Inari Food (Inarizushi)?
Inari food, or inarizushi, is a type of sushi that stands out for its unique presentation and taste. Instead of relying on fish or seafood, inari sushi uses seasoned, deep-fried tofu pockets, known as inari age or aburaage, as wrappers for vinegared sushi rice. These tofu pouches are simmered in a sweet and savory broth, resulting in a juicy and flavorful exterior that perfectly complements the mildness of the rice.
This dish is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a light meal on its own, a component of a larger sushi assortment, or a tasty accompaniment to other Japanese dishes. Inari food is also a fantastic option for vegetarians and those seeking a lighter, non-raw sushi experience, offering a delightful introduction to Japanese flavors without any unfamiliar textures or ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Inari Food Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore inari food, and this recipe makes it even more appealing:
- Quick and Convenient: From start to finish, you can have a batch of inari food ready in just about 20 minutes. This speedy preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute dish. Even novice cooks will find the process incredibly easy to follow.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients to make inari food, and the best part is that they are readily available. You can easily find all the necessary components at most Asian supermarkets or online retailers specializing in Japanese groceries.
- Freezer-Friendly for Meal Prep: Yes, inarizushi freezes beautifully! This is a game-changer for meal prepping. You can make a large batch ahead of time and freeze individual pieces for a quick and convenient snack or lunch whenever you need them. Pre-made frozen inari food is a lifesaver on hectic days.
- Universally Loved Flavor: Inari food boasts a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. The combination of sweet and savory notes is universally appealing, making it a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings. You can be confident that inari food will be a hit with almost everyone, even those who are typically picky eaters.
Inari Food Recipe Variations: Elevate Your Dish
While classic inari food is delicious on its own, there are numerous ways to customize the sushi rice filling to add extra layers of flavor and texture:
- Nori, Shiso, and Egg Enrichment: For a taste that subtly hints at traditional nigiri sushi, try mixing in finely chopped nori seaweed, fragrant shiso leaves, and thinly shredded cooked egg into the sushi rice. These additions bring a more complex and savory dimension to the dish.
- Comforting Boiled Vegetables: Incorporate finely diced boiled vegetables like green beans, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms into the rice. This variation adds a comforting and home-style touch to inari food, reminiscent of traditional Japanese home cooking.
- Protein Boost with Edamame, Shrimp, or Chicken: To make inari food a more substantial and filling meal, consider adding edamame beans, small boiled shrimp, or shredded cooked chicken to the rice. These additions transform inari food into a more protein-rich and satisfying dish, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
How to Make Inari Food: Step-by-Step Guide
Making inari food is surprisingly simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delightful dish:
- Prepare the Sushi Rice: Cook sushi rice according to package instructions or your preferred method. Once cooked, season it with sushi vinegar and gently fold in sesame seeds. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the rice mushy.
- Prepare the Tofu Pouches: Open the can of seasoned fried bean curd (inarizushi no moto). Carefully remove the deep-fried tofu pouches and transfer the flavorful liquid from the can into a bowl. This liquid will be used to moisten your hands and add extra flavor to the rice.
- Shape the Rice: Lightly wet your hands with the seasoned bean curd liquid. This prevents the rice from sticking to your hands and adds a touch of flavor. Take a small handful of sushi rice, about 1/4 cup, and gently shape it into a compact, oval-shaped ball. The rice should hold its shape without being overly compressed.
- Fill the Tofu Pouches: Take a tofu pouch and gently open it, creating a pocket. Place the rice ball inside the pouch and gently push it down to fill the pocket. You can adjust the amount of rice to fill each pouch snugly, but avoid overfilling, which can cause the pouch to tear.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the finished inari food on a plate. They are ready to be served immediately as a snack, part of a sushi platter, or alongside other Japanese dishes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Inari Food
To ensure your inari food turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Handle Tofu Pouches with Care: Deep-fried tofu pouches are delicate and can tear easily. Be patient and gentle when opening and handling them. Avoid stretching or pulling them forcefully.
- Serve at Room Temperature for Best Flavor: Inari food is most enjoyable when served at room temperature. The texture of the sushi rice is ideal when it’s neither too cold nor too hot. At room temperature, the rice will be tender and slightly moist, enhancing the overall taste and eating experience.
Storing Inari Food: Keep it Fresh
If you have leftover inari food or want to prepare them ahead of time, here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigerator Storage: Transfer the inari food to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To refresh them before serving, microwave for a brief 10-20 seconds to bring them closer to room temperature.
- Freezer Storage: For longer storage, individually wrap each piece of inari food tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in an airtight freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, microwave directly from frozen for about 30 seconds, and then in 10-second intervals until they reach room temperature.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Inari Food
Inari food is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:
- Classic Udon Noodle Soup: A traditional and comforting pairing is inari food served alongside a warm bowl of udon noodle soup. This is a popular combination in Japan and offers a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Part of a Japanese Meal Set: Inari food is a fantastic addition to a more extensive Japanese meal. Serve it as a side dish with dishes like teriyaki chicken, tempura, or miso soup for a well-rounded and flavorful Japanese dining experience.
- Bento Box Essential: Inari food is a popular choice for bento boxes (Japanese lunch boxes) due to its portability and deliciousness at room temperature. Pack them with other bento staples like edamame, pickled vegetables, and grilled meats for a balanced and convenient lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inari Food
- Is inari food gluten-free? No, traditionally, inari food is not gluten-free. The deep-fried tofu pouches are typically seasoned with soy sauce, which contains gluten. However, you can make gluten-free inari food by preparing the tofu pouches yourself and using gluten-free soy sauce alternatives like tamari or liquid aminos.
- Is inari food vegan? Whether inari food is vegan depends on the preparation of the tofu pouches. If the pouches are simmered in a broth made with dashi (fish stock), they are not vegan. However, if they are simmered in kombu dashi (kelp-based stock), the dish can be considered vegan. Always check the ingredient list if purchasing pre-made inari pouches to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
- Do I need to use short-grain Japanese rice for inari food? While short-grain Japanese rice is the traditional choice for sushi and is ideal for its sticky texture, you can use medium-grain rice varieties like Nishiki, Kokuho Rose, or Botan if short-grain isn’t available. Keep in mind that short-grain rice provides the best texture for holding the shape of sushi rice balls within the tofu pouches.
- Does inari food travel well? Can I take it for lunch? Yes! Inari food is very portable and travels exceptionally well. You can easily pack them individually wrapped or in a small container for lunch at work or school. They don’t have a strong odor, so you won’t have to worry about bothering your colleagues or classmates when you enjoy them.
### Description
*This traditional Japanese dish is both sweet and savory and can be served as a snack, as part of a sushi dinner, or as a side dish.*
### Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups **sushi rice –** visit my post on [how to make sushi rice](https://pickledplum.com/how-to-make-sushi-rice/)
- 1 (10oz) can [inarizushi no moto](https://amzn.to/3WJiF7d) (**seasoned fried bean curd**), with liquid
- 1 tablespoon black or white **sesame seeds**
### Instructions
1. **Season the rice**. Add the sesame seeds to the sushi rice and gently fold the rice a few times without overdoing it – otherwise the rice will get mushy.
2. **Wet your hands**. Pour the seasoned fried bean curd liquid in a bowl. Dip your fingers into the liquid and wet both of your hands – palms included.
3. **Shape the rice**. Place about 1/4 cup of rice in the palm of your hand. Shape it into a rice ball by gently, but firmly, pressing the rice together. The rice grains should stick together without falling apart.
4. **Make the inari sushi**. Grab a tofu pouch and gently open it. Place a rice ball inside the pouch and gently move it around until the pocket is filled. You may need to add a little extra rice if there is space left in the pouch, but be careful not to overfill it. Repeat this step until all the pouches are filled.
5. **Serve them**. Place the inari sushi on a plate or as part of a sushi dinner. Serve immediately.
### Notes
Inari sushi is best when eaten fresh but you can keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Do not microwave them! Instead, take them out of the fridge and leave on the kitchen counter 1 hour before eating. This will give the rice time to soften and get back to room temperature.
### Nutrition
- **Serving Size:** 1 inari sushi
- **Calories:** 81
- **Sugar:** 4.9g
- **Sodium:** 466mg
- **Fat:** 2.1g
- **Saturated Fat:** 0.3g
- **Unsaturated Fat:** 0.2g
- **Trans Fat:** 0g
- **Carbohydrates:** 3.7g
- **Fiber:** 0.1g
- **Protein:** 0.3g
- **Cholesterol:** 0mg
