How To Tell If Your Sushi Is Fresh

If you've ever eaten sushi, you know that it's not always going to be fresh. But if you want to avoid the bad stuff, there are some easy ways to tell if your fish is as fresh as it could possibly be. In this article, we'll guide you through everything from how different cuts of fish should look to what signs can tell you that a sushi restaurant isn't worth its salt. Let's get started!

Check the rice.

The rice should be white and moist, not dry or mushy. It shouldn't be brown or grey with any black spots. If you're eating nigiri, it’s important to examine the fish as well—if it's starting to look like leathery jerky in the center or if there are dark edges on its skin, don't eat it.

Look at the tuna.

Next, look at the tuna. Like a steak, if the tuna is fresh, it should be red or pink in color and firm to the touch—not mushy or dry. If you see brown spots on your piece of sushi (that’s not sashimi), then this could indicate that it has been left out too long or was not stored properly before being served to you.

See how the fish is cut and stored.

Next, you want to check how the fish is cut. If it's not stored properly, it won't be as fresh. The best sushi restaurants will have their fish cut and stored in the fridge immediately after purchase. This ensures that they are getting the freshest cuts of fish possible. If you're buying from a grocery store or another source, look for signs that they've been storing their seafood correctly.

Watch out for fake fish.

Sushi is a delicious way to enjoy protein, but it's also important to know what you're eating. Watch out for fake fish: if your sushi looks like it's made with meat, it might be a good idea to ask the chef or waiter before you eat it. Also watch out for slippery rice—some less-than-honest chefs will soak their sushi rice in water so that it turns into mush and is easier to push around on the plate.

If you want fresh fish, go for it! The fresher the better.

If you want to eat as fresh of a fish as possible, go for it! The fresher the better. The only downside is that fresh fish can be more expensive than frozen. If you don't have time to head to your local sushi restaurant, or if that's not an option at all, don't fret—frozen sushi is still an option.

Frozen sushi isn't always the best choice though; it's often less expensive and has a better texture than its fresh counterpart.

It’s important to remember that sushi is a fast-moving food, so if you’re at home and want to make sure your fish is fresh, don’t hesitate to replace it with something else. It may have been sitting around for a while before it was served, but there are other options! If you do get a chance to visit an authentic Japanese restaurant or find one nearby that serves fresh sushi made daily, go ahead and enjoy yourself! Just keep these tips in mind so that you know what qualities look for when selecting the best meal possible.