Sourcing ingredients for international cuisine can be challenging, especially if you want to make it as close to the authentic recipe as possible. With sushi, you may find alternatives, but there are also lots of places to find the right ingredients.

To get you started, here’s a look at where to buy ingredients for sushi and a quick checklist of what you need!

Places to Source Sushi Ingredients

You won’t always find the stuff you need for sushi when you head to the nearest grocery store. So, it’s good to know where you can look around for a higher chance of finding what you need.
A few places include the following:

International Groceries

Look up stores with international groceries if you want to condense your shopping into one trip. This way, you can grab what you need to restock at home while gathering ingredients for sushi.

When you visit these stores, you can also take your time to go through other options for different cuisines to enhance your daily recipes or try something new!

Asian Supermarkets

One of the best places to find sushi ingredients is at an Asian supermarket. Usually, the cost of ingredients is cheaper in these stores. But keep in mind that these could be harder to come by, especially when you live in a smaller town.

Specialty Items Store

If you’re at a major grocery store, you can check aisles for Asian food. They often have a stock of specific ingredients that most individuals use in typical meals, so you are likely to find what you need.

The downside is that they may cost more than other places or have fewer brand options and types to offer. So, it still helps to look around and look for backup places.

Online Sources

You can find what you need when you source it online, but it can take a while to find a reliable source. Even so, you might be able to find discounted or app-exclusive deals through these stores.

With online sources, you want to be sure you pick a place located near you. This way, you can pick up your order or have it shipped on the same day, especially if you’re buying fresh produce or meat.

A Simple Sushi Ingredient Checklist

There are lots of ways to make sushi, so you can pick a recipe according to your taste. What matters the most is that you have the basics to bring out the authentic flavor and texture.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you begin:

Japanese Rice

Buying sushi rice makes it easier to prepare your dish. But if that’s not available, you can settle with Japanese rice. It’s important to pay close attention to this since it’s the base of your sushi.

Nori Sheets

Toasted seaweed or nori sheets are a must-have when making sushi. While some recipes don’t use this, it’s a great addition to the dish and can be eaten on the side.

Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar is what gives sushi its distinct flavor, so it’s an absolute non-negotiable! Usually, you mix this in the rice before cooking it. You can also use it when preparing salads or meat for a milder and sweeter taste.

Seafood, Protein, Veggies

Anything you add from here can be based on your preference. Typically, sushi is made with seafood and veggies. However, you can add other types of protein, like tofu or eggs.

A few suggestions for a healthy sushi meal include salmon, which is also one of the most popular seafood in the U.S. Tuna also offers a broad range of health benefits and is a common ingredient in sushi recipes.

Find Out Where to Buy Ingredients for Sushi for the Best Results

The results of your dish can vary depending on the ingredients you use. So, when working on Asian meals, you want to keep it as close to the recipe as possible for an authentic experience.

Learning where to buy ingredients for sushi helps you make this possible and introduces you to places to find international ingredients. This way, you can explore more cuisines and elevate your meals!