Substitute for Sushi rice
What it does in a recipe: Short-grain rice seasoned with vinegar for sushi and rice bowls.
3 substitutes, ranked by what's already in your pantry. Amounts are dataset values — US and metric where a ratio exists.
Calrose / medium-grain rice
per 1 cup sushi rice
Calrose is the standard substitute sold as 'sushi rice' in most stores.
What changes: Slightly less sticky
Arborio rice (in a pinch)
per 1 cup sushi rice
Works for pressed sushi; won't hold glossy shine.
What changes: Grainier, less sticky
Long-grain rice
per 1 cup sushi rice
Safety: See the chemistry note — this swap changes the recipe; follow the guidance.
Avoid in: sushi, onigiri, rice balls — anything that needs to stick
Jasmine and basmati stay separate and dry.
What changes: Won't hold together
Related swaps
Common questions
- What can I use instead of Sushi rice?
- Calrose / medium-grain rice: 1 cup, rinsed and cooked with slightly less water. Long-grain rice: Don't — it won't bind.
- What is the exact ratio to substitute Sushi rice?
- Calrose / medium-grain rice (per 1 cup sushi rice) — US: 1 cup, rinsed and cooked with slightly less water. Metric: 185 g, cooked.
- What changes when you substitute Sushi rice?
- Slightly less sticky. Grainier, less sticky.
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