What should I order when trying Nigiri Sushi for the first time?

Question

I really like salmon and I don't think that would be too much of a stretch. As far as having eaten it raw I've had Lox which is smoked but seems to be very similar in consistancy to the salmon used in Nigiri. I also like crab meat (and imitation crab) and I have found some places that offer that too. I am somewhat picky so I am hoping to stick with the more familiar and mild tastes at first. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Congratulations. I commend you on trying sushi. I recommend White Tuna (not regular specify white), Yellow Tail, and Salmon. White tuna in my opinion is the Ultimate. I don't think you will be disappointed. I have recommended it to many people and it is their all time favorite now also. White tuna is best consummed as nigiri sushi or sashimi. You will not be able to appreciate it in a roll.

Answer 2

Nigiri-Sushi w/ Squid or Nigiri- sushi with Sea Bass.

Instead of sea bass, you can use another white fish such as trout or sole.

ITADAKIMASU! (Bon Appetit!)

Answer 3

You're right about salmon, it would not be too much of a stretch especially if you've had lox. Cooked shrimp tastes just like the shrimp you would get in a shrimp cocktail, which is actually why I don't really like it, not sushi-enough for me, but It would be good for beginners. Yellowtail is really good, every sushi lover likes it i think. Tuna is good too. If you've ever had a seared ahi appetizer at PF Changs or anywhere it's similar to that. Some places will even do a seared ahi nigiri so it's not completely raw,  but cooked on the outside, but you would probably be fine with it either way.

Ones I would stay away from on your first time are squid, surf clam, and octopus. You may like octopus (I do) but most people don't like the consistency of it (It's very chewy). I've only tried surf clam and squid once and I really didn't like them. I'll have to try them again and see if i change my mind but for now I'd say stick to more common stuff.

Answer 4

If you like the rich taste of salmon, you might also enjoy yellowtail (hamachi).

Cooked shrimp is not too challenging, either.

Answer 5

MmMmMmM sUShi!

Answer 6

If you've had lox, then salmon (sake) nigiri shouldn't be a big stretch for you.  It's one of my favorites.

Tuna (maguro) is another good choice for a beginner.

Then there's shrimp (ebi), which is good. (don't eat the shell around the tail)

Crab (or rather "Krab") nigiri isn't that interesting since it's literally just a stick of krab (yes with a "k") on some sushi rice.  Boring.

There's also egg (tamago) which is a slab of sweetened omlette on rice.  Sounds sort of odd, but dipped in the soy sauce/wasabi, it's a nice mixture of sweet and salty.

If you feel a bit more adventurous:

Octopus (tako) - mild taste, but a bit chewy

Squid (ika) - I like this better than octopus, but it's also chewy

Eel - it's roasted then brushed with a sweet sauce. very good.

Sweet shrimp (ama ebi) - different type of shrimp with a sweeter taste - also higher cost.

Fatty tuna (toro) - this is tuna from the belly of the fish, so it's got more fat in it.  Also more expensive than regular tuna, but definitely one of the best things out there...if your pocket book can afford it.

If possible, you should go to a sushi-boat restaurant.  Here, little plates of sushi go round and round on top of these little boats (or a conveyer belt)  If you see something that looks interesting, just grab the plate as it goes by.  There's usually 4 or 5 different plate designs, each with its own price.  When you're finished, your bill is tallied from the plates stacked up in front of you.  You can also ask the sushi chef for specific items, if you don't see what you want.  Of course you can also ask them questions as well - such as "what's good today?"

Answer 7

Salmon raw tastes better then smoked! try raw tuna sushi thats pretty good!