Makimono vs. Sushi: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed & Dua Fatima || Published on August 15, 2024
Makimono refers to type of sushi that is rolled, including varieties like maki rolls, whereas sushi is broad category of Japanese cuisine that includes raw or cooked seafood with vinegared rice, encompassing various forms like nigiri, sashimi, & makimono.
Key Differences
Makimono is a subset of sushi, specifically focusing on the rolled form where ingredients are wrapped in seaweed (nori) and vinegared rice. Sushi, in its broader sense, includes not only rolls but also other presentations of vinegared rice combined with seafood or other ingredients.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
The preparation of makimono involves spreading sushi rice on a sheet of nori, adding fillings like fish, vegetables, or egg, and then rolling it into a cylindrical shape, often with the help of a bamboo mat (makisu). Sushi encompasses this method and others, such as hand-pressed nigiri or sashimi, which is slices of raw fish without rice.
Dua Fatima
Aug 15, 2024
Common types of makimono include hosomaki (thin rolls), futomaki (thick rolls), and uramaki (inside-out rolls), each differing in size and the arrangement of ingredients. Sushi varieties extend beyond rolls, including nigiri (hand-pressed rice topped with fish), chirashi (scattered sushi), and others.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
Makimono is often served sliced into small rounds, showcasing the cross-section of the fillings. Sushi, depending on its form, may be served as individual pieces (nigiri), slices (sashimi), or in roll form (makimono), offering a wide range of tastes and textures.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
Makimono focuses on the art of rolling, sushi as a culinary practice emphasizes the balance and harmony between rice, fish, and other ingredients. The diversity within sushi showcases the versatility and creativity of Japanese cuisine, from the simplicity of sashimi to the complexity of elaborately rolled makimono.
Hifza Nasir
Aug 15, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Rolled sushi with ingredients wrapped in vinegared rice and seaweed.
Japanese dish featuring vinegared rice combined with seafood, vegetables, or other ingredients.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
Types
Hosomaki, futomaki, uramaki, temaki.
Nigiri, sashimi, makimono, chirashi, temaki.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
Ingredients
Vinegared rice, nori, fish, vegetables.
Vinegared rice, seafood (raw or cooked), vegetables, egg.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
Preparation
Rolled using a bamboo mat.
Variety of methods including rolling, pressing, and slicing.
Hifza Nasir
Aug 15, 2024
Serving Form
Sliced into rounds.
Served as rolls, pressed pieces, slices, or scattered over rice.
Hifza Nasir
Aug 15, 2024
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Makimono and Sushi Definitions
Sushi
Nigiri
Salmon nigiri is topped with a slice of raw salmon over pressed rice.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Makimono
Futomaki
Futomaki contains multiple fillings, offering a burst of flavors.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
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Makimono
Uramaki
California rolls are a popular type of uramaki with rice on the outside.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Sushi
Chirashi
Chirashi sushi is a bowl of vinegared rice scattered with various toppings.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Sushi
Temaki
Temaki sushi offers a hands-on experience with its cone-shaped seaweed wrap.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Makimono
A horizontal Japanese decorative scroll featuring pictures or calligraphy.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Sushi
A Japanese dish made of small portions of sticky white rice flavored with vinegar, usually wrapped in seaweed and filled or topped with fish, vegetables or meat.
For the vegetarians, she served cucumber sushi.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Makimono
A type of Japanese hand scroll which unrolls horizontally, or laterally on a flat surface.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Sushi
Cold cooked rice dressed with vinegar that is shaped into pieces and topped with raw or cooked fish, or formed into a roll with fish, egg, or vegetables and often wrapped in seaweed.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can makimono include cooked ingredients?
Yes, makimono can include both raw and cooked ingredients.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
What's the difference between nigiri and sashimi?
Nigiri consists of vinegared rice topped with seafood, while sashimi is just slices of raw fish.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
How do you eat temaki?
Temaki is eaten with hands, as it's rolled into a cone shape that's not easily sliced.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
Is all sushi rolled?
No, only makimono is rolled. Sushi comes in various forms including rolled, pressed, and sliced.
Dua Fatima
Aug 15, 2024
What makes sushi rice different?
Sushi rice is seasoned with a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt, giving it a distinct taste.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
Is sushi always made with raw fish?
No, sushi can include raw or cooked seafood, as well as vegetables and egg.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
How is makimono served?
Makimono is typically sliced into rounds to display the fillings, served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
Are there vegetarian options for makimono?
Yes, makimono can be made with various vegetable fillings like cucumber or avocado.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
Can makimono be considered a type of sushi?
Yes, makimono is a specific type of sushi, characterized by its rolled form.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
What is the significance of the bamboo mat in makimono preparation?
The bamboo mat (makisu) helps in evenly rolling the sushi to create a compact, cylindrical shape.
Shumaila Saeed
Aug 15, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Co-written by
Dua Fatima
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
