How to tell the difference between sushi and sashimi

If you frequent sushi bars, one day you might come across a sushi snob. Such a person will bring their own designer chopsticks,  (sushi snobs scoff at disposable chopsticks) and throw around all sorts of sushi jargon. If this so-called sushi king points to a maki roll and says "I'd like some of that sashimi" inform him that just because two words begin with "S," it doesn't mean they have the same definition. That's how you outsnob a sushi snob!

But if this pretentious, sushi-finado points to sliced raw fish served without rice and calls it "sashimi", don't attempt to correct him; he's right. Although they sound similar and people use the words interchangeably, sushi and sashimi are two different things.

Outside of Japan, many people think sushi means raw fish. However, sushi refers to the vinegared rice that is sometimes, not always served with raw fish. Sushi literally means, 'it's sour.' Next time someone says, "I don't eat sushi because I don't eat raw fish," point out this fact and maybe they'll give it a try.

Sashimi (pronounced sah-shee-mee) is a Japanese delicacy that consists of thinly sliced raw seafood. The word sashimi means "pierced body." Restaurants use the freshest seafood for sashimi. Sometimes the fish are kept alive in aquariums until the moment they are put on your plate. Usually sashimi is served with a dipping sauce made from wasabi paste, soy sauce, and ginger.

Now that you understand the difference between sushi and sashimi, it's time for your own sushi kit! Are you a sushi gold medalist or a bronze beginner? Serve sushi or sashimi in your home with these Olympics-inspired sushi party platters. Don't forget the disposable chopsticks! And comment below with your favorite sushi recipes and stories.