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Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

Craft Sushi Rolls: 5 BEST Sushi Rice Substitutes

The best substitutes for BEST Sushi Rice are Arborio Rice, Short-grain White Rice, Cauliflower Rice, Quinoa, and Broccoli Rice.

Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that originates from Italy.

For cooking, Short-grain White Rice also works well - adjust the amount to taste.

Sushi night's on, and you're all set to roll, literally.

Suddenly, you're out of sushi rice. ? Nope, that's not us.

, sushi lovers! There's a world of substitutes that'll save your dinner plans.

Think sushi rice is irreplaceable? Think again.

We're here to guide you through the best swaps that'll keep your sushi game strong.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • The 5 Best Substitutes for Sushi Rice
    • 1 - Arborio Rice
    • 2 - Short-grain White Rice
    • 3 - Cauliflower Rice
    • 4 - Quinoa
    • 5 - Broccoli Rice
  • Frequently Asked Questions

The 5 Best Substitutes for Sushi Rice

There are plenty of other types of rice that can be used as a delicious substitute.

Here are 5 of the best substitutes for sushi rice:

For recipes that need binding or texture alternatives, see eggs substitutes guide for meatballs for ideas that work in similar roles.

1 - Arborio Rice

Craft Sushi Rolls: 5 BEST Sushi Rice Substitutes Save for Later!

Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that originates from Italy.

It is named after the town of Arborio in the Piedmont region, where it has been grown for centuries.

This type of rice is known for its unique properties: it is very starchy and has a high absorption rate.

As a result, it is often used in risottos and other Italian dishes where a creamy texture is desired.

Arborio rice can also be substituted for sushi rice, as it produces a similar sticky texture when cooked.

When preparing sushi with Arborio rice, it is important to rinse the grains thoroughly before cooking, as they can otherwise become overly sticky.

If Arborio isn't available, consult Arborio rice substitutes list for risotto to find comparable short-grain options.

2 - Short-grain White Rice

Craft Sushi Rolls: 5 BEST Sushi Rice Substitutes Save for Later!

White rice is the most common type of rice consumed in the United States.

It is a versatile grain that can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to pilafs.

Short-grain white rice is a type of white rice that has a shorter, plumper grain than long-grain white rice.

As a result, it has a stickier texture and a sweeter flavor.

Many people enjoy eating short-grain white rice because it is easy to cook and has a versatile flavor.

However, some people prefer to substitute it for sushi rice because it has a similar stickiness that helps the sushi roll together.

If you are making sushi at home, you can use short-grain white rice in place of sushi rice.

Simply rinse the rice before cooking it, and be sure to add enough water so that the grains are fully cooked.

To adjust flavor profiles when swapping ingredients, consider white pepper substitutes and flavor options for complementary seasoning ideas.

3 - Cauliflower Rice

Craft Sushi Rolls: 5 BEST Sushi Rice Substitutes Save for Later!

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to rice, cauliflower rice is a great option.

It has a similar taste and texture to sushi rice but is lower in calories and carbs.

Plus, it's easy to make at home.

Simply pulse chopped cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles grains of rice.

Then cook it in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat until tender.

You can use it as a substitute for sushi rice in any recipe.

Just be sure to add a little extra seasoning, as cauli rice can be bland on its own.

With a little creativity, you can enjoy all your favorite dishes while getting more veggies into your diet.

For recipes that rely on stickiness or chew, review glutinous rice substitutes and texture tips to find suitable alternatives.

4 - Quinoa

Craft Sushi Rolls: 5 BEST Sushi Rice Substitutes Save for Later!

If you haven't tried quinoa yet, you're missing out on delicious and healthy food.

Quinoa has a nutty, slightly earthy flavor that goes well with all sorts of dishes.

It's also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a perfect choice for people who are looking to eat more healthfully.

Also, quinoa is very versatile - it can be used in place of rice in sushi rolls, as a base for salads, or as a side dish.

If you're looking for a new grain to add to your repertoire, quinoa is definitely worth trying.

When swapping quinoa in baking or cooking, check quinoa flour substitutes for baking uses for appropriate stand-ins.

5 - Broccoli Rice

Craft Sushi Rolls: 5 BEST Sushi Rice Substitutes Save for Later!

Broccoli rice is a versatile and flavorful alternative to traditional sushi rice.

It has a slightly nutty taste and a firm, chewy texture that makes it perfect for sushi rolls.

Broccoli rice is also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for those looking to boost their intake of vitamins and minerals.

To substitute broccoli rice for sushi rice, simply cook the rice according to the package directions.

Then, add 1-2 cups of finely chopped broccoli florets and stir to combine.

The broccoli will add color and texture to your sushi rolls, and the flavors will be deliciously complementary.

So ditch the white sushi rice in favor of nutrient-rich broccoli rice the next time you're in the mood for sushi.

You might also want to know how sushi rice compares.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for BEST Sushi Rice?

Arborio Rice, Short-grain White Rice, Cauliflower Rice, Quinoa, and Broccoli Rice. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for BEST Sushi Rice.

What works as a replacement in recipes?

Yes. Arborio Rice and Short-grain White Rice work as direct replacements in most recipes.

Use the same quantity and adjust seasoning after tasting.

Does the substitute change cooking time or temperature?

Usually not, but check moisture content. Wetter substitutes may need a slightly higher temperature or longer cook time to evaporate excess liquid and achieve the right texture.

Is the substitute appropriate for all dietary restrictions?

Check labels carefully.

Many substitutes introduce allergens or ingredients that conflict with specific diets - dairy, gluten, soy, or nuts may appear in processed alternatives.

5 BEST Substitutes for Sweet Rice Flour lists alternatives that work in sticky rice recipes. Healthy Alternatives: 5 Best Brown Rice Substitutes outlines heartier swap options for everyday dishes.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

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Food Writer & Recipe Developer

Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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