Sake and Sushi Pairings

Going out for a sushi dinner has become quite the popular event. Many social gatherings involve sushi and sake due to its natural form of pulling people together. When going out for a sushi dinner, the dinner would not be complete, without pairing it with some hot sake. While talking about pairing sushi and sake seems like a simple task, there is actually a science behind it.

Sushi and sake actually share a common ingredient, being rice. Though most don't recommend pairing foods that share a similar component together, sushi and sake are the exception to this rule. The sake really brings a whole other taste out in the sushi that you've probably been missing out on. I, for one would not order sushi without a great compliment of sake. I'm sure once you enjoy your first sushi/sake pairing, you'll never go back to just plain sushi or sake again.

Here is a guide to assist you in pairing some wonderful tasting sushi together with great sake:

Sushi with tempura or teriyaki in it would match really well with a Sho Chiku Bai. A sho Chiku Bai is clear sake that is considered one of the finer smooth sakes that can really bring the smoky taste in the food. This sake is paired the best with mild seasoned foods. Sho Chiku Bai originated at the Takara brewery in Kyoto, Japan back in 1933.

Calamari, Sashimi, Shumai, and salmon rolls are paired the best with Gekkeikan. Gekkeika is clear and light sake, which is known for its dry, but smooth flavor. This sake will warm your throat and really accentuate the smoky taste in these pieces of sushi. Gekkeikan is brewed at the Gekkeikan Sake Incorporated brewery in Folsom, California. This sake was originated more than 360 years, and is still a fan favorite.

Another tasty sake that's paired well salmon rolls, most sashimis, calamari and shumai is Fu-Ki. Fui-Ki a dark purple sake which is actually known as a plum wine is a fruity compliment with a strong grape and plum flavor. This sake is perfect for cold and seasoned dishes. Fu-Ki has originated from a Japan brewery and has also been popular sake to choose from for many years.

Unagi, spicy salmon roll, or a spicy tuna roll match well with Sho Chiku Bai Nigori. The mild dessert sake is known for its sweet and fruity flavors with a coconut aftertaste must be shaken before being poured due to the rice sediments at the bottom of the bottle. Sho Chiku Bai Nigori is a clear sake that accompanies sushi with a cream cheese or avocado filling, such as Philadelphia rolls or Boston rolls. Sho Chiku Bai Nigori is also known to be great dessert sake because of its thin and light nature. Sho Chiku Bai Nigori was also originated at the Tarkar brewery in Kyoto, Japan.