Sushi is a delicious Japanese dish, but it doesn’t keep well after being refrigerated. However, with the right techniques, you can revive refrigerated sushi to be almost as good as fresh. Here are several methods for reheating sushi using common kitchen appliances.
Reheating Sushi in the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat sushi.
- Place the sushi rolls or pieces on a microwave-safe plate. Do not stack or overlap them.
- Cover the plate loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- Microwave for 30-60 seconds depending on quantity. Smaller amounts of sushi will need less time.
- Check and flip the sushi halfway through. Return to microwave for additional 15-30 seconds until just warm.
- Be careful not to overcook the fish or the rice can become dried out and hard.
Reheating Sushi in the Oven
The oven allows you to reheat several rolls evenly at the same time.
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Arrange sushi rolls on the baking sheet without overcrowding.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 5-10 minutes until warm. Check frequently to prevent overcooking.
- For added moisture, place a damp paper towel under the foil.
Reheating Sushi on the Stovetop
Use the stovetop to quickly reheat small amounts of sushi.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a teaspoon of water to prevent sticking.
- Place sushi rolls or pieces in the pan. Cover and cook for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Use a spatula to gently flip the sushi halfway through.
- Drizzle a little bit of rice vinegar over the sushi before serving for added flavor.
Reheating Sushi in an Air Fryer
An air fryer will reheat sushi rolls while keeping the exterior crispy.
- Preheating air fryer to 325°F.
- Place sushi rolls in air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. Flip rolls halfway through.
- Brush rolls lightly with oil or nonstick spray to prevent drying out if needed.
- Check frequently to avoid overcooking delicate fish.
Tips for Reheating Sushi
- Don’t reheat sushi more than once. Reheated sushi will lose quality in texture and taste.
- Consume reheated sushi immediately for best quality and taste.
- Add garnishes like pickled ginger and wasabi just before eating as reheating diminishes flavor.
- Do not reheat sushi rolls containing avocado as it will turn brown. Add avocado after reheating.
- Sushi with cooked fillings like shrimp tempura reheats better than raw fish.
- For fried sushi rolls, reheat just until crisp. Overcooking makes the exterior soggy.
Common Questions about Reheating Sushi
How do you reheat fried sushi rolls?
Use the oven or air fryer to reheat fried sushi rolls. This will maintain the crispy texture of tempura better than the microwave. Reheat just until warmed through to prevent sogginess.
Can you reheat sushi in the microwave with fish?
Yes, you can reheat raw fish sushi in the microwave gently for 30-60 seconds. Take care not to overcook the fish. Microwaving cooked sushi containing shrimp or crab is fine.
Is it safe to eat reheated sushi?
Generally reheated sushi is safe if consumed immediately after heating. Avoid reheating sushi more than once. Don’t reheat sushi that has been left out too long at room temperature.
How long does sushi last in the fridge?
Properly stored sushi will last 24-36 hours refrigerated. Sushi containing raw fish should be consumed sooner, within 6-8 hours after purchasing for best quality.
Recipes for Reheated Sushi Dishes
Reheated Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowls
- Microwave 4-6 pieces spicy tuna sushi for 30 seconds.
- Flake tuna over warm rice in a bowl.
- Top with crushed chili crisps, avocado, cucumber, and sesame seeds.
Crispy Salmon Skin Hand Rolls
- Reheat storebought or homemade hand rolls in the air fryer at 325°F for 4 minutes.
- Top reheated hand rolls with baked salmon skin strips and pickled carrots.
Shrimp Tempura Sushi Tacos
- Warm shrimp tempura rolls in the oven at 300°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Slice rolls and serve in warmed corn tortillas with spicy mayo and coleslaw.
Recommended Products
Microwaves:
- Panasonic NN-SN936B – 1000W microwave with inverter technology for even heating
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS – 1.2 cu. ft. microwave with smart sensor and preset menus
- LG NeoChef LMC1575ST – 1.5 cu. ft. microwave with easy clean interior
- GE JES1656SMSS – 1.6 cu. ft. microwave with sensor cooking controls
- Samsung MG11H2020CT – 1.1 cu. ft. grill microwave with ceramic interior
Ovens:
- GE JT5000SFSS – 30” self-cleaning single electric wall oven
- Bosch HBL5451UC – 30″ slide-in electric single wall oven
- LG LDE4415ST – 30″ double electric wall oven with convection
- Frigidaire FGF378ACE – 36” freestanding gas range with convection oven
- Samsung NV51K7770DS – 36” double electric wall oven with convection
Air Fryers:
- Philips XXL Airfryer with Fat Removal Tech
- Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven
- COSORI Smart WiFi Air Fryer
- Dash Tasti Crisp Electric Air Fryer
Stovetops:
- GE JP5030DJBB 30” Smoothtop Electric Cooktop
- Frigidaire FFEC3625UB 36” Electric Smoothtop Cooktop
- Bosch NITP068UC 30” Gas Cooktop
- LG LCG3011ST 30” Gas Cooktop
- Whirlpool WCE55US0HB 30” Electric Cooktop
In summary, sushi can be reheated using several common appliances with a little finesse. Follow these instructions to enjoy delicious sushi again without the risk. Just remember—do not reheat sushi more than once and consume immediately after heating for best quality and food safety.
