Sushi lovers, rejoice! There’s no need to resort to the microwave to reheat your favorite sashimi and maki rolls. With a few simple tricks, you can revive chilled sushi and make it taste fresh and flavorful again.
We know you may be skeptical about reheating raw fish and rice without it turning into a soggy, fishy mess. But not to worry – we’ve uncovered some clever no-microwave methods to reheat sushi properly. So read on to learn the secrets and keep enjoying your sushi cravings anytime.
Panfrying gives the sushi a quick sear to warm it up while keeping the texture crisp. Here’s how:
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Place sushi in the pan for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side.
Baking is a gentle reheating method that prevents the sushi from drying out.
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place sushi on baking sheet and bake 4 minutes per side.
Steaming lets you reheat sushi slowly and evenly with moisture.
- Place sushi in steamer basket and steam 2-3 minutes.
Air frying crisps up the outside and warms the inside.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Cook sushi 2-3 minutes.
Toaster ovens work perfectly to reheat sushi rolls or small pieces.
- Preheat to 350°F and bake 4-5 minutes.
Now that you know how easy and delicious reheated sushi can be, go ahead – indulge in those sushi cravings whenever you want! In the rest of this article, we’ll provide more details on each reheating method so you can keep enjoying sushi at home.
Don’t Risk Ruining Your Sushi – Skip the Microwave
First things first – microwaves should be avoided at all costs when reheating sushi. The microwave tends to make sushi rice gummy while drying out the fish. It also can create an uneven heating which scalds some parts and leaves others chilled.
Instead, rely on more gentle reheating methods that bring back the flavor and texture of sushi without ruining it. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the techniques that work best for the types of sushi you like to order or make at home.
Panfrying Perfection for Nigiri and Rolls
One of our favorite no-microwave methods for reheating sushi is panfrying. This technique gives you a contrast of hot, crispy rice on the outside while gently warming the fish. Panfrying is ideal for nigiri sushi and maki rolls.
Here’s how to panfry sushi to crispy, mouthwatering perfection:
Step 1) Prep Your Pan
- Use a nonstick skillet or pan to prevent sticking. Lightly coat with sesame oil or vegetable oil.
- Heat the pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
Step 2) Cook Your Sushi
- Place your sushi pieces in the pan, evenly spaced apart.
- Cook for 45-60 seconds on the first side.
- Gently flip and cook another 30-45 seconds on the second side.
- Remove promptly when the rice looks lightly crisped and browned.
Step 3) Plate and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately while the exterior is crisp and the interior is heated through.
- Garnish with extra soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
The quick sear gives you that satisfying crunch while warming the fillings just enough. Be careful not to overcook or the rice can get dried out.
Baking Brilliance for Rolls, Chirashi, and More
For sushi varieties that are difficult to panfry, baking is your best no-microwave option. Baking gently brings the sushi components up to temperature without making the rice too soggy. It works well for:
- Maki rolls
- Chirashi sushi bowls
- Sushi topped with fish, avocado, etc.
Here’s how simple it is to bake sushi to perfection:
Step 1) Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat oven to 325°F convection bake or 350°F regular bake.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2) Bake Your Sushi
- Arrange sushi pieces evenly on the baking sheet, spaced apart.
- Bake for 3-4 minutes on the first side.
- Remove from oven, flip pieces over, and bake 2-3 minutes more.
- Check frequently to avoid overbaking.
Step 3) Enjoy Your Toasty Treats
- Sushi should be lightly toasted on the outside and warmed through inside.
- Top with extra sauces and garnishes as desired!
The indirect, surrounding heat of the oven redistributes moisture so the rice gets heated without drying out or getting mushy.
Steaming for Warmth Without Sogginess
Steaming is an ideal no-microwave reheating method for sushi fillings that are extra sensitive, like fish and avocado. It prevents drying while warming the components at a lower temperature.
Follow these simple steps to steam sushi to a tender, warmed, but not soggy finish:
Step 1) Ready Your Steamer
- Fill bottom pot with 2-3 inches water. Insert steamer basket.
- Bring water to a simmer. Make sure no water touches the basket.
Step 2) Steam Your Sushi
- Place sushi pieces in single layer in the basket, with space between.
- Steam for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently after 90 seconds.
Step 3) Serve and Savor
- Carefully remove basket when sushi is just warmed through.
- Top with sauces and extras as desired.
The steam heats the sushi contents gradually from hot air rather than direct contact. This prevents uneven heating or overly soggy rice.
Air Fryer Crisping Minus the Microwave
Air fryers have become popular appliances for creating crispy texture without loads of oil. Good news – they can also add crisp exteriors to revive leftover sushi!
Air frying is great for rolls, nigiri, sushi bites, and more. Here’s how to make it work:
Step 1) Preheat and Prep
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
- Spray or brush basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2) Air Fry Your Sushi
- Add sushi pieces in single layer, evenly spaced.
- Air fry for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
Step 3) Crispy on the Outside, Warmed Inside
- Remove promptly when exterior is crisped.
- Garnish and enjoy immediately!
The circulation of hot air crisps up the rice exterior. But unlike a microwave, it brings the internal temperature up gently to prevent drying it out.
Toaster Oven Tastiness in a Flash
Don’t overlook your toaster oven as an easy way to reheat sushi sans microwave! The smaller space allows quick heating similar to a conventional oven.
Toaster ovens work well for reheating rolls, nigiri, sushi bowls, and other small sushi items. Here’s how to make this method shine:
Step 1) Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat toaster oven to 350°F.
- Line pan or rack with parchment paper.
Step 2) Cook Your Sushi
- Arrange sushi in single layer on lined pan or rack.
- Toast for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
Step 3) Crispy and Warm = Yum
- Remove sushi once exteriors are crisped and insides heated through.
- Top with extras and enjoy immediately.
Thanks to the temperature control and smaller space, results are similar to a full oven without taking as long.
Handy Tips for Reheating Sushi Success
As you experiment with different no-microwave methods for reheating sushi, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Check sushi frequently to avoid overcooking. You want it just heated through, not scorched or dried out.
- Add any sauce or liquid ingredients like ponzu after reheating so they don’t make the sushi soggy.
- For filling-heavy rolls, slice in half before reheating so fillings heat through.
- Don’t reheat sushi more than once. Stick to reheating leftover sushi within 3-4 days.
- Reheating works best for homemade sushi or sushi from a trusted local spot, not grocery store deli sushi.
Still Craving That Fresh Sushi Experience?
We hope these creative no-microwave tips help you revive leftover sushi so it tastes nearly as delicious as it did originally! But for those times when a reheated substitute just won’t cut it, order your favorites from a top-rated local sushi restaurant that prepares everything fresh.
Delicious sushi delivered straight to your doorstep provides instant satisfaction when you want to indulge. Support small businesses in your community while enjoying high-quality sushi just how you like it.
So next time you’re Jonesing for some sushi, give these reheating methods a try. Or opt for fresh delivery sushi made just for you when you need a special treat!
