Inarizushi

Inarizushi is a unique sushi variety which consists of chewy tofu pockets filled with fragrant sushi rice. Aburaage, the tofu skins which have been fried to form hollow products are used as containers which hold the rice together. Mild in flavor, they are usually boiled in a fragrant mixture of dashi, mirin, and soy sauce, which allows them to soak in all the subtle flavors.

The filling inside the tofu pockets usually employs plain sushi rice, which can be elevated with many different ingredients such as carrots, shiitake mushrooms, roasted sesame seeds, or pieces of nori, but it never employs raw fish, the common element found in other sushi varieties.

The rice is placed in the center of tofu pockets, and it is usually completely enclosed. In more decorative forms, the rice is only partially covered to showcase the delicious filling. It is believed that inarizushi was originally prepared in the 19th century, and its invention is usually associated with Toyokawa, where it was primarily sold as a snack in front of many shrines.

Because of its convenience and the complex sweet, salty, and sour flavors, inarizushi is extremely popular in Japan. It is often sold as a takeaway meal or a quick supermarket snack.