Culture & Lifestyle • Food

Sashimi

Sashimi is a Japanese dish of thinly sliced raw fish or other seafood, sometimes other meats, served without rice.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sashimi is a Japanese dish of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, sometimes other meats, served without rice. It is commonly eaten with soy sauce, wasabi, and garnishes such as daikon radish or pickled ginger. The term is associated with Japanese cuisine and the presentation of very fresh ingredients. In Canada, sashimi is widely available in Japanese restaurants and grocery stores.

Definition

Sashimi refers to a Japanese dish consisting of sliced raw fish or seafood, and sometimes other raw meats. It is usually served as a separate dish rather than as part of a rice-based preparation. The dish can also include some non-fish proteins in certain traditions, such as horse meat.

Ingredients and presentation

Traditional sashimi uses very fresh fish or seafood cut into thin slices, though cuts may vary by ingredient. It is often arranged carefully on a plate and served with soy sauce, wasabi, and daikon radish for garnish. Presentation and the freshness of the ingredients are important in sashimi preparation.

Difference from sushi

Sashimi is not the same as sushi because it does not include vinegared rice. Sushi can contain many ingredients, while sashimi refers specifically to the sliced raw component served on its own.

Cultural context

Sashimi is a well-known element of Japanese cuisine and is often treated as a refined dish that highlights ingredient quality and precise knife work.

Key facts

Sashimi is a Japanese dish made from very fresh raw fish or seafood sliced into thin pieces.
It is typically served without rice, which distinguishes it from sushi.
Common accompaniments include soy sauce, wasabi, and shredded daikon radish.
The dish can also include some non-fish proteins in certain traditions, such as horse meat.
Presentation and the freshness of the ingredients are important in sashimi preparation.

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Canadian context

Sashimi is widely available in Canadian Japanese restaurants and grocery stores, and it is familiar to many Canadian readers as part of Japanese cuisine.

Frequently asked questions

What is sashimi?

Sashimi is a Japanese dish of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, usually served without rice.

Is sashimi the same as sushi?

No. Sushi includes vinegared rice, while sashimi is the sliced raw ingredient served on its own.

What is sashimi usually served with?

It is commonly served with soy sauce, wasabi, daikon radish, and sometimes pickled ginger.

Can sashimi include meat other than fish?

Yes. Some sources note that sashimi can also include other raw meats in certain traditions, though fish and seafood are most common.

What does the word sashimi mean?

The term is commonly explained as coming from Japanese words meaning "pierced body" or "pierced meat."

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/sashimi
Supports: Definition of sashimi, typical accompaniments, and distinction as a Japanese specialty served raw.
Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sashimi
Supports: Dictionary definition of sashimi as a Japanese dish traditionally consisting of thinly sliced usually raw seafood.
Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sashimi
Supports: Definition of sashimi as a Japanese dish of small pieces of uncooked fish eaten with soy sauce and the note that it is served without rice.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sashimi
Supports: Etymology, general description, and common use as a Japanese delicacy of raw fish or meat sliced into thin pieces.
Food Network — https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-is-sashimi
Supports: Notes that sashimi can include fish, seafood, and some cured or other proteins, and describes common serving practices.