What Is Ika Sushi? Taste, Texture, and How to Enjoy It

Published: 27 Sep 2025

Ika sushi is a tasty and unique type of Japanese food culture. Made with fresh calamari on top of soft rice, it looks simple but feels special. The clean, soft taste and smooth texture make it different from other sushi. Many people enjoy it for its light and refreshing flavor.

This sushi is more than just food. It shows sushi chefs’ skill to effectively cook calamari. Every bite feels fresh from the sea. If you love sushi or want to try something new, ika sushi is a great choice to explore.

Table of Content

What Is Ika Sushi?
History of Ika Sushi
Types Of Ika Sushi
Species & Varieties Used in Sushi
What Good Ika Tastes
How Ika Is Prepared in Sushi / Sashimi
Storage of Ika Sushi
Conclusion
FAQs

What Is Ika Sushi?

Ika sushi is a popular Japanese sushi made with squid. The word “ika” in Japanese means squid. It is usually served as thin slices of raw or lightly cooked squid on top of rice. The taste is soft, fresh, and a little sweet. Its texture is smooth and slightly chewy. Many sushi lovers enjoy it for its clean and simple flavor.

History of Ika Sushi

Ika sushi has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries.Squid has long been an essential part of Japanese cuisine due to its ease of grab and full flavor. Over time, sushi chefs found ways to prepare squid that highlight its natural sweetness and smooth texture.

In the Edo period, squid became a popular choice for sushi in beach cities. It was valued for being fresh, light, and affordable.Today, ika sushi is popular all over the world due to its simple but beautiful sushi that connects people to Japanese food culture.

Types Of Ika Sushi

Ika sushi has many styles, and each one gives a different taste and feel.

Raw Ika Sushi (Nigiri)

This is the most common type. Thin slices of raw squid are placed on rice. It tastes fresh, mild, and smooth.

Boiled Ika Sushi

The squid is lightly boiled before serving. This makes it softer and less chewy while keeping its clean flavor.

Grilled Ika Sushi

Squid is grilled to add a smoky taste. The heat makes it firmer and brings out a stronger flavor.

Stuffed Ika Sushi

Whole squid can be stuffed with rice or other fillings. This style is rich, filling, and very special.

Species & Varieties Used in Sushi

Different kinds of squid are used to make ika sushi. Each has a different flavor and texture.

Japanese Flying Squid – The most common type used in sushi. It is tender and mild.
Bigfin Reef Squid – Known for its sweetness and soft texture.
Oval Squid – Has a rich flavor and is often served fresh.
Common Squid – Easy to find and used in many sushi shops worldwide.

What Good Ika Tastes

Good ika tastes clean and fresh, like the ocean. It has a mild flavor that is not too strong. The natural sweetness makes it very enjoyable. Its texture is smooth, soft, and a little chewy. Fresh ika never tastes fishy or sour. Each bite feels light and refreshing.

How Ika Is Prepared in Sushi / Sashimi

Ika needs special care before it becomes sushi or sashimi. Chefs use skill to make the squid tender, fresh, and tasty.

Cleaning the Squid

The skin and inside parts are removed carefully. This keeps the squid clean and safe to eat.

Cutting into Slices

The squid is cut into thin, even slices. This makes it look neat and easy to enjoy.

Sushi Preparation

Slices are placed on top of rice with a little wasabi. This adds flavor and balance.

Sashimi Preparation

Ika is served plain without rice. It shows the natural taste of squid.

Scoring the Surface

Chefs make small cuts on the squid’s surface. This makes it softer and easier to chew.

Storage of Ika Sushi

Ika sushi tastes best when it is fresh. But if you need to store it, care is very important. Proper storage keeps the squid safe and tasty.

Always keep ika sushi in the fridge at a cool temperature.
Store it in an airtight container to lock in freshness.
Eat within 24 hours for the best taste and safety.
Never leave ika sushi at room temperature for long.
Do not freeze sushi with rice, as it changes the texture.

Conclusion

Ika sushi is a special part of Japanese food culture. Its clean taste, smooth texture, and simple style make it different from other sushi. Whether raw, boiled, or grilled, it always gives a fresh and light flavor.

Enjoying ika sushi is more than eating squid. It is about tradition, skill, and taste. If you love sushi or want to try something new, ika sushi is a perfect choice to enjoy and explore.

FAQs

What is ika in sushi?

Ika in sushi means squid. It is usually served as thin slices on rice, giving a mild and slightly chewy taste.

Is ika sushi served raw or cooked?

Ika sushi can be served raw, boiled, or grilled. Raw ika is the most common, but cooked versions are also popular.

What is ika in Japanese?

In Japanese, “ika” simply means squid. It is a popular seafood used in sushi, sashimi, and other dishes.

How is ika prepared for sushi?

Chefs clean the squid, remove the skin, and slice it thin. Sometimes they score the surface to make it tender.

How long can ika sushi be stored?

Ika sushi should be eaten fresh. If stored, keep it in the fridge and finish within 24 hours.

Is ika cuttlefish or squid?

Ika usually refers to squid in Japanese sushi. Sometimes, cuttlefish may also be used, but squid is more common.

What kind of fish is Ika sushi?

Ika sushi is not fish but squid. It is a type of shellfish used in Japanese cuisine.