Difference between Maki and Uramaki Sushi

Today, people enjoy sushi as a versatile and popular dish in various forms. Usually, it is beloved for its delicate flavours. Among the various types of sushi, maki and uramaki stand out for their unique characteristics. While both involve rolling rice and fillings in nori, their preparation and presentation are distinct.

So understanding the difference between maki and uramaki sushi styles can enhance your dining experience. 

This article delves into the ultimate guide to maki vs. uramaki sushi, also highlighting their unique features. As a result, you can understand which is better and choose your favourite one.

The History/Origin of Maki

The history of maki has been traced back to ancient Japan. It was originally called “makizushi” or “sushi rolls.” Yet, the origins of maki are closely related to the development of sushi as Japan’s favourite dish.

It is thought to have first arrived in Japan during the 17th century, by a chef named Hanaya Yohei. However, maki is a type of traditional sushi roll where the seaweed is on the outside and the rice is inside. Maki is very popular for its nori wrapping, which provides a chewy texture. Also, a rich umami flavour complements the inner filings. 

Typically, the dish includes sliced raw fish, vegetables and a variety of toppings. Ultimately, in Japanese restaurants or other establishments that serve Asian cuisine, maki is widely available. It is one of the most popular choices for sushi because it is easy to eat. 

The History/Origin Of Uramaki Sushi

It is believed that Uramaki was created in the early 1960s by a Japanese chef named Ichiro Mashita. However, in the United States, at that time, many people had never consumed raw fish and were prejudiced against “black foods” such as soy sauce or seaweed.

The result of the trial was the style of rolling seaweed inside with Californian boiled crabs, avocados and cucumbers. By covering seaweed insides and sushi vinegared rice outside, they succeeded in reducing the consumption of black foods. 

Later, this roll was named the “California Roll.” Furthermore, the seaweed is wrapped inside out and has come to be called “uramaki,” where Ura means “inside out” and Maki means  “roll” in Japan. 

Additionally, the style of sushi was developed to appeal to Western palates, who were initially less familiar with the taste and texture of nori. 

What Is The Difference Between Maki and Uramaki Sushi?

Though maki and inside-out roll may appear similar, they have some differences. After reading this guide, you will immediately notice the difference between maki and uramaki sushi. In short, both are different in the following ways, such as:

• Nori Placement
• Ingredient Composition
• Appearance
• Common Variation
• Preparation
• Taste and Texture
• Popularity

Let’s take a closer look at the following ways that maki differs from uramaki.

• Nori Placement

In maki sushi, the seaweed sheet is on the outside, wrapping around the rice and filling. 

On the other hand, the rice is on the outside of the roll and often wrapped with sesame seeds, raw fish or other toppings.

• Ingredient Composition

Maki sushi ingredient composition is typically simpler and often features fewer ingredients. 

In contrast, Uramaki sushi ingredients are often more complex and feature a wide variety of ingredients.

• Appearance

When maki is sliced, you can see the nori wrapping around the rice and fillings, creating a cylindrical shape. 

When uramaki is sliced, you can see the rice on the outside, which gives the roll a different texture and appearance compared to traditional maki sushi.

• Serving

In the process of maki serving, the rolls are typically cut into bite-sized pieces and then arranged on a platter. This dish can be part of a larger meal, such as a multi-course Japanese meal called a “kaiseki” or bento box. It is also often served with other dishes, such as miso soup or pickled vegetables. Besides, it may be garnished with ingredients including green onions or sesame seeds. 

Alternatively, uramaki is served at room temperature, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you should remember that it is not only rules and guidelines. To serve uramaki, remove it from the refrigerator or cool the packaging one hour before you would like to enjoy it. This can help the flavour and texture be at their optimum. 

• Common Variation

There are so many types of sushi maki but five are common, such as:

Futomaki

Futomaki is a Japanese snack made by rolling sushi rice and seaweed around a filling and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Additionally, a wide variety of fillings can be found in futomaki.

Hosomaki

The word “homomaki” can mean “thin roll” and is typically made the same way as futomaki. It is rolled on a half sheet of nori. In this way, the final bite-size pieces make it easier to eat with chopsticks.

Uramaki

Known as an “inside-out roll,” it has rice on the outside and seaweed on the inside.

Temaki

Temaki, also known as temakizushi or hand roll, is a cone-shaped sushi roll. It is made by placing rice and fillings on a nori sheet before rolling it into a cone-shaped sushi roll.

Kappa Maki

Kappamaki is consumed to clear the palate between eating raw fish and other kinds of foods. Therefore, the tastes of the fish are distinct from those of other foods.

Besides, uramaki sushi has four common variations, such as:

California Roll

The California roll is one of the most famous examples of uramaki, which contains a filling of crabmeat, butter fruit and cucumber.

Rainbow Roll

Usually, it is similar to a California roll, but with a topping of colourful slices of raw fish like salmon, tuna, and yellowtail, which makes a rainbow roll different.

Dragon Roll

Another popular variation of uramaki is the dragon roll, which contains a filling of cucumber and shrimp tempura with a topping of sliced avocado.

SpicyTuna Roll

The speciality of this role is spicy raw tuna and mixing it with sriracha and sesame oil. Additionally, it is finished off with a topping of spicy mayo.

• Preparation

To make maki sushi, first lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo mat, then spread a layer of sushi rice on top of the seaweed. Then add the desired fillings in a line across the centre of the rice. Roll the sushi tightly and shape it into a compact cylinder. Finally, slice into bite-sized pieces. Additionally, chefs use more unconventional ingredients, such as cream cheese, avocado and peanut butter. Wasabi and soy sauce are also used, which are both integral to the overall flavour of the dish. 

Uramki, On the other hand, making requires a bit more skill. However, the chef places a sheet of plastic wrap on the bamboo mat and then spreads the rice over the nori. Whether the seaweed is flipped so that the rice faces down. The fillings are placed on top of the nori. Then roll up the roll and use the plastic wrap to keep all the ingredients tight.

• Taste and texture

Due to the nori wrapping, Maki has a distinct texture and flavour. This is often toasted before being used to wrap the sushi, providing it with a crispy and savoury taste. 

In uramaki, the rice on the outside creates a softer and more delicate texture. Additionally, the coating, such as sesame seeds or tobiko, adds extra layers of flavour and crunch.

• Popularity

While people around the world enjoy both maki and uramaki, their popularity can vary by region. 

Usually, maki sushi remains a staple in Japan, where it is prized for its simplicity and traditional roots. 

Uramaki has become a favourite in many Western countries, such as America.

Let’s get a clear idea about the difference between maki and uramaki sushi.

Key Points	Maki	Uramaki
Structure	On the outside is seaweed, and inside is rice.	Rice on the outside, nori on the outside.
Ingredients	Sushi rice, seafood and other vegetables.	Sushi rice, sesame seeds, raw fish and other vegetables.
Additional Name	Makizushi	Inside out roll
Created	Hanaya Yohei, was a chef from the 17th century.	Ichiro Mashita was a Japanese chef in the 1960s
Taste Profile	Crispy and savoury	Softer and more delicate
Popularity	In Japan	All western countries

Which is Better, Uramaki or Maki?

Usually, the preference between maki and uramaki sushi depends on some factors, such as the taste and ingredients you may like. 

For example, if you enjoy traditional Japanese flavours and simpler preparations, maki might be more appealing. 

On the other hand, if you like to try new and creative sushi combinations with a wide variety of textures, you might prefer uramaki. 

Your preference also depends on the setting. For example, in a traditional Japanese sushi restaurant, you might lean towards maki, while in a Western-style sushi bar, uramaki could be more exciting. 

Ultimately, both styles have their unique taste and popularity. But the best way to determine which is better is to try both and see which you enjoy more.

Bottom Line

Finally, we are at the end of our guide on the difference between maki and uramaki sushi. We can see that both offer a unique dining experience that reflects the diversity and creativity inherent in sushi culture. Ultimately, maki sushi provides a taste of tradition with its classic nori exterior. While uramaki sushi showcases the evolving art of sushi making with its innovative inside-out design. Therefore, understanding these differences can help you select something that you can enjoy more. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is uramaki in sushi?

Uramaki in sushi means rice on the outer layer and nori on the inner layer. This wrapping gives it a unique variation on the usual sushi roll. Besides, it makes uramaki ideal for sushi with fillings that consist of more than one ingredient.

• Is uramaki sushi raw?

Usually, uramaki contains raw ingredients but it does not contain a lot. However, the presence of raw fish or other raw ingredients depends on the specific type of roll. For example, rolls like spicy tuna or salmon often include raw fish such as tuna, salmon and other seafood. In contrast, rolls like the California roll and vegetarian uramaki rolls feature cooked ingredients.

• Who invented sushi?

The inventor of sushi is believed to be Hanaya Yohei. He invented a “nigirizushi” sushi that is most well-known today. Here, seafood is placed on hand-pressed vinegared rice around 1824 in the Edo period of 1603-1867.

• Is Uramaki Vegetarian?

Uramaki can be vegetarian but not all rolls are. However, whether uramaki is vegetarian or non-vegetarian depends on the specific ingredients. For example, vegetarian uramaki might include cucumber, carrots and other vegetables. On the other hand, non-vegetarian uramaki includes seafood such as tuna, salmon or crab.

• Is Uramaki Japanese or American?

Uramaki is an American invention that was conceived in the late 1960s when nori was still an unknown and exotic ingredient.

• Who invented the uramaki?

Uramaki’s origins were disputed between Los Angeles and Vancouver. Almost all people claim that it was invented in California for convenience in the late 1960s by a Japanese chef named Ichiro Mashita.

• How do you eat uramaki sushi?

Typically, eating uramaki sushi depends on the type of sushi you eat. In all cases, though, it is best to eat with your hands. Additionally, you should make an effort to swallow the whole portion at once. However, a bite or two is acceptable, especially with huge rolls. If you want to use soy sauce and wasabi, it is best to put the wasabi on first. Then gently touch the rice to the soy sauce, and eat the uramaki sushi as soon as possible. 

• Why is Uramaki so popular?

Uramaki is so popular because of its inverted structure. Unlike traditional sushi rolls, where the seaweed wraps around the outside, uramaki sushi places the rice on the exterior. Besides the seaweed inside. This switch not only changes the eating experience and texture but also differs in preparation technique.

• Do they eat uramaki in Japan?

In Japan, traditional sushi dishes like nigiri, sashimi, maki and temaki. Uramaki is an uncommon type of makimono. Because in Japan, sushi is traditionally eaten with the hands. Therefore, it can be challenging to handle the rice’s outer layer. However, uramaki has also been found in some sushi restaurants in Japan. This is for particularly those catering to tourists.

• Does uramaki have raw fish?

Uramaki can have raw fish but it does not necessarily have to. Since uramaki’s ingredients can vary greatly. Additionally, many rolls feature non-fish ingredients.

• Is Uramaki authentic?

Uramaki is authentic in its own right. Also, it is a popular variant that has played a significant role in the global spread of sushi culture.