Let's take Sashimi first since it will be easier to define what sushi is once we understand sashimi clearly.
So What Exactly is Sashimi?
Technically, the word sashimi means "pierced body", where sashi = (pierced,stuck) and mi = (body, meat). Integrated into the english language it is often used to refer to uncooked fish preparations.Generally, Sashimi can be identified or defined as a piece of meat, not necessarily only seafood and not necessarily raw, typically draped over a garnish like daikon (asian white radish shredded into long strands) and possibly accompanied by one perilla leaf per slice.
Sashimi is often normally served with a dipping sauce like soy sauce with wasabi paste or ponzu sauce (a citrus based sauce made by mixing soy sauce, lemon juice, rice vinegar, dashi, and mirin).
Some common meats served as Sashimi include:
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Not Everything called Sashimi is Raw
Take note that while Octopus (a popular Sashimi item in Japan), can be found and served raw, it is normally served cooked (boiled) due to its chewy nature.And Tataki is a Sashimi that is quickly and lightly seared on the outside -- in effect cooking the outside of it, while still leaving the inside raw. It is then briefly marinated in vinegar, thinly sliced and seasoned with ginger which is ground or pounded into a paste.
So while the majority of Sashimi items are served entirely raw, there are a few that are not.