How to Make Sashimi
Buy the fish., Prepare the fish., Serve.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Buy the fish.
Japanese markets will carry high quality fish trimmed into pieces that are ready to be sliced and served sashimi-style.
However, many fish markets and high-end supermarkets carry fish equally suitable for making sashimi.
Nearly any kind of fish can be used—freshwater and saltwater varieties apply.
Popular choices include mackerel, tuna, snapper, halibut, salmon, sea bass, eel, and scallop.
Fattier cuts of fish tend to work best for this succulent fare.
Larger fish such as salmon or tuna easily achieve the nicely formed rectangles customary to the dish, but smaller fish can certainly be used as well, and many species and cuts even have distinct presentation styles.
A market that caters to sashimi makers and restaurants will distinguish between the parts of some fish because different cuts of the same fish can impart vastly different flavors and textures.
For example, the high fat content in certain parts of the tuna’s belly is considered more desirable than other cuts of tuna and hence is far more extravagantly priced.
Buying fish from a reputable supplier is very important when it is intended for raw consumption (see “Health concerns” below).
Health concerns:
The quality and freshness of fish for sushi and sashimi must be held to exceptionally high standards for both taste and health reasons.
Unfortunately, the term “sushi-” or “sashimi-grade” is more a marketing term, less a guarantee of freshness or quality.
FDA recommendations and local health department requirements for ready-to-eat foods do apply, but there are no specifics for “sashimi-grade” fish.
Because there is no federally regulated grading system for fish that is consumed raw, many suppliers have set up their own parameters to measure and guarantee freshness.
Knowing a little about your source can thus be helpful.
Nonetheless, there are regulations concerning parasite destruction in raw fish that are enforced by FDA inspectors.
This involves freezing and storing seafood at the appropriate temperatures and durations to kill parasites.
It is mainly salmon that poses a parasite threat, and for that reason it has not been eaten raw in most Japanese cultures until recently.
Now that freezing enables destruction of the parasites found in salmon, it is considered safe, although some connoisseurs believe it degrades the taste somewhat. -
Step 2: Prepare the fish.
Preparation is simple.
Use a sharp knife.
If the fish isn’t already trimmed, you can trim it into a one to two-inch wide by a half to one-inch high fillet, or simply use it in whatever shape it’s already in.
Cut the fish against the grain into ¼-inch thick slices.
Sashimi can also be cut into thinner slices.
Paper-thin sashimi (kaku zukuri) is sometimes presented in a pattern.
For taste and freshness, the fish needs to be consumed as quickly after preparation as possible. , Arrange a few pieces on a plate and serve it with chopsticks and Japanese shoyu soy sauce for dipping.
Shredded daikon radish, pickled ginger, wasabi and/or a shiso leaf are often served alongside.
The function of the accompaniments is primarily aesthetic, however.
A dab of shoyu is really all that’s needed to enjoy what the fish itself has to offer.
Sashimi is more commonly served as an appetizer rather than a main course.
When served as a main course, accompany the fish with bowls of rice and miso soup. -
Step 3: Serve.
Detailed Guide
Japanese markets will carry high quality fish trimmed into pieces that are ready to be sliced and served sashimi-style.
However, many fish markets and high-end supermarkets carry fish equally suitable for making sashimi.
Nearly any kind of fish can be used—freshwater and saltwater varieties apply.
Popular choices include mackerel, tuna, snapper, halibut, salmon, sea bass, eel, and scallop.
Fattier cuts of fish tend to work best for this succulent fare.
Larger fish such as salmon or tuna easily achieve the nicely formed rectangles customary to the dish, but smaller fish can certainly be used as well, and many species and cuts even have distinct presentation styles.
A market that caters to sashimi makers and restaurants will distinguish between the parts of some fish because different cuts of the same fish can impart vastly different flavors and textures.
For example, the high fat content in certain parts of the tuna’s belly is considered more desirable than other cuts of tuna and hence is far more extravagantly priced.
Buying fish from a reputable supplier is very important when it is intended for raw consumption (see “Health concerns” below).
Health concerns:
The quality and freshness of fish for sushi and sashimi must be held to exceptionally high standards for both taste and health reasons.
Unfortunately, the term “sushi-” or “sashimi-grade” is more a marketing term, less a guarantee of freshness or quality.
FDA recommendations and local health department requirements for ready-to-eat foods do apply, but there are no specifics for “sashimi-grade” fish.
Because there is no federally regulated grading system for fish that is consumed raw, many suppliers have set up their own parameters to measure and guarantee freshness.
Knowing a little about your source can thus be helpful.
Nonetheless, there are regulations concerning parasite destruction in raw fish that are enforced by FDA inspectors.
This involves freezing and storing seafood at the appropriate temperatures and durations to kill parasites.
It is mainly salmon that poses a parasite threat, and for that reason it has not been eaten raw in most Japanese cultures until recently.
Now that freezing enables destruction of the parasites found in salmon, it is considered safe, although some connoisseurs believe it degrades the taste somewhat.
Preparation is simple.
Use a sharp knife.
If the fish isn’t already trimmed, you can trim it into a one to two-inch wide by a half to one-inch high fillet, or simply use it in whatever shape it’s already in.
Cut the fish against the grain into ¼-inch thick slices.
Sashimi can also be cut into thinner slices.
Paper-thin sashimi (kaku zukuri) is sometimes presented in a pattern.
For taste and freshness, the fish needs to be consumed as quickly after preparation as possible. , Arrange a few pieces on a plate and serve it with chopsticks and Japanese shoyu soy sauce for dipping.
Shredded daikon radish, pickled ginger, wasabi and/or a shiso leaf are often served alongside.
The function of the accompaniments is primarily aesthetic, however.
A dab of shoyu is really all that’s needed to enjoy what the fish itself has to offer.
Sashimi is more commonly served as an appetizer rather than a main course.
When served as a main course, accompany the fish with bowls of rice and miso soup.
About the Author
Jerry Ford
Specializes in breaking down complex pet care topics into simple steps.
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