Is sashimi salmon? This is one of the most common questions people have when starting their exciting journey of eating Japanese dishes. After all, knowing what you’ll eat is pretty important, so finding the answer to this question is very important.
Sashimi is salmon that has been thinly sliced and served with fresh soy sauce or other ingredients, depending on the chef’s preferences. However, it can also be made from other fish types such as tuna, various seafood, and even red meat.
Many people prefer sushi just because they don’t really know what sashimi is. But, once you realize all the fine taste this Japanese dish has, you might change your preference. Its simplicity is one of its biggest advantages. Learn more about sashimi and have the best experience when tasting this Japanese delicacy.
Is Sashimi Salmon?
The meaning of the word sashimi is pierced body. But is sashimi really only salmon? Let’s answer right away – no. It’s usually made of raw salmon, but it can be made of other kinds of fish and seafood.
Can Sashimi Be Made With Something Other Than Salmon?
Sashimi is quite a simple dish, unlike sushi. There’s no rice or garnish like toppings or sauces. So this dish can be made with a variety of raw fish.
Besides salmon and tuna sashimi, which are the most popular species for sashimi, check other species that can be used and expand your possibilities:
- Halibut,
- Squid,
- Octopus,
- Clams,
- Sea bream,
- Shellfish,
- Shrimp,
- Mollusks,
- Mackerel,
- Scallops,
- Yellowtail,
- Raw red meat.
What Affects the Sashimi Quality?
What does sashimi taste like? Many factors affect the quality of the sashimi – sexual maturity of the fish, species, and age. Another aspect that will affect the quality of the meal is the way the fish is caught.
Sashimi-grade seafood has one big difference – it is caught with a handle line and not with a net. Then, the fish is immediately iced, which keeps it fresh and extends its shelf life. That way, you can rest assured all the bacteria are killed, and the fish is safe to eat.
Is Sashimi Cooked?
Sashimi isn’t cooked. It is made from raw fish and rarely raw red meat (usually from horses, but it’s, as I said, pretty rare). So, you can figure out that sashimi isn’t sushi. After all, trying some new things is always a good way to explore different cuisines.
Check the Main Differences Between Sushi and Sashimi
If you’re interested in learning more about Japanese cuisine and delicacies, you need to check the main differences between some of the most popular dishes. Sushi is on probably every Japanese restaurant’s menu, and most people already know what to expect from it. While you might already know whether sushi tastes like fish, do you know the main differences between it and sashimi? Look at the table below.
| Sushi | Sashimi |
| Usually not cooked | It’s not cooked |
| Prepared with rice and seaweed | Only contains raw seafood |
| In Japanese means “it is sour” | In Japanese means “pierced flesh” |
How to Serve Sashimi?
The formal Japanese meal usually consists of many courses. Sashimi is the first one, but it can be the main course, as well, accompanied by miso soup and rice in different bowls. Most Japanese chefs think sashimi is the finest dish and recommend eating it before other strong flavors affect the palate.
What Ingredients and Sides Go Great With Sashimi
When wondering where to buy sashimi, understand what you should expect from it. What it tastes like, what ingredients chefs are using, and how they combine and serve all of them together. And here are other ingredients to serve it with:
- Asian white radish,
- Leaves of shiso,
- Daikon,
- Soy sauce,
- Wasabi paste,
- Grated fresh garlic,
- Gari – pickled ginger,
- Fresh ginger,
- Bamboo shoots,
- Konnyaku,
- Yuba or tofu skin,
- Avocado.
Check How to Make Sashimi at Home
If you want to make this Japanese dish at home, here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
- Buy raw salmon vacuum packed,
- The fish has to be frozen if you want to eat it raw,
- Pull out bones with tweezers,
- Skin the fish,
- Put a paper towel underneath the skin,
- Thinly slice the salmon,
- Put the slices on a plate,
- Add whatever ingredients you wish.
Salmon Sashimi Is One of the Most Delicate Japanese Dish
No matter if you’re a real connoisseur or just a beginner, it’s good to know all the ingredients real sashimi has. After all, the better you understand a dish, the better you’ll enjoy and appreciate all flavors it offers. Your palate will be able to distinguish the finest flavors, and you’ll feel like a real pro.