A night out at your favorite Japanese restaurant is always a lot of fun. If you’re a fan of sushi, you might be familiar with a particular kind of sushi known as Hamachi. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at this traditional sushi and have included a recipe for Hamachi Sushi that you can make at home!
What is Hamachi?
Also known as Japanese amberjack, Hamachi is a highly regarded type of fish that grows in a stress-free environment. The fish has a high-fat content and a buttery flavor.
Hamachi vs Yellowtail
Hamachi is young Japanese amberjack and is usually farmed. Yellowtail is a larger fish that can be found mainly in the Pacific and Indian oceans. It can be identified by the yellow stripe on its body.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Hamachi Nigiri Sushi
- Sashimi grade Hamachi fillet
- Japanese sushi rice
- Sushi vinegar
- Salt
- Sugar
How to Make Hamachi Sushi
- Use a sharp Japanese sushi knife and slice the Hamachi fillets into thin sashimi-style strips.
- Place a small ball of seasoned sushi rice in your palm and use your fingers to give it an oval shape.
- Spread a pea-sized amount of wasabi in the middle of the fish if desired.
- Place the fish slice over the rice and gently press them together with your hands. Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality Japanese short-grain sushi rice for this recipe. You’ll need to add less water than cooking the regular rice. I recommend a 1:1 ratio between rice and water so that your rice won’t get mushy once squeezed.
- Use sashimi-grade hamachi for safety reasons. And cut it against the grain into the right thickness for nigiri. If your hamachi is too thick, it won’t be shaped properly on top of the rice, but if it’s too thin, it will lose the flavor. The best thickness is about 1/4 inch.
- To prevent rice sticking to your hands, you can make Tezu, a hand-dipping liquid made with water and vinegar. Wet your hands with Tezu before handling rice.
- Squeeze the rice firmly into an oval shape, but don’t squeeze too tight. It should still contain a little bit of air in the rice.
What to Serve with Hamachi Sushi
- Wasabi
- Soy Sauce
- Pickled Ginger (Gari)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Eat Hamachi Sushi When Pregnant?
Because of its high levels of mercury, hamachi should not be eaten if you’re pregnant. There are safer sushi options you can enjoy including trout, shrimp, salmon, crab, uni, freshwater eel, and abalone.
How Many Calories Are in Hamachi Sushi?
One piece of a hamachi sushi roll has about 51 calories, 8 grams of carbs, 3 grams of protein, and zero fat.
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Hamachi Sushi Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz sashimi-grade hamachi
- 2 cups sushi rice cooked and seasoned
- 2 teaspoons wasabi optional
- For Serving Optional:
- soy sauce
- wasabi
- pickled ginger
Instructions
- Make sure you are using sashimi-grade Hamachi. It can be purchased from a fishmonger or reliable online fish sellers.
- Use a sharp Japanese sushi knife and slice the Hamachi fillets into thin sashimi style strips.
- Place a small ball of seasoned sushi rice in your palm and use your fingers to give it an oval shape.
- Spread a pea-sized amount of wasabi in the middle of the fish if desired.
- Place the fish slice over the rice and gently press them together with your hands.
- Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
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