Preparing sushi at home is an art, an economic, and time-efficient means of obtaining your sushi fix without ever leaving the house. Perhaps the most common question is, where to purchase sushi grade fish? It’s a completely legitimate question—and a serious one. Quality and safety, where raw seafood is involved.
So, let’s dive into what sushi grade means, where to find it, and how to ensure you’re buying fish that’s safe to eat raw.
What Does Sushi Grade Fish Mean?
You should know that there’s no legal definition in U.S. law of sushi grade fish. No governmental regulation, no certification process that requires fish to be. But to chefs, most typically, it just means raw fish that is safe to eat. That is, it’s been stored, frozen, or held, which kills parasites and inhibits the growth of fatal bacteria.
Usually, raw consumption fish is flash-frozen to below freezing, generally to some -4°F (-20°C) for a minimum of seven days, or -31°F (-35°C) for 15 hours, which is what the FDA recommends. Freezing that low will kill parasites that have a possibility of surviving on raw fish. In the supermarket, don’t be afraid to ask. Where does the fish come from? How is the fish handled? Is the fish frozen to kill parasites?
How to Choose Sushi Grade Fish?
Always trust your senses and your sources when purchasing sushi grade fish. Never purchase fish with a strong or “fishy” smell, slimy texture, or pale color. Fresh sushi fish will have an ocean smell, bright color, and firm texture. Tuna should have a rainbow natural sheen—that’s fine—but if it doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts.
Some of the most valuable tips are:
- Color: It should be deeply colored and not gray or brown.
- Smell: Fresh, ocean-like scent is okay. A sour or ammonia scent means something is wrong.
- Texture: It should be firm to the touch and not sticky or wet.
Best Places to Buy Sushi Grade Fish
Wherever you may be, in a big town or a small town, there are all sorts of shops where you can obtain great sushi-quality fish. Let’s go through your top three options:
1. Japanese Supermarkets
If you’re fortunate enough to live near a Japanese or Asian grocery store, this should be your first stop. They often carry sushi grade fish. You’ll find everything from tuna and salmon to more specialty items like yellowtail (hamachi), mackerel, and even uni (sea urchin).
They should typically carry pre-cut, ready-to-be-sushi fillets packed. Request “sashimi grade” or simply inquire from a counter attendant. Do not assume all foods that are laid out at the counter are safe to be eaten raw—some are, in fact, only for cooking.
2. Local Fish Markets or Butchers
Specialty stores or high-end fish markets would also be carrying sushi grade fish. No problem requesting, particularly if local quality is excellent. Tell them you are having the fish served raw and ask them to let you know where it is from and what preparation has been done to it. If they do not stock sushi grade, maybe they have some accommodation to special order it for you, or they can give you another course of action.
3. Online Stores
The internet provides easier access than ever before to buy quality seafood. Sushi-grade fish overnight delivery, kept in dry ice to keep them fresh, is something offered by the majority of online stores. They usually offer a vast range of seafood and fish items, including lesser exotic delicacies like monkfish liver, various qualities of uni, and even sushi kits.
When buying online, check customer feedback, shipping information, and warranties. There is no ease of use to top, and oftentimes you will find that you are able to have more variety than your local market.
4. Your Catch (With Caution)
As a saltwater angler, it would be easy to want to bring your freshly caught trophy into the house and slice some sashimi off of it. And yes, you can, under certain circumstances. Tuna and the rest of the sea fish are occasionally consumed, thus in coastal resorts. But beware—just because you caught the fish, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to consume it raw on the hook. You must find out if the fish is susceptible to parasites and then how to clean, gut, and store the fish. Unless you are very competent, it is better to leave this choice to the professionals.
A Final Comment on Sushi Making at Home
Now that you know where to buy sushi grade fish, having sushi at home is not as intimidating as you imagined. Everyone is surprised at how simple and rewarding it is. Once you master the art of making good sushi rice, the proper handling of fish, and rolling maki or making nigiri, you will be wondering why in the world you paid $20 for a dull roll at the market.
You can even purchase fully kitted-out sushi-making kits from the internet that contain everything you will ever need for an evening in: rolling mats, rice vinegar, nori sheets, and so on.
Summing Up!
Now that globalization and the sharing of the internet, you can more readily purchase sushi grade fish than ever. Browse your neighborhood Japanese market, buy at an internet specialty store, or stroll about your neighborhood fish market. With the right fish and some enthusiasm, you can transform any night into an in-house sushi dinner.
Are You Hungry? Visit Sushi Incorporated Today!
Sushi Inc. is a vibrant restaurant that offers what is considered the best sushi in St Pete. Opening its doors in 2013 and becoming a local staple by offering live music, traditional hand-rolled sushi, and a friendly atmosphere, our guests always have a top-notch experience. Customers love our award-winning, fresh, and creative Sushi rolls, Nigiri, and Sashimi. With a larger selection of tempura, non-sushi, Japanese, and teriyaki options, we can accommodate every taste in downtown St Petersburg FL. Contact us today to set your reservation or if you have any questions. When setting any reservations, please inform us of any allergies you might have and ask for alternative options.
