Sashimi is one of those foods that people are usually afraid of trying, thinking it may taste weird or bad. But, those people that are keen on trying new flavors may wonder what does salmon sashimi taste like? That question is a little hard to answer, because it’s a much different flavor profile from your usual taste.
As a popular Japanese “business lunch” dish, Sashimi has very ethnic notes to it. The thinly slices raw salmon has a light taste, which isn’t usually “fishy”. It’s served with condiments, such as wasabi or soy sauce to enhance the flavor.
While you may be hesitant to try it, it is one dish that easily becomes everyone’s favorite! Today’s article will walk you through what its texture and taste is like.
What does sashimi taste like?
Sashimi is made with different varieties of fish, but the most common is tuna and salmon. Those people that aren’t familiar with Japanese cuisine assume that it has a very fishy smell and taste because it is raw fish. But, it has a very mild fish and sea flavor! In fact, it has a rich and smooth taste. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on one of the best flavor experiences of your life!
Texture-wise, the thinly sliced salmon (sake) meat instantly melts in the mouth like butter when eaten raw! The silver salmon tastes best as sashimi because it’s a tender and fatty type of fish. The red Sockeye is firmer and less fatty, but tangier than your usual fish. Salmon meat from the belly tastes more succulent because of the higher fat content.
In terms of appearance, the bright orange color of the salmon and moist flesh makes it easily recognizable even from afar! It’s typically garnished with shredded radish or pepper sprouts and served over a platter of ice. Sashimi comes in various shapes, depending on the type of meat. You’ll find flat slices, as well as square, rectangular, and diagonal slices.
This delicious and light dish is often served with an assortment of condiments and garnishes, which help enhance its flavor. The traditional way is to use chopsticks to dip the sashimi into soy sauce before adding a hint of fresh wasabi and pickled ginger to it!
Overall, salmon sashimi has a subtle flavor. It’s not too overwhelming, which is why it’s a perfect appetizer, lunch, or dinner option.
But, how does it differ from sushi?
Is sashimi and sushi the same thing?
Some people assume sushi and sashimi to be the same. But, in reality, they both differ in several ways. Sushi is made with vinegared rice and it may or may not contain seafood. It is typically rolled in seaweed paper. On the other hand, the key ingredient in sashimi is raw fish, which is served as julienned slivers of meat. Another similar dish is Nigiri, which is not to be confused with sashimi, as the former involves thin slices of fish draped over vinegared rice. Unlike sushi and Nigiri, sashimi is not served with rice.
Sushi also contains other ingredients, such as mayonnaise and other sauces, vegetables, and different varieties of meat, which makes this bite-sized piece so calorie-loaded. Although versatile, sushi rolls have high carbohydrates and sodium. Therefore, most people find sashimi healthier as the use of fish makes it high in omega-3 content. Keep in mind; there are several health concerns associated with the consumption of raw fish.
Generally, sashimi is more valued by those familiar with Japanese food; it comes down to what you prefer between the two.
Is it safe to eat sashimi?
Some people are apprehensive about trying sashimi because it has raw fish. However, this fish is caught in chilly waters and frozen thereafter. The freezing process eliminates any parasites that are in the fish. Hence, sashimi is generally safe to eat, as long as it’s been cleaned well. Moreover, this dish is made with sushi-grade or sashimi-grade fish, which is basically fish that is safe to eat when raw.
Our recommendation is to either use farmed or wild caught salmon.
Nonetheless, pregnant women and young children should be careful and avoid it entirely because of fears of harmful parasites and food-borne illnesses.
Conclusion
If you’re already a fan of the quintessential Japanese dish, Sushi, then you must not miss out on Sashimi! It’s an incredibly refreshing dish, with mild flavor notes and a buttery texture that instantly melts in the mouth. It’s a fantastic stand-alone treat made with julienned slivers of fatty and tender salmon meat. Having it with condiments like soy sauce and wasabi helps overpower the fishy taste and gives it an excellent flavor. We hope that you’ll open your mind and palate to enjoy the unique and succulent flavors of sashimi, after reading this article!
If you’re planning on making it at home, make sure that the fish you get is of high-quality and is marked “safe to eat raw”.