How to Make Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Foam: An Elevated Step-by-Step Guide

by Oleg Nikitenko November 14, 2024

Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Foam: Recipe

Sea urchin, or "uni," is a sought-after delicacy, celebrated for its creamy texture and briny, oceanic flavor. By adding a luxurious uni foam, you can take sea urchin sushi to the next level, adding a light, airy element that amplifies the uni’s rich, umami flavor. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of creating this elegant dish, from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the uni foam. For more sushi-making tips and gourmet recipes, visit the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel .

Why Uni Foam Enhances Sea Urchin Sushi

Adding uni foam to sea urchin sushi enhances the dish’s texture and flavor profile by providing a light, creamy layer that complements the fresh uni. The foam’s airy texture brings out the subtle sweetness of the uni, adding a delicate finish to each bite. This dish is perfect for gourmet enthusiasts who want to impress guests with a modern take on sushi.

"Uni is the ocean on a plate, and adding a foam to it allows for a lighter, yet complex flavor experience," says Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, a master of Japanese cuisine.

For premium-quality uni and seafood ingredients, explore our selection at Global Seafoods .

Ingredients Needed for Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Foam

For the best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:

Fresh Sea Urchin (Uni): 2-3 pieces per serving; look for bright orange or yellow uni with a mild oceanic scent.
Sushi Rice: Short-grain sushi rice, seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for an authentic sushi experience.
Nori Sheets: Fresh, crisp seaweed sheets for wrapping sushi.
Uni Foam Ingredients:
- 2-3 pieces of uni
- ¼ cup heavy cream or dashi broth (for a lighter flavor)
- A pinch of sea salt
Garnishes: Microgreens, edible flowers, or lemon zest for added elegance and freshness.

For sustainably sourced uni, visit our Sea Urchin Collection and Live Seafood Collection .

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Uni Foam

Uni foam adds a light, airy texture that complements the creaminess of sea urchin sushi. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

2-3 pieces of fresh uni
¼ cup heavy cream or dashi broth
A pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

Blend the Uni with Cream or Broth: In a small blender, combine the uni with heavy cream or dashi broth. Blend until smooth and creamy, without lumps.
Strain the Mixture: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids. This step ensures a smooth, consistent foam.
Use a Foam Whipper (Optional): For best results, transfer the mixture to a foam whipper or siphon, charging it with one or two CO₂ cartridges. This will create a light, airy foam.
Season with Sea Salt: Add a pinch of sea salt for flavor balance.

How to Make Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Foam: Step-by-Step Recipe

Once your uni foam is prepared, it’s time to assemble the sushi. Here’s a complete guide to creating sea urchin sushi with uni foam:

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Cook the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of short-grain sushi rice until the water runs clear, then cook according to the package instructions.
Season the Rice: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Assemble the Sushi

Shape the Rice: Take a small amount of sushi rice (about a tablespoon) and form it into a compact, oblong shape with your fingers.
Add Fresh Uni: Place a piece of fresh uni on top of the rice, securing it carefully as uni can be delicate.
Top with Uni Foam: Spoon or dispense a small amount of uni foam over the top of the sushi. The foam should add a light, airy texture to the uni without overpowering its flavor.

Step 3: Wrap with Nori (Optional)

Cut Nori Strips: Slice a sheet of nori into thin strips and wrap one around each piece of sushi. This keeps the sushi together and adds a subtle, savory flavor.
Garnish: Top with a garnish of lemon zest, microgreens, or edible flowers for a visually appealing and flavorful touch.

For additional gourmet seafood, check out our Crab Collection to expand your culinary options.

Presentation Tips for Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Foam

Presentation is an essential part of creating an unforgettable sushi experience. Here are some tips to make your sea urchin sushi with uni foam stand out:

Serve on Dark Plates: The vibrant orange of the uni and the airy texture of the foam look stunning against dark or neutral-colored plates.
Garnish Carefully: Small touches like edible flowers, microgreens, or a light sprinkle of lemon zest add elegance without detracting from the main flavors.
Serve Fresh and Chilled: Keep the sushi slightly chilled for optimal freshness and texture.

Ideal Pairings for Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Foam

Pairing your sushi with the right drink can elevate the experience. Here are some top recommendations:

1. Sake

Ginjo or Daiginjo Sake: Known for its delicate, fruity notes, Ginjo or Daiginjo sake pairs beautifully with the creamy texture and subtle sweetness of uni foam.
Sparkling Sake: For a modern twist, sparkling sake offers a refreshing contrast that complements the rich flavors of uni.

2. Champagne or Sparkling Wine

A crisp Brut champagne provides a bright, effervescent counterpoint to the creamy uni foam, enhancing the dish’s richness while cleansing the palate.

3. White Wine

Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc: These high-acid wines balance the umami richness of the uni, adding a clean, mineral edge that brings out the dish’s natural flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Foam

Q1: Can I make uni foam without a foam whipper?
Yes, you can create a lighter foam by blending the uni and cream mixture and using a whisk, although a foam whipper gives the best results for airy texture.

Q2: How should I store leftover uni foam?
Uni foam is best used fresh, but you can store any leftover in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. It may lose some of its airy texture over time.

Q3: Can frozen uni be used for this recipe?
Fresh uni is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but frozen uni can work in a pinch if thawed slowly in the refrigerator.

Q4: What are some garnishes that go well with uni sushi?
Garnishes like lemon zest, microgreens, edible flowers, or even a touch of caviar can add elegance and subtle flavor to uni sushi.

Q5: Where can I find premium-quality uni for this dish?
Visit Global Seafoods for high-quality, sustainably sourced uni and other gourmet seafood.

For more sushi recipes, pairing ideas, and expert tips, visit the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel .