How to Make Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Sauce: A Gourmet Step-by-Step Guide

by Oleg Nikitenko November 14, 2024

Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Sauce: Recipe

Uni, or sea urchin, is a prized ingredient in sushi, celebrated for its buttery texture and oceanic flavor. Sea urchin sushi with uni sauce is an elevated dish that brings an extra layer of creaminess and umami to this delicacy. Making this dish at home allows you to enjoy a luxurious sushi experience that rivals the finest Japanese restaurants. Follow our detailed guide to master the art of uni sushi with uni sauce, and check out our Global Seafoods YouTube Channel for more culinary inspiration.

Why Make Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Sauce?

Adding uni sauce to sea urchin sushi enhances the natural flavors and adds a creamy, rich texture that intensifies the uni’s unique taste. The combination of fresh uni with a drizzle of uni sauce creates a gourmet experience that’s both indulgent and deeply satisfying. This dish is ideal for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to an elevated sushi night at home.

For top-quality uni and other gourmet seafood ingredients, explore Global Seafoods .

Ingredients Needed for Uni Sauce Sea Urchin Sushi

Quality ingredients are essential for creating the perfect sea urchin sushi with uni sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Sea Urchin (Uni): 2-3 pieces per serving; look for fresh, bright orange uni with a mild oceanic scent.
Sushi Rice: High-quality, short-grain sushi rice for optimal texture.
Nori Sheets: Crisp, fresh seaweed sheets for wrapping sushi.
Soy Sauce and Wasabi: For dipping and added flavor.
Uni Sauce Ingredients:
- 2-3 pieces of fresh uni
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- A pinch of sea salt

For sustainably sourced uni, check out our Sea Urchin Collection at Global Seafoods.

Making the Perfect Uni Sauce

Uni sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to your sushi, bringing out the best in the fresh sea urchin. Follow these steps to create a smooth, flavorful uni sauce:

Ingredients:

2-3 pieces of uni
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie is ideal)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
A pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

Blend the Uni and Mayonnaise: Place the uni and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Use a fork to mash and blend the uni until it’s fully incorporated into the mayonnaise.
Add Lemon Juice and Salt: Stir in the lemon juice for a touch of acidity, and season with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
Adjust for Taste: Taste the sauce and add more lemon or salt as needed to balance the flavor.

Pro Tip: For a smoother sauce, use a blender or food processor instead of mashing by hand.

How to Make Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide

Once your uni sauce is prepared, it’s time to assemble the sushi. Here’s how to make sea urchin sushi with uni sauce at home:

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

Form the Rice Base: Take a small amount of seasoned rice (about a tablespoon) and shape it into a compact, oblong piece with your fingers.
Add Fresh Uni: Place a piece of fresh uni on top of the rice. Make sure it’s positioned securely, as uni can be delicate.
Drizzle Uni Sauce: Using a small spoon or piping bag, drizzle a bit of uni sauce on top of the uni. The sauce should complement, not overpower, the natural taste of the sea urchin.

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: Add a small dab of wasabi, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or a few microgreens for presentation.

For additional seafood ingredients to complement your sushi, explore our Live Seafood Collection and Crab Collection at Global Seafoods.

Presentation Tips for Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Sauce

Presentation plays a key role in creating a memorable sushi experience. Here are some tips for making your uni sushi visually appealing:

Serve on a Dark Plate: Dark plates make the vibrant orange uni stand out, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Add Edible Garnishes: Garnish with edible flowers, microgreens, or a touch of lemon zest to add a hint of color and flavor.
Serve Fresh and Chilled: Keep the sushi slightly chilled to maintain the fresh texture and flavor of the uni.

Pairing Suggestions for Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Sauce

Pairing your uni sushi with the right beverage enhances the experience. Here are some ideal pairings:

1. Sake

Daiginjo Sake: Known for its light, floral profile, Daiginjo sake pairs well with the creamy richness of uni.
Sparkling Sake: This refreshing option complements the uni sauce’s richness while cleansing the palate.

2. Champagne or Sparkling Wine

A crisp Brut champagne with bright acidity contrasts the rich flavors of the uni, making each bite feel fresh and satisfying.

3. White Wine

Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc: High-acid wines like these offer a refreshing balance to the buttery uni sauce, adding a crisp, mineral edge to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sea Urchin Sushi with Uni Sauce

Q1: How should I store leftover uni sauce?
Store any leftover uni sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Q2: Can I use frozen uni for this recipe?
Yes, frozen uni can work, but fresh uni is ideal for the best flavor. Be sure to thaw frozen uni in the refrigerator before using.

Q3: How many pieces of uni should I plan per person?
Plan for about 2-3 pieces of uni per person, depending on the number of sushi servings you wish to make.

Q4: What is the best way to buy fresh uni?
Look for vibrant, fresh uni with a bright orange or yellow hue and a mild oceanic aroma. Check out Global Seafoods for premium, sustainably sourced uni.

Q5: Can I use other garnishes with uni sushi?
Yes! Thinly sliced cucumber, lemon zest, and fresh herbs are all great garnishes for uni sushi and add subtle flavors that complement the uni.

For more sushi-making and pairing ideas, visit the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel for tutorials and tips.