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

by Oleg Nikitenko November 14, 2024

Sea Urchin Sushi with Truffle: Recipe

Sea urchin, or uni, is prized for its creamy, oceanic flavor, while truffles bring an earthy, rich aroma that elevates any dish to gourmet status. Together, these luxurious ingredients create a unique sushi experience that tantalizes the palate. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to prepare sea urchin sushi with truffle, combining the bold flavors of the sea with the unmistakable essence of truffle. Whether you're new to sushi-making or an experienced home chef, this recipe will help you create a refined dish worthy of the finest sushi bars.

For additional sushi tips and recipes, visit the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel .

Why Pair Sea Urchin and Truffle in Sushi?

Sea urchin’s creamy, briny flavor pairs beautifully with the earthy, luxurious taste of truffle. This combination has become a favorite in upscale Japanese cuisine, as truffle enhances the subtle sweetness and richness of uni. Renowned chefs around the world have embraced this pairing, calling it “decadent” and “a sensory delight.” The distinct aromas of truffle and uni complement each other, resulting in a sushi dish that’s both complex and unforgettable.

"Combining truffle with uni is a flavor match that brings out the best of both ingredients. It’s a gourmet experience in every bite," says Chef Masaharu Morimoto, a leading authority on Japanese fusion cuisine.

To experience the luxury of sushi-grade sea urchin for this recipe, explore Sea Urchin Uni at Global Seafoods.

Essential Ingredients for Sea Urchin Sushi with Truffle

Quality ingredients make all the difference in sushi, especially with rich flavors like uni and truffle. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Sea Urchin (Uni): Look for bright orange or golden yellow uni that’s fresh and creamy.
Truffle or Truffle Oil: You can use fresh truffle shavings or a few drops of high-quality truffle oil to bring out the aroma.
Sushi Rice: Lightly seasoned to create a balanced base.
Nori (Seaweed Sheets): Adds structure and complements the umami flavors.
Optional Garnishes: Microgreens, thinly sliced chives, or sesame seeds for additional flavor and presentation.

For premium seafood and fresh ingredients, check out our Live Seafood Collection .

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

Follow this guide to make a luxurious sea urchin sushi roll with truffle that brings out the best in each ingredient.

Ingredients:

1 cup sushi rice, cooked and seasoned with rice vinegar
Fresh uni (4-5 pieces)
1 sheet of nori, cut into strips
Fresh truffle or truffle oil (a few drops)
Optional garnishes: chives, microgreens, or sesame seeds

Instructions:

Prepare the Sushi Rice:
Rinse 1 cup of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch. Cook the rice according to package instructions, then season with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
Shape the Sushi Rice Base:
With wet hands, shape a small portion of rice (about the size of a large marble) into an oval. Press gently to create a stable base for the sushi.
Wrap the Nori Around the Rice:
Wrap a strip of nori around the rice, leaving the top open. The nori should extend slightly above the rice to form a small “cup” that can hold the uni and truffle securely.
Add the Uni and Truffle:
Place a piece of uni on top of the rice within the nori cup. For fresh truffle, use a microplane to shave a thin slice over the uni. If using truffle oil, add just one or two drops over the uni to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with a sprinkle of chives, microgreens, or sesame seeds for a touch of color and texture. Serve immediately with a side of soy sauce or ponzu for dipping, though it’s recommended to use sauces sparingly to keep the truffle and uni flavors intact.

For premium-quality sea urchin, perfect for making sushi, check out Sea Urchin Uni at Global Seafoods.

Tips for Perfecting Sea Urchin Sushi with Truffle

Creating gourmet sea urchin sushi with truffle requires a gentle touch and attention to detail. Here are some expert tips:

1. Use High-Quality Truffle

Fresh truffle or high-quality truffle oil makes all the difference. Look for fresh truffles when in season, as they provide the best aroma. If using truffle oil, choose one with real truffle essence, as it complements the uni’s natural flavors.

2. Handle Uni Carefully

Uni is delicate and can lose its shape easily. Use a spoon or tweezers to handle it gently, placing it carefully on the rice to maintain a beautiful presentation.

3. Add Truffle Sparingly

Truffle is a strong flavor and can easily overpower the delicate taste of uni. Use only a small amount to enhance the sushi without overshadowing the other flavors.

"In sushi, balance is everything. With ingredients as luxurious as uni and truffle, less is often more," advises Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, renowned for his skillful fusion of flavors.

For sustainably sourced seafood and sushi essentials, explore our Sea Urchin Collection .

Ideal Dipping Sauces and Garnishes for Sea Urchin and Truffle Sushi

While uni and truffle are best enjoyed with minimal accompaniments, a few subtle additions can enhance the flavors.

1. Light Dipping Sauces

Ponzu Sauce: The citrusy, umami flavor of ponzu adds brightness without overpowering the dish.
Soy Sauce: Adds a touch of umami to complement the truffle and uni flavors.

2. Fresh Garnishes

Microgreens or Chives: Add a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the truffle and uni.
Sesame Seeds: Provide a slight nuttiness and a hint of texture.

3. Wasabi or Ginger

A small dab of wasabi or pickled ginger can cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the experience without detracting from the main ingredients.

For more sushi-grade ingredients and garnish ideas, explore our Global Seafoods .

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make sea urchin sushi with truffle without nori?
Yes, though nori helps keep the sushi together. You can also serve the uni and truffle directly on top of the rice without nori for a minimalist presentation.

Q2: Where can I buy fresh sea urchin and truffle for sushi?
For high-quality, sushi-grade sea urchin, visit Global Seafoods . Look for truffles at specialty food stores or online retailers.

Q3: Can I use truffle oil if fresh truffle is unavailable?
Yes, truffle oil can provide a similar flavor. Use only a few drops, as the oil is concentrated and can easily overpower the uni.

Q4: How should I store leftover sea urchin and truffle?
Uni is best eaten fresh, but if necessary, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours. Truffles should be stored in a cool, dry place.

Q5: What other seafood pairs well with truffle in sushi?
Truffle also complements scallops, fatty tuna, and salmon, as these seafoods have rich, smooth textures that work well with truffle’s earthy flavor.