Appears in
The Japanese Cookbook

By Emi Kazuko and Yasuko Fukuoka

Published 2024

  • About

The Japanese sea urchin, or uni, is a dark spiky, round sea creature that varies in size, depending on type, from 3-4cm/¼-1½ in to over 10cm/4 in in diameter” Only the ovaries are eaten. Fresh uni is one of the regular items for sushi toppings and is also used for making hors d’oeuvres. It provides an interesting golden coating for some seafood, such as squid, that is to be grilled and also an unusual dressing for many shellfish. Salted uni is also available.

Uni (Japanese sea urchin ovaries)

Ikura (salmon caviar)