Tuna Maguro

I recommend that you purchase sushi tuna, maguro, from a Japanese fishmonger or an American fish market that carries sushi tuna, not “sushi-grade tuna””. Sushi tuna is usually professionally cut into small rectangular blocks—for example, approximately 2½ inches x 5 inches x 1 inch—for slicing into strips for sushi or sashimi. The blocks are packed individually in a sealed Styrofoam container with a sell-by date, and the tuna sits atop a strip of paper that absorbs moisture coming from the fish. If the fish was frozen, it is packed in an airtight plastic bag. The entire cutting and packaging process is done under strict hygienic conditions. Before using such a piece of tuna, quickly and carefully rinse it under cold running tap water and wipe it dry with a paper towel. Do not overrinse, or you will wash away the good flavor of the fish.