Guide Note
Sashimi is a formal food of Japan that consists of carefully sliced pieces of premium fish, shellfish, and other delicacies, usually (but not always) uncooked. It is served very fresh and with minimal seasoning in order to highlight the character of the ingredients, and their simple but exacting preparation. Unlike sushi, which is a preparation of various raw or cooked ingredients served with vinegared rice, sashimi is served either entirely alone or with a minimal garnish such as shredded daikon or shiso leaves. It is intended to be eaten with a small amount of mixed soy sauce and wasabi.
Fast Facts
- The word 'sashimi' means 'pierced body'
- The word 'sushi' refers generically to dishes served with vinegared rice
- Sashimi should be eaten with chopsticks, not fingers
- Another fatal gaffe is an excessive deployment of wasabi
- Non-fish varieties include raw and horsemeat
- Non-raw varieties include lightly-cooked chicken and octopus
- Varieties seldom (if ever) seen in America include mantis shrimp and frog
- Sometimes eaten as a first course in Japan
- Otherwise mostly eaten on special occasions
- Vegetarian sashimi is available, with fish made of konnyaku jelly