Other Names sea urchin, urchin roe Description Uni (pronounced OO-nee, “OO” as in food) is the Japanese name for sea urchin and refers to the bright orange reproductive organs contained inside the spiny shell. The pieces vary in size from under an inch to 3″ long and the color can vary from pale yellow to …
Other Names
sea urchin, urchin roe.
Description
Uni (pronounced OO-nee, “OO” as in food) is the Japanese name for sea urchin and refers to the bright orange reproductive organs contained inside the spiny shell. The pieces vary in size from under an inch to 3″ long and the color can vary from pale yellow to dark golden orange.
What’s it taste like?
They have a creamy texture that melts in your mouth with a sweet briny flavour that can be slightly nutty. When eaten raw, it is slightly slimy making it an acquired taste for many, but when cooked it firms up giving it a texture similar to cheese.
Where do I get it?
Uni is typically packaged in small flats and sold in Japanese grocery stores. In recent years it’s started to show up at fish mongers whole, but you will have to shell and clean them yourself.
When is it best?
Uni is available all year long, but look for firm pieces that are roughly uniform in color. Their surface should have a slightly rough appearance and they should not be visibly slimy or smooth, which would indicate they were either over handled or sat in water too long during processing.
How do I use it?
The most common way to eat it is raw, either as sashimi or in sushi. They are also good steamed in sake, or mixed into sauces or pastas.
Tarragon Tagliatelle with Sea Urchin Butter
Lobster with Yuzu Hollandaise and Uni Mashed Potatoes
Yvo says
Awesome, I’ve been wanting to pick some up at the store, but wasn’t sure what characteristics I should be looking for… this is great. Thanks :0
katiek says
thanks for the vibrant post! I do love steamed egg and did them with uni too. Such good textures together.
Try and buy them fresh out of the shell and they will be enormous and plump.
They are treated with something to make them shrink up, but initially they are looser and velvetier. DELICIOUS.
I get them at my farmer’s market.. Oh California!
Celina says
I love sea uni!!
But I can’t find them anywhere beside in Japanese Restaurants in Vancouver/Burnaby/Coquitlam areas. Do you mind telling me where to buy fresh sea uni??
Thanks.