February Seasonal Japanese Seafood 2月旬の魚

  ankimo monkfish liver February is one of the coldest months in Japan, so it is a wonderful time for hot pots (nabé). Monkfish (ankō) is one of Shinji’s favorite types of nabé. We always save the liver and serve it separately. Ankimo is often called the foie gras of the sea. It’s very easy to steam – see a…

Buri and Hamachi Yellowtail 101

Classic Winter Dish of Buri Daikon Buri is simmered with daikon in a sweet soy broth until both are tender.   Himi Port in Toyama famous for winter kanburi. These kanburi are at the wholesale fish market which is open to the public. Kanburi at the retail fish market an hour later. Prices range from…

August Seasonal Japanese Seafood

Photo of anago tempura. Some of my favorite seafood is in season this time of year, particularly unagi and anago. For unagi I love Nodaiwa and for anago, Tamai in Nihonbashi is a treat. Kamasu (barracuda) is lovely just salted and grilled. The meat is light and flakey. Kawahagi (thread-sail filefish) sashimi is light and…

February Seasonal Japanese Seafood 2月旬の魚

As it is cold throughout most of Japan, February is a wonderful time for hot pots (nabe). Monkfish (ankou) is one of Shinji’s favorite nabes. We always save the liver and serve it separately. It’s very easy to steam – see a simple recipe here. Wakasagi or shirauo are both lovely when lightly battered and…

September Seasonal Japanese Seafood 9月旬の魚

September Seasonal Japanese Seafood Perhaps no fish signals the arrival of autumn to me than sanma (Pacific saury), a silver skinned, long and skinny fish that for me is best when simply salted and grilled. This at night with a glass of nihonshu or shochu is heaven for me. What many Japanese especially appreciate is the…