Bonito Tataki (Seared Bonito)
Bonito Tataki is the representative sashimi dish of Kōchi prefecture. When the bonito skin is seared and charred, it gives an appetising aroma to the sashimi. Slice the fillets thicker than usual sashimi slices and eat them with ponzu dressing.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 sides of bonito with skin on (, about 360g (0.8lb) in total (note 1))
- 4 thin metal skewers (, about 2mm (1/16") diameter 35cm (13¾") long (note 2))
- Salt
- Water with ice in a large bowl/baking pan ((note 3))
- Shiso leaves ((I used these), shredded lettuce or julienned white radish)
- Ponzu dressing ((Citrus soy sauce dressing, note 4))
- Finely chopped shallots ((scallions))
- Grated ginger and/or thinly sliced garlic
Instructions
- 1
Cut each side of bonito along both sides of the spine, as close to the spine as possible (to remove bones along the spine). Discard the spine strips. This will make four long portions.
- 2
Place the fillet skin side down on a cutting board and stab four skewers through the fillet at equal intervals. Put the skewers through in such a way that they make a fan shape and the base ends of the skewers are bunched together to allow holding of the end easier (see the step-by-step photos).
- 3
Sprinkle small amount of salt over the skin.
- 4
Turn the stove on high. Holding the base of the skewers, sear the skin side of the fillet, starting from one end of the fillet and moving slowly to the other end.
- 5
Make sure that the entire skin is seared and slightly burnt with some charred spots.
- 6
Turn the fillet over and sear the flesh. You will only need to sear to make the colour of the surface to whitish.
- 7
Place the fillet in the ice water for 15 seconds or so to cool it down quickly, then use kitchen paper to dry it. Place it on a plate.
- 8
Repeat for the remaining fillets.
- 9
Place a seared fillet on a cutting board, skin side up. Slice the fillet into pieces about 1 cm thick and plate them into a group of 3-4 slices with garnish (see the photos in the post).
- 10
Serve with ponzu dressing and condiments.