The vast majority of people, when it comes to sushi, always seem to talk about how the “ideal” experience is fish that “melts in your mouth.” But in the 40+ years that I’ve been eating sushi, I’ve realized that the fish that stand out the most to me (and have consistently ranked among my favorites) are those with significant “bite” to them…what most people would probably construe or describe as “chewy.”
My absolute favorites have historically been Engawa, Torigai, Tachiuo, Akagai, Hotaru Ika, Utsubo, Aoyagi, and even delicacies like Shiokara, all because they have such wonderful texture and bite to them.
Even when it comes to Tuna, while most people revel in Otoro and its melt-in-your-mouth qualities, my go-to has always been Jabara because of the significant amount of sinew and connective tissue in the cut, which creates an amazing mouthfeel when you bite into it.
I’ve never wanted things that simply melt and dissipate. I want things that have significant texture and a unique feel to them.
Is anyone else like this, or am I the lone nutcase???
by Thicky_Amberz
18 Comments
Firefly squid is one of my all time favorites
There are dozens of us!
Yeah, I like a variety of textures too.
Same, here !
Sushi isnt brisket
Lots of kairui (shellfish) in there. The firm, kind of crunchy texture is called kori-kori in Japanese, and some people really love it (my wife, for example). You’re not a nutcase!
Love me some Tako and Hokkigai
If u want stuff to melt eat ice cream!
I’m totally down for each and every one of those. I will say that while I’m fine with shiokara, at first I thought that was sliced squid with uni, which I prefer to it. If you have good tasting uni that’s just not great in texture, mixing sliced ika into it is just as great a snack with sake as shiokara could be. At least for me.
私は焼肉も同じ。噛みごたえがあるものが好き。
寿司はアカガイ、ホッキガイ、イカ、タコ、新鮮なブリが好き。魚も噛みごたえがあると嬉しい。
Engawa is one my all-time favorites as well. It’s also a common favorite in Japan because of the texture, so you’re not alone.
The best is a mix of the 2. Best part about going out for sushi is the diversity you can eat.
I’m like this too 😎
That’s what the Chutoro is for 🤗
You are necessary part of the sushi ecosystem! If everyone only liked the fattiest melt-in-your-mouth cuts and species there wouldn’t be enough of them to go around, and the rest would go to waste.
That said I think plenty of people share your tastes, or you wouldn’t be able to find so many things in the categories you really enjoy. The human palate is soooo extensive it’s really interesting to talk to people about tbh!
I feel sort of bad for eating it but baby tako is one of the best
This is the Korean school of thought when it comes to sushi and sashimi (or chobap and hoe in Korean). Koreans actually like the chewiness of freshly butchered fish.
im inlove with this
I like variety
That looks incredible!