Horse Mackerel Sushi

Horse Mackerel Sushi, known in Japan as *Aji Sushi*, is a beautiful example of traditional sushi simplicity. It combines vinegared sushi rice with a sliced, skinned fillet of horse mackerel, and a gentle touch of wasabi between the layers. The result is clean, fresh, and full of ocean flavour — a dish that celebrates the art of restraint in Japanese cuisine.

Prep Time 40

Cook Time 40

Chilling 30

Total Time 1 50

Servings People

Ingredients

2 medium horse mackerel fillets fresh aji skinned and deboned
250 g sushi rice
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
½ tsp salt
Wasabi to taste
Soy sauce for serving
Pickled ginger to serve
2 medium spring onion chopped

Instructions

Rinse the sushi rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well and cook according to the packet instructions. Once cooked, transfer the rice to a shallow dish and allow it to cool slightly.
250 g sushi rice
In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the warm rice using a wooden spoon or spatula, taking care not to mash the grains.
2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp salt
Spread the rice out to cool completely, covering it with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
If not already done by your fishmonger, remove the skin by sliding a sharp knife between the skin and flesh. Carefully check for any small bones and remove them with tweezers.
2 medium horse mackerel fillets
Slice each fillet diagonally into thin, even pieces about the length of a sushi rice mound.
Wet your hands lightly with a mix of water and a touch of vinegar to prevent sticking. Take a small handful of rice, about the size of a walnut, and shape it into an oval mound using gentle pressure from your palms.
Repeat until all the rice is shaped.
Dab a small amount of wasabi on top of each rice mound. Lay a slice of horse mackerel over the wasabi, pressing lightly so that it adheres to the rice.
Wasabi
The fish should drape neatly over the sides.
Optionally, brush each piece lightly with soy sauce or garnish with finely chopped spring onion or a small piece of shiso leaf.
Soy sauce, 2 medium spring onion
Serve the horse mackerel sushi immediately with soy sauce and pickled ginger on the side.
Pickled ginger

Notes

Serving Suggestion for Horse Mackerel Sushi:

Horse Mackerel Sushi is best enjoyed as nigiri — one piece at a time, dipped lightly into soy sauce. It pairs beautifully with miso soup, seaweed salad, or a cup of green tea.

Cook’s Tip:

Freshness is key for horse mackerel sushi. Always use sashimi-grade horse mackerel and prepare it as close to serving time as possible. The combination of vinegared rice, subtle wasabi, and the rich flavour of *aji* creates a sushi experience that’s both traditional and deeply satisfying.

Nutrition