Tuna Sashimi Recipe – Japanese-Inspired Fresh and Flavorful Starter

Difficulty:

1/5

Serves:

4 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Tuna Sashimi Recipe

This Tuna Sashimi recipe brings together the fresh, clean flavor of sushi-grade tuna with a subtle umami boost from a light brushing of yakitori-inspired sauce. Featured on Everyday Excellent, this recipe showcases how a few simple ingredients can transform fresh tuna into an elegant and impressive dish. Perfect for a starter at dinner parties or a light, refreshing snack, this sashimi highlights delicate textures and flavors that are a hallmark of Japanese cuisine.

The Inspiration

Sashimi is one of the purest forms of Japanese culinary art, emphasizing the quality of the raw fish and the precision of its preparation. This Tuna Sashimi recipe draws inspiration from traditional Japanese techniques while incorporating a touch of Western influence through the use of a lightly sweet and savory yakitori sauce for brushing. Host Vanessa Gianfrancesco’s approach on Everyday Excellent focuses on elevating simple ingredients into visually stunning and flavorful dishes, making this sashimi a perfect example of her style. Viewers will appreciate how the dish balances minimalism with elegance, turning sushi-grade tuna into a restaurant-worthy presentation at home.

Ingredients

½ lb sushi grade tuna
1 tsp (4.9ml) chopped chives, for garnish
Sauce from Chicken Yakitori for brushing (see recipe)

Methods

Pat tuna dry and trim off any thin pieces. Using a very sharp knife, slice into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Cut at a 45 degree angle against the grain, letting the knife slide through the fish in one smooth motion.
Arrange tuna pieces on a platter so they are slightly overlapping. Brush very lightly with reserved sauce from Chicken Yakitori, sprinkle with chives, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Tuna Sashimi as an appetizer at a Japanese-themed dinner or as a light, elegant snack for entertaining. Pair with a crisp sake, dry white wine, or sparkling water with a twist of lime for a refreshing complement. For a complete Japanese-inspired starter platter, include pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce on the side. The dish can also be accompanied by a simple cucumber salad or edamame for added texture and color. Using a dark or bamboo serving platter enhances the visual presentation, making the bright red tuna slices and green chives pop. This presentation style is perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or when you simply want a fresh, gourmet starter at home.

Final Thoughts

This Tuna Sashimi recipe is a celebration of freshness, precision, and simplicity. By combining sushi-grade tuna with a subtle yakitori sauce and delicate chive garnish, the recipe exemplifies how minimal ingredients can create a high-impact dish. Whether you’re preparing a starter for guests or treating yourself to a refined, light dish, this sashimi delivers on both flavor and presentation.

Incorporating this dish into your repertoire allows you to explore Japanese culinary techniques while keeping preparation quick and straightforward. The focus on quality ingredients ensures that every bite is tender, flavorful, and visually appealing. By following Vanessa Gianfrancesco’s guidance from Everyday Excellent, you can create restaurant-quality sashimi at home, impressing friends and family with a simple yet sophisticated dish.

Find more recipes from Everyday Excellent here!