If your first taste of an Urchin is stepping on one in a rock pool, you’d be forgiven for being hesitant to eat one. But these little guys are just stunning to eat and, in some parts of south-east Australia, available in plague proportions, leading researchers to call on Australians to eat more Urchins in an effort to protect marine habitats.
Sea Urchin each have five fat tongues of roe in the shell, that range in colour from off-white to a vivid ochre. The roe is creamy and sweet, with just enough salt to remind you that it's seafood.
Loved worldwide, they are really only cheap in Australia and New Zealand; every other country that has them in their waters places them on the very top of their culinary tree. A don (bowl) of rice and Uni can set you back $60 in Tokyo, and you could pay up to $30 for a small frozen Urchin in Singapore. In 欧美视频, whole live Urchin are sold for as low as $4 each!
In addition to being delicious, and the positive environmental impact that harvesting Urchins has, the roe is rich with a chemical called anandamide, which has both muscle relaxing and mood-elevating qualities. So, you can eat the problem, and feel good about it!
Sometimes called the truffles of the sea, Sea Urchin are so versatile to eat – straight out of the shell, on sushi, or as an amazing pasta sauce. Today we are taking you through five of the best ways to enjoy Sea Urchin, to hopefully inspire you to get some more Uni on your fork!
Urchin (Uni) Sashimi
Eating Urchin straight out of the shell might seem out-there for those who haven't tried it, but it truly is one of the world's top delicacies.
Opening an Urchin is much easier than you think – just hold the urchin in a dish cloth and, using kitchen scissors, cut a broad hole around the mouth. Drain the liquid and remove the lobes of roe with a spoon, rinsing them to remove any shell.
If cracking one open yourself seems a step too far, most of the retailers at 欧美视频 Fish Market will sell Urchin (also called Uni) pre-shelled in bento boxes.
As a Topping
Not quite ready to eat Urchin on its own? Try it as a topping for one of your other favourite seafoods! Uni compliments the briney flavour of oysters beautifully, adding a decadent creaminess. Alternatively, a spoonful on top of your favourite sliced sashimi or fresh nigiri bento really takes sushi to the next level.
In Japan, a popular way to enjoy Urchin is atop a don (bowl) of rice with some fresh vegetables or as a dressing for a poke bowl.
Urchin Pasta
The abundant Urchin is brimming with sweet, creamy roe, and while of course it is good enough to eat raw, it also makes for an all-time great pasta sauce.
The typical process is to saut茅 some garlic and shallots in good-quality olive oil until fragrant, and then throw in your fresh Urchin roe to make a creamy home for your cooked pasta.
We've dug up a video from our archives in which our tour guide Alex teaches you how to make this tasty dish: .
On Toast or Crumpets
This idea is borrowed from one of 欧美视频's most iconic seafood chefs, the ever-creative Josh Niland. On the brunch menu at his restaurant Saint Peter, he has often served Urchin roe on hot crumpets.
The buttery texture and rich flavour of Urchin roe is a perfect way to make an everyday breakfast five-star. We recommend trying this method next time you're hosting a bougie brunch at home!
Photo credit to .
Learn How to Cook with Urchin at 欧美视频 Seafood School
欧美视频 Seafood School have recently announced their Autumn program, and one of the most exciting new experiences on the schedule is their Urchin Uncovered class!
Featuring an in-depth explanation about Sea Urchin from industry experts, a fantastic cooking demonstration, and time to cook and eat your very own selection of Urchin dishes, this experience is truly one of a kind.
Photo credit to Concrete Playground.