Super Sashimi

Looking for a quick and healthy lunch?  It’s hard to go passed sashimi. 

We’re fortunate enough to have some great Japanese restaurants near to the office.  Not surprisingly, the place right underneath me is my most frequented.  They have a fabulous sashimi salad, generously proportioned with salmon and tuna sashimi, crab meat and loaded with salad leaves and veges.  The sesame dressing is dangerously addictive, but if you have it on the side it’s easier to refrain from eating it all.  Rounded off with a miso soup and you have a super light, protein-packed, omega-3 loaded lunch that will see you through until dinner.

If sashimi hasn't hit the spot, the sushi train keeps on coming and coming...

If only I could curb that sweet treat craving I always seem to get after the salty soy sauce…

Some sashimi ‘did you know’?

1.       The word ‘sashimi’ means ‘pierced body’ – probably due to the practice of sticking the fish’s tail and fin into the meat to identify it

2.       Traditionally it is the first course in a Japanese meal due to its subtle flavours

3.       Wasabi (usually served with sashimi) purists say you should never mix your wasabi into your soy sauce because it dilutes the tang of the wasabi (I think that’s a good thing personally).  Instead you should make a mound of wasabi in your dish and pour the soy sauce over the top and allow to infuse naturally.

4.       Always choose salt-water fish as fresh-water fish may contain parasites

5.       Due to the rise in popularity of tuna sashimi, the bluefin tuna has been hunted until near extinction

6.       Sashimi is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorous, magnesium and vitamin B6 (that’s a whole lot of health in each slice)

On Thursday I'm heading to Melbourne for a long weekend.  I'm looking forward to soaking up the cool Melbourne vibe, drinking some decent coffee and some fabulous Australian wine (almost as good as NZ wine... almost), and celebrating my birthday (not telling how old!) in style with good friends, good conversation and good food. 

Stay tuned...