Salt Grilled Ayu (Sweetfish / 鮎)

Salt Grilled Ayu (Sweetfish / 鮎)

Ayu is named “Sweetfish” due to the sweetness of its flesh. The taste of Ayu is reminiscent of a freshly poured glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc on a hot summer’s day.

Unlike other freshwater fishes, Ayu solely feeds on moss that grows in extremely clean waters, a true testament to its sweet flesh. Available only once a year, late summer through autumn, it is a delightful delicacy savoured during the summer months in Japan.

Difficulty Est. Time
2/5 10 min

Ingredients

  • Ayu fish – cleaned 
  • Cooking oil
  • Salt (preferably coarse grain sea salt)

Steps

  1. Salt both sides of the Ayu
  2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat 
  3. Fry until both sides are nicely charred
  4. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately with a lemon wedge

Pro Tip
The whole fish can be eaten including its head and tail.

Order It
Ayu, Sweetfish (about 1kg, 8-10pcs)