Fatty Tuna Sushi [Otoro]
Japanese Name and Pronunciation:
[ootoro]
“Otoro” refers to the fattiest and most prized portion of the tuna, specifically the belly area. It is highly revered in Japanese cuisine for its exceptional richness, tenderness, and indulgent flavor.
To prepare Otoro nigiri, skilled sushi chefs carefully select cuts of tuna that exhibit abundant fat marbling throughout the flesh. The marbling is characterized by intricate, beautiful patterns of creamy, white fat distributed within the deep red meat.
The Otoro offers an exceptionally buttery and velvety texture that practically melts in your mouth. The high fat content imparts a luxurious mouthfeel, while the meat itself exudes a rich, sweet flavor with hints of umami. Otoro is often served with a touch of wasabi between the fish and the rice, further enhancing the overall taste.