Let's talk about what requirements are necessary for fish to be consumed raw, the controversy behind the term "sushi-grade", and all the options for buying safe, sushi quality fish for at-home sushi.
What Makes a Fish Safe to Consume Raw?
*Disclosure: The below information is a combination of both research and acquired knowledge over the years from various sushi chefs. Please always do your own research and make judgement calls based on your personal risk and comfort levels when consuming raw fish.
1. The Type of Fish
When it comes to picking a fish to consume raw, not all fish are created equal.
While many high-end sushi restaurants have a large list of raw fish offerings, it is important to note that many fish pose a higher risk of parasites and are better left preserved, treated, and served by the professionals. With that said, there are a handful of fish that are safe to consume raw when general precautions are taken upon catch, transport, and storage.
Salmon - Farmed salmon is safest when using for at-home, raw sushi. Wild salmon spend some of their life in fresh water, where they are more susceptible to parasites.
Tuna - Often resistant to parasites and one of the best fish to eat raw without processing.
Yellowtail - safe to consume raw but can be high in mercury, so eat sparingly.
Seabass - Often treated with vinegar before consuming. Can be high in mercury.
Halibut
2. How the Fish is Handled and Preserved
This one is by far the most important. How your fish is handled and preserved from the time it is caught, till you place it in your mouth is crucial. And let's face it, we aren't always going to be able to know each step of the process along the way. Your best bet is buying from a reputable purveyor as well as doing your due diligence. Once the fish is caught, it must immediately be frozen in order to kill any possible parasites. It is always acceptable to ask the store or purveyor how often they get their shipments, if the fish was flash frozen upon being caught, and how long it has been on display. When in doubt, trust your gut, and your senses. Does the fish look fresh? Does it smell like the sea, or does it smell sour/rotten?
3. How the Fish is Prepared
Once you have purchased your fish, there is one more step to consider for optimal safety. How you prepare your fish. If the fish was handled properly and you feel comfortable, you may consume it raw. However, many chefs and home cooks opt for additional preparation techniques, both for flavor as well as safety.
Preparation Techniques:
Raw: No additional preparation
Brine: Using salt and water. The salt inhibits the bad bacteria from proliferating.
Marinate: Using acid (vinegar, wine, fruit juices, and buttermilk) to add flavor and kill microbes.
Pickle: The process of submerging the fish in a brine or marinade but refers specifically to the process of preserving the fish, and not just flavoring.
Cure: Can mean brining, pickling, or marinating but is specifically referring to the process of preserving the fish and preventing spoilage.
Raw fish served in a sauce that includes vinegar or citrus juice is always an easy way to add extra safety measures before consuming raw fish.
What Does "Sushi-Grade" Mean, and Why Do Some Say It Doesn't Exist?
"Sushi-grade" is an unregulated and often un-substantiated term loosely used by fish purveyors, referring to fish they deem high-quality or safe for raw consumption. This term is often confused with a rating or grading system of quality. To be clear, no such rating system is regulated or officially exists. These titles are provided solely by the fish purveyors themselves and should not be the end-all-be-all of raw fish purchase parameters. Make sure to do your due diligence when purchasing raw fish, beyond simply the self-proclaimed "sushi-grade" title.
Where to Buy Sushi-Quality Fish
In Chicago, we have many options for buying quality and safe fish for at-home sushi. If you have a car, I recommend driving to one of Chicago's Asian marts where you can buy fresh, fillets and pre-sliced sashimi, wonderful Asian pantry staples, and fresh produce commonly used in Asian cuisine.
For those looking for a great sushi delivery purveyor local to Chicago, MPS Grocery is a wonderful quality and priced option.
For those looking for a convenient alternative to the options listed above, we recommend looking to poke bowl shops for a quick, prechopped, but often more expensive alternative. We have purchased ready-chopped tuna and salmon from Poke Bowl Co located inside the Whole Foods off 1550 N Kingsbury St. Do what you gotta do, but just do it safely!
For those not located in Chicago, here are some of the top sushi fish delivery companies on the market. Be forewarned though, shipping can get pricey!