How to Prepare and Enjoy Sea Urchin (Uni) at Home

Sea urchins are spiny marine creatures found on ocean floors around the world, prized for their edible insides, often referred to as "uni" in Japanese cuisine. While many people are familiar with sea urchins through sushi or fine dining, there’s much more to this fascinating sea creature.

Sea urchins aren’t just a delicacy; they also offer several health benefits. They are low in calories but rich in important nutrients, making them an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

What Are Sea Urchins?

Sea urchins are small, round echinoderms covered in sharp spines that help protect them from predators. They live on the rocky seabeds of oceans across the globe, from shallow waters to deep-sea environments. There are over 900 species of sea urchins, and they vary in color, size, and habitat, with some of the most popular varieties being red, green, and purple urchins.

Sea Urchin (Uni) is Taking Fine Dining by Storm

The edible part of the sea urchin, known as "uni," is a delicacy enjoyed in many coastal cultures, particularly in Japan, Italy, and parts of the Mediterranean. Uni has a rich, creamy texture and a briny, ocean-like flavor with a hint of sweetness, making it a sought-after ingredient in gourmet dishes like sushi and risotto.

The quality of uni varies significantly depending on where it is sourced, the species of urchin, and its freshness. High-quality uni is firm yet melts in the mouth, while lower-quality uni can be grainy or overly fishy.

How to Eat and Prepare Sea Urchin at Home

For adventurous home cooks, sea urchin can be an exciting ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen. Fresh sea urchins can be found at specialty seafood markets or ordered online. If you’re preparing them at home, here’s a quick guide:

Look for live sea urchins with intact, moving spines. Fresh uni should have a firm, golden texture, not slimy or mushy. Using scissors or a small knife, cut a circular hole around the top of the sea urchin to reveal the roe inside. Be careful of the sharp spines. Once opened, gently scoop out the uni with a spoon, being careful not to break the delicate roe. Fresh uni can be eaten raw, served on rice, or added to dishes like pasta or salads. Its natural flavor pairs well with lemon, olive oil, or light herbs.