Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure like no other! Uni, also known as sea urchin, is a delicacy that’s often overlooked due to its unique texture and flavor.
But for those willing to take the plunge, the rewards are well worth it. Rich, creamy, and packed with umami flavor, uni is the perfect ingredient for adventurous foodies looking to elevate their culinary game.
Uni Pasta with Garlic and Chili Flakes
This recipe combines the richness of uni (sea urchin) with the bold flavors of garlic and chili flakes, creating a unique and delicious pasta dish. Perfect for adventurous foodies looking to try something new!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 1/2 cup fresh uni (sea urchin), diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp chili flakes
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. Add diced uni and chili flakes to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until uni is lightly browned and heated through.
4. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing with uni mixture. If needed, add some reserved pasta cooking liquid to create a creamy sauce.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Uni Butter Toast with Sea Salt
Elevate your snacking game with this rich and creamy Uni butter toast, perfectly seasoned with a touch of sea salt. This indulgent treat is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup uni butter or caviar spread
– 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet.
3. Spread a tablespoon of softened butter on each slice.
4. Top with a dollop of uni butter or caviar spread, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and black pepper over the top.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the toast is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Uni Sushi Rolls with Avocado and Cucumber
Elevate your sushi game with this simple recipe featuring the creamy richness of uni (sea urchin), paired with refreshing avocado and cucumber.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice (preferably short-grain)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup urchin paste (uni)
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cucumber, sliced
– Nori seaweed sheets (dried or fresh)
– Salt and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare sushi rice according to package instructions using 1:1 water ratio.
2. Allow the cooked rice to cool.
3. Lay a nori sheet flat on a cutting board. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Place a slice of uni paste in the center of the rice.
5. Arrange sliced avocado and cucumber on either side of the uni.
6. Roll the sushi using a bamboo mat or a clean tea towel, applying gentle pressure.
7. Slice into individual pieces.
8. Garnish with salt and sesame seeds.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Uni Risotto with White Wine and Parmesan
This creamy risotto pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of sea urchin (uni), white wine, and nutty Parmesan cheese. A simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 12 oz sea urchin (uni), cleaned and sliced
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add Arborio rice; cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add white wine; cook until absorbed, stirring frequently, about 2 minutes.
4. Add 1/2 cup broth; stir until absorbed. Repeat with remaining broth, stirring frequently.
5. Stir in sliced uni and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Uni Tartare with Yuzu and Chives
This refreshing Uni Tartare recipe combines the richness of sea urchin with the bright, citrusy flavor of yuzu and the oniony zest of chives. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup fresh sea urchin roe (uni)
– 1/4 cup yuzu juice
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, gently combine uni roe with yuzu juice, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, garnish with chopped chives.
Cooking Time: None required – this is a raw dish!
Uni Tempura with Light Soy Dipping Sauce
Experience the elegance of Japan’s sea urchin (uni) paired with crispy tempura and a savory dipping sauce. This recipe is perfect for seafood enthusiasts and adventurous eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup uni, sliced into thin pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Light soy dipping sauce (see below)
Light Soy Dipping Sauce:
– 1/2 cup light soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch.
2. Gradually add soda water to form a smooth batter.
3. Dip uni pieces into the batter, coating evenly.
4. Fry battered uni in hot oil (350°F) for 30-45 seconds or until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with Light Soy Dipping Sauce.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Uni Chowder with Sweet Corn and Potatoes
A comforting and flavorful chowder that combines the richness of uni (sea urchin) with the sweetness of corn and potatoes. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or as a unique appetizer for your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound uni, rinsed and chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sweet corn kernels
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in chopped uni, sweet corn kernels, and diced potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly tender.
4. Pour in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer chowder over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Uni Ceviche with Lime and Cilantro
Experience the fresh and zesty flavors of Peru’s national dish, Uni Ceviche, elevated by the brightness of lime juice and the crunch of cilantro.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of fresh sea urchin (uni)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt to taste
– Optional: red onion, garlic, or chili flakes for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Cut the uni into small pieces and place them in a shallow dish.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the uni, making sure each piece is coated.
3. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro evenly over the uni.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This dish is best served raw and fresh.
Uni Omelette with Truffle Oil
This luxurious omelette recipe combines the creamy sweetness of uni (sea urchin) with the earthy richness of truffle oil. Perfect for a special occasion or a decadent weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh uni
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Truffle oil, for serving
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth.
2. Heat the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour in the eggs and cook until the edges start to set (about 1-2 minutes).
4. Sprinkle the chopped uni over half of the omelette.
5. Use a spatula to gently fold the other half of the omelette over the uni.
6. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to a minute, until the eggs are almost set.
7. Remove from heat and drizzle with truffle oil.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Uni Bruschetta with Heirloom Tomatoes
This elegant appetizer combines the rich flavors of uni (sea urchin) with the sweetness of heirloom tomatoes, all atop toasted baguette slices. Perfect for a special occasion or a summer evening gathering.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 pieces of fresh uni
– 4-6 heirloom tomato slices
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. While the bread is toasting, prepare the uni by rinsing it under cold water and patting dry with paper towels.
4. To assemble the bruschetta, spread a small amount of uni onto each toasted baguette slice, followed by a slice of heirloom tomato.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Uni Crostini with Whipped Ricotta
Elevate your appetizer game with this elegant and creamy combination of uni (sea urchin) and whipped ricotta on toasted crostini.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 pieces of baguette, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup (120g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh uni (sea urchin), about 1/4 cup (30g)
– Fresh parsley leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Butter the baguette slices and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. In a bowl, whip the ricotta cheese with heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Arrange the toasted crostini on a serving platter. Top each piece with a dollop of whipped ricotta and a spoonful of uni.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Uni Miso Soup with Tofu and Wakame
This recipe combines the rich flavors of uni (sea urchin), miso, and wakame seaweed for a comforting and nutritious soup. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a soothing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1/4 cup cubed firm tofu
– 1/2 cup sliced wakame seaweed
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Uni roe (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine dashi broth and miso paste. Whisk until smooth.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add tofu, wakame seaweed, and grated ginger. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the seaweed is tender.
4. Season with sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with uni roe if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Uni Scrambled Eggs with Chives
Start your day off right with this decadent breakfast dish that combines the rich flavors of uni (sea urchin) with scrambled eggs, chives, and a hint of seafood. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup uni (canned or fresh)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 tablespoon chopped chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until smooth.
2. Heat the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour in the eggs and scramble until almost set, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the uni, breaking it up with a spatula as you go.
5. Add the chopped chives and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Uni Stuffed Mushrooms with Herbed Breadcrumbs
Elevate your appetizers with this elegant and flavorful recipe, featuring succulent mushrooms filled with rich uni (sea urchin) and topped with a fragrant herb-infused breadcrumb mixture.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1/2 cup uni paste
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together uni paste and breadcrumbs.
3. Gently remove stems from mushroom caps and fill each cap with the uni-breadcrumb mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and sprinkle with parsley and thyme.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Uni Deviled Eggs with Smoked Paprika
Elevate your deviled egg game with the addition of creamy uni and a smoky kick from smoked paprika. These bite-sized treats are perfect for your next gathering or celebration.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons uni (sea urchin) paste
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Paprika, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, combine the yolks, butter, yogurt, chives, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in the uni paste and smoked paprika.
4. Spoon the yolk mixture evenly into the egg white halves.
5. Garnish with additional paprika, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Uni Pizza with Mozzarella and Arugula
Savor the delicate flavor of sea urchin on a perfectly cooked pizza crust, paired with creamy mozzarella and peppery arugula. This unique combination will elevate your pizza game.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 12 oz fresh uni (sea urchin), rinsed and drained
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 4 cups arugula leaves
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pizza dough to desired thickness.
2. Spread the uni evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around edges.
3. Top with sliced mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
5. Remove from oven and top with arugula leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Uni Dumplings with Ginger and Scallions
A delicate balance of savory uni (sea urchin) and aromatic ginger, wrapped in a tender dumpling wrapper and finished with a hint of scallion freshness. This recipe is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to elevate their culinary experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 package round wonton wrappers
– 1/2 cup uni paste (or fresh sea urchin roe)
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
– 2 scallions, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together uni paste, ginger, and soy sauce.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful of the uni mixture in the center.
3. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press edges together to seal.
4. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add dumplings in batches and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with thinly sliced scallions.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Uni Gratin with Creamy Béchamel Sauce
This recipe combines the luxurious flavor of uni (sea urchin) with a rich and creamy béchamel sauce, baked to perfection in a golden-brown gratin.
Ingredients:
– 12 pieces of fresh uni
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Sauté the uni in butter until tender, then set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Arrange the uni in the prepared baking dish. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden-brown.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Summary
Discover a world of flavor and adventure with these 18 exquisite uni recipes. From classic pairings like uni pasta with garlic and chili flakes to innovative creations such as uni tempura with light soy dipping sauce, there’s something for every foodie to enjoy.
Whether you’re in the mood for a rich and creamy risotto or a refreshing ceviche, these recipes showcase the versatility and delicacy of uni. So go ahead, get adventurous, and indulge in the luxurious taste of sea urchin like never before.
I’m Brandon, the face behind the recipes. As a dedicated food enthusiast, I love experimenting with flavors and sharing my culinary adventures with you.
