Sushi term
Akami 赤身
Akami is the lean, deep-red core of the tuna — firm, clean and faintly metallic in the best way. It's the everyday heart of the fish and, to many traditional Edomae chefs, the truest expression of tuna.
Understated on purpose
Without the distraction of fat, akami tastes of the sea and of the tuna itself. Older Tokyo purists often rank a great akami above flashy otoro.
Zuke, the old way
Before refrigeration, akami was marinated in soy (zuke) to preserve it — a technique many top chefs still use because the cure deepens the flavor.
Insider tip. Try the akami first in a tuna flight, before the fattier cuts coat your palate.
Where to try Akami near you
Top-rated sushi spots on Yes Ichiban with real, orderable online menus:
Bayridge Sushi
Kissimmee, FL · ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.8
VOLCANO STEAK AND SUSHIDULUTH, GA · ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.7
Royal SushiChicago, IL · ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.7
Bayridge SushiLongwood, FL · ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.7
Volcano Steak & SushiWEST BERLIN, NJ · ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.7
Mikata Japanese Grill & SushiKnoxville, TN · ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.6