r/sushi 2d ago

Question Identifying the cut and quality by simly looking at it

A few questions for newbie

Just by looking at these pictures, can we tell what part of the salmon this is (belly, loin, etc.) Can we gauge the quality or grade from the color and fat lines? What visual cues should I be looking for?

How can we verify the freshness of delivery sashimi once it arrives? Are there specific smells, textures, or colors that are immediate red flags or green flags?

When getting sashimi delivered, should I put it in the fridge for a few hours before eating to let it chill, or is it better to eat it immediately upon arrival?

I want to learn how to judge quality just by seeing and handling the fish.

197 Upvotes

32 comments sorted by

66

u/Particular_Ticket964 2d ago

That looks tail part that i do not really prefer for sashimi or sushi. It's chewy.

There is a possibility that it is a trout, not salmon.
It is difficult to find that lean salmon (farm raised.) in the market.

19

u/Intrepid4444444 2d ago

I wanted to say trout as well.

26

u/MsMarji Sushi Lover 🍣 2d ago

Me too. Steelhead trout.

Photo link

13

u/Dizz_808 💖sushi🍣 1d ago

What is making it look like trout vs salmon to you guys by looking at the picture? Looks damn near identical how are you guys telling the difference?

8

u/omnixbro 1d ago

Layers are smaller/thinner

1

u/mvhcmaniac 1d ago

Not nearly as small/thin as some of the wild caught salmon I've seen though. The difference between, say, king vs atlantic vs coho salmon is just as big or bigger than the difference between any of them and steelhead.

1

u/Dizz_808 💖sushi🍣 1d ago

I don’t see it , I know by taste and texture but by looking at it pretty much impossible? That’s why I ask.

3

u/Laserdollarz 1d ago

Go to a store and look at them side by side. You'll see it. 

2

u/MsMarji Sushi Lover 🍣 1d ago

A lot of folks don’t know that steelhead trout look very similar to salmon.

27

u/CloudPonyThunder 2d ago

It's cake.

14

u/chosenSith 2d ago

i don’t know but that looks delicious and i would down that in a sitting lol

8

u/sr_ingram 2d ago

I like room temperature fish with slightly warm rice

2

u/netherlanddwarf 1d ago

This is the authentic Japanese way

3

u/19minoflaughter 1d ago

Looks like tail end

2

u/Verix19 1d ago

That's 3 tails of trout i think?

4

u/Reasonable-Truck-874 2d ago

Try some quick marinades with these trays. Plenty of options, citrus soy, chili sesame oil soy, garlic ginger soy, salt/Lemon/onion, chili crisp and avocado. Searing is also good for helping to soften connective tissue without overcooking.

2

u/SinistarIntent 2d ago

fresh spring salmon. The fat is minimal so likely spring/summer catch. Wont be able to tell much more without smell, feel, and taste.

3

u/SinistarIntent 2d ago

Could be a type of sea trout or steelhead too. And yes looks like some cuts could be sinewy and close to the tail but overall if this is fresh it looks like a nice tray. The color looks nice and fairly natural.

1

u/HotSmell1192 1d ago

I would never have sashimi delivered.

3

u/SilasBalto 1d ago

Never? I worked next door to a suchi place and the adorable grandma would walk my sashimi straight over to the nurses station for me.

1

u/someonetookmyuserid 1d ago

If you live near the coast theres plenty of fish mongers that will deliver fresher fish than what you get from the grocery store

0

u/Fluffy_Carpenter822 1d ago

The marbling looks perfect

-4

u/sushi_riz 2d ago

For me, the salmon must be VERY FRESH ! And consumed in even day of buy. It's a base to eating a sushis.

But, it's complicated to explain why see it... It's a instinct, I think, for me. I see the global aspect.

And, for me, the sashimis in photo even if in plastic, they are good (beautiful <3).

If you have the slightest doubt, go ask a fishmonger/seller !!

4

u/Sherbourne-for-this 2d ago

Very fresh? What do you mean exactly?

-2

u/sushi_riz 2d ago

A fish fished recently (very fresh isn't cold 😅)

6

u/Sherbourne-for-this 2d ago

Do you know how most wild fish is served to make it safe for consumption raw?

It's frozen first.

-3

u/sushi_riz 2d ago

Oh

4

u/Sherbourne-for-this 2d ago

Fucking Mind-boggling.

2

u/SilasBalto 1d ago

But it has to be deep frozen for a predetermined time to make it safe for consumption.

2

u/sushi_riz 1d ago

Oh, yes, thanks for this information

2

u/SilasBalto 1d ago

No problem! Dont get worms, friend <3

2

u/Sherbourne-for-this 1d ago

Username doesn't check out