Yellowtail

Fish

Yellowtail

Yellowtail in sushi contexts usually means Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata, hamachi/buri) or related Seriola jacks—firm, buttery white-to-pink flesh with a rich, clean oiliness prized raw. California yellowtail (S. lalandi) and other regionals share the family traits. Not a tuna; the fat is distributed differently and the flavour is milder and more buttery than ahi. Slice for sashimi and nigiri, sear the skin side for tataki, grill collars, or braise belly. Farmed hamachi supplies much of the restaurant trade with consistent fat. Keep ice-cold for raw service; cook gently if heat is used so the oil does not taste heavy. Check local names—yellowtail can mean different jacks by coast.

Track this ingredient

Unit

Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

View all

Characteristics

Preparations

BlanchedChilledCuredDicedDriedFermentedFreshFrozenGrilledHalvedMincedPickledRoastedSaltedSlicedSmokedSteamedWhole

Provenance

ASC CertifiedDay BoatFree SwumHand FilletedHook and LineLine-CaughtMSC CertifiedOrganicPole-CaughtResponsibly SourcedSeasonalSustainable

Sources

AquacultureIndoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild

Traits

ButteryFattyFirmMoistPaleRich

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 127

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 5.05 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.93 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 1.95 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 1.85 g
  • Cholesterol 59.1 mg
  • Sodium 79.3 mg
  • Salt 0.19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 0 g
  • Dietary Fibre 0 g
  • Total Sugars 0 g
  • Complex / starch 0 g
  • Protein 20.9 g
  • Water 74.1 g
Detailed nutrients

Fish flesh is lean to oily depending on species; marine omega-3s rise in fatty fish.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Yellowtail.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

Grading systems

Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.

Japan

Sashimi Grade

United States

NOAA

History

Coastal and river fishing for yellowtail and related species supplied essential protein long before agriculture spread globally.

Salting, drying, smoking, and fermenting extended the shelf life of yellowtail and enabled long-distance trade.

Ice preservation and railway transport brought fresh yellowtail to inland cities beyond fishing ports.

Industrial freezing, aquaculture, and global logistics made yellowtail widely available in international markets.

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