Madai is one of the most prized fish at the sushi bar. If you’ve ever wondered what it is or what it tastes like, you’ve come to the right place.
This post will discuss the fish, proper pronunciation, popular presentations, and how to prepare it at home, and more.
What is Madai?
Madai is often called red sea bream or Japanese sea bream. It’s considered a type of shiromi, or white fish. Sushi restaurants often offer madai as nigiri or sashimi. Grilled, simmered, and fried madai are also popular.
Unfortunately, madai is perhaps too popular. Wild red sea bream is very rare. Most of the fish that are available today are farm-raised.
This madai sushi & sashimi post is part of an informative sushi and sashimi guide. Check it out if you want to take your sushi game pro.
Tai & Madai – Sea Breams
The words tai (鯛) and madai (真鯛) are often used interchangeably. However, tai is more of a broad term for sea bream. There are many types of tai in Japan, like kurodai, kinmedai, and aodai. And madai is often thought of as the best.
But not all madai is the same. It seems that the fish that live in seas with heavy currents taste the best. The Seto Inland Sea is known for its powerful, swirling tides and delicious madai. And the areas around Naruto and Akashi are said to produce the most exceptional madai.
How to Pronounce Madai
(mah dI)
What Does Madai Sushi Taste Like?
Like most sea breams, madai is firm but tender. It has a mild, sweet flavor that’s very clean.
Wild madai is both rare and expensive. And it’s said to taste even sweeter, with more umami. Farm-raised madai tends to be oilier and softer.
Madai Sushi
Madai is one of the most popular sushi fish. Rolls sometimes use it. But madai nigiri is king.
Sea Bream Nigiri
Madai nigiri is an Edomae classic. It’s simply a thin slice of sea bream over sushi rice. Traditionally, wasabi is smeared underneath the fish.
Most of the time, madai is served raw. However, chefs sometimes leave the skin on and sear the fish briefly (aburi) with a blowtorch. A more traditional approach is to splash boiling water on the fish (yubiki), then quickly chill it in an ice bath.
Madai Sashimi
Madai sashimi is just as popular as nigiri. This presentation is simply thin slices of fish. Ponzu sauce is common on the side.
How to Prepare Madai
Preparing madai at home isn’t too challenging if you take your time. But you must have a sharp knife.
Check out the two videos below from Akira san’s Sushi at Home. The first video shows you how to break down the fish into fillets. The second video shows you how to prepare madai nigiri.
Sea Bream Beverage Pairings
Madai is considered a type of white fish (shiromi). This entire class of unrelated fish is mild-flavored and firm. Many beverages pair with them as long as they’re not too rich or strong.
Madai Sake Pairings
Madai is considered a type of white fish (shiromi). This entire class of unrelated fish is mild-flavored and firm. Many beverages pair with them as long as they’re not too rich or strong.
My sake grades and styles guide will help if you’re unfamiliar with any of these terms and want to learn more.
Wine and Beer Pairings With Sea Bream
Again, look for mellow beverages that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of madai.
Many white and sparkling wines will do fine. Light, dry wines like Muscadet, Italian pinot grigio, Savoie Apremont are my go-to’s. Many other wines will work, but you want to avoid most oaked wines.
Sushi and sashimi sea bream is best with light beers with low hop bitterness. Most of the classic Japanese brands will work here, especially Sapporo Premium and Asahi Super Dry. And Echigo Koshihikari is a nice upgrade on this same style, where you can find it.
31 Days of Sushi
If you find this post useful or enjoyable, I suggest you check out some of the other content in my 31 Days of Sushi campaign.
Every day in August I’ll share a new piece of content. Topics are centered around nigiri and maki sushi. I include sashimi info, as well.
It’s like an omakase of sushi information!
What Do You Think About Madai?
Does madai get you excited, or do you find it too mellow?
Also, do you have a favorite madai dish you prefer over sushi or sashimi? I love madai aradaki!
Please share your thoughts by commenting below!