Best Sake With Uni Sushi

Uni and sake pairing is a match made in heaven. But which sake will work best?

It’s not as hard as you might think. 

This post covers the basics of pairing uni and sake. And you’ll also discover several famous brands that pair really well with uni sushi. 

Uni and Sake Pairing 

Uni and sake are an amazing pairing match. Sake naturally pairs with shellfish. Like, really well. And uni is no exception. 

In fact, uni and sake pairing is pretty easy. Just avoid sake with very strong flavors that might overpower the delicate flavor of uni. 

Fresh uni tends to be sweet and full of umami. A light and briny, seawater taste is common too. These flavors are enhanced by sake. And the delicate acidity in most sake also acts as a palate cleanser.

Now, there are some solid wine and uni pairings. And the right beer can taste good with uni too. But in my opinion, nothing pairs better with uni than sake. 

What Grows With It Goes With It

This is a common phrase among sommeliers when discussing food and beverage pairings. And it works with uni sushi too. 

Some of the best uni come from Hokkaido, Japan. The frigid waters and abundant kelp produce sea urchin with delicate flavors, firm textures, and a fresh oceanic finish. 

The sake from Hokkaido is often delicate and clean, with a nice minerality. These flavors match uni sushi perfectly.

You can find sake from all over Japan that will pair very well with uni sushi. But if you’re not sure where to start on selecting a sake, brands from Hokkaido are usually safe. 

What Sake Grade is Best with Uni Sushi?

Sake is categorized by grade, which is based primarily on rice milling. Higher grades like ginjo and junmai daiginjo tend to be lighter, fruitier, and more aromatic. While lower (but still premium) grades like junmai and honjozo are often earthier, stronger, and more acidic. 

Personally, I find that lighter and fruitier sake tend to pair best with uni sushi and sashimi. 

My sake grades and styles guide will help if you’re unfamiliar with any of these terms and want to learn more. 

Best Sake Brand Pairings With Uni

As I mentioned earlier, most sake will pair well with uni sushi. But there are a handful of sake that I look out for if I’m eating uni. And I also list a couple of rare brands that many consider being the best sake to pair with uni sushi. 

Otokoyama Tokubetsu Junmai – Man’s Mountain

Otoyama is a classic sake brand from Asahikawa, Hokkaido. This sake is very dry, clean, and minerally. It has enough umami to marry with uni sushi. But it won’t overpower it. 

This tokubetsu junmai is also quite affordable. If you’re looking to spend big and prefer a very fruity, fragrant sake, Otokoyama Junmai Daiginjo is a rare and wonderful alternative. It also pairs well with Hokkaido uni.

Taisetsu Junmai Ginjo – Garden of the Divine

Taisetsu Junmai Ginjo is another Hokkaido sake that pairs well with uni sushi and sashimi. It’s from the neighboring Takasago Sake Brewery. 

This sake is more fruit-forward than Otokayama. It’s just as delicate but a bit more elegant. Taisetsu sake and uni sushi are an outstanding combination.

Tensei Tokubetsu Honjozo – Summer Breeze

Tensei is rounder and more full-bodied than the previous two sake. It has a complex flavor that mixes fruity and ricey notes. And Tensei finishes with a unique briny taste. 

This sake is awesome with raw uni. If you can find it, I couldn’t recommend it more. 

Watari Bune Junmai Ginjo – 55

Watari Bune 55 is one of my favorite sake. I really enjoy drinking it by itself. 

However, it’s also a food pairing machine. From my experience, there are few dishes it won’t enhance. This complex junmai ginjo is one of my go-to’s for uni sushi and sashimi. Make sure to have it with ankimo while you’re at it!

Juyondai

Juyondai is an iconic sake brand. It’s so popular, it rarely leaves the country. If you do find it, prepare to pay a premium. 

In Japan, high-end sushi restaurants, and ones that specialize in uni, always seem to have a bottle. Juyondai sake is typically very fruity and rich. It’s a luxurious combination with uni sushi.

Jikon

Jikon is another cult brand of sake. And like Juyondai, you’ll probably need to go to Japan to try it. 

Most of the sake from Jikon is also quite rich and fruity, as well. Jikon and uni sushi is a special treat. Be sure to try them together if you can.

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’s Your Favorite Uni and Sake Pairing?

This subject can be a bit subjective. Do you have a favorite sake to pair with uni sushi?

Also, do you have a favorite restaurant that serves really good uni?

Please share your thoughts by commenting below!