| Name (Japanese) | White Trevally (Shima-aji / シマアジ / 縞鰺) |
| Overall Rating |
Flavor: ★★★★☆ Texture: ★★★★★ Popularity: ★★★★☆ |
| Reference Price |
Value: ★★★★☆ Price range: $35~$70/lb |
| Best Season | Early summer to autumn |
| Did you know? | Striped jacks have no teeth, making it difficult to detect when fishing. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Overview |
Kanji Name: 縞鰺 (Shima Aji) English Name: White Trevally Scientific Name: Pseudocaranx dentex Classification: • Kingdom: Animalia • Phylum: Chordata • Class: Actinopterygii • Order: Carangiformes • Family: Carangidae • Genus: Pseudocaranx • Species: P. dentex Average Size: 30–50 cm Key Features: Distinctive vertical stripes along the body, firm yet delicate flesh, sweet and clean flavor |
| 2. Habitat & Distribution |
Found in coastal waters of Japan, especially in Kyushu, Shikoku, and the Sea of Japan. Prefers warm, temperate seas and swims in midwater zones. Often farm-raised to ensure year-round availability. |
| 3. Seasonality |
Best season is early summer to autumn (June–October). Peak fat content and sweetness during warmer months. |
| 4. Sushi Ingredient Profile |
Common Uses: Nigiri, sashimi, marinated (shime), grilled Flavor: Sweet, mild, with a refined umami Texture: Firm yet tender, slightly oily Fat Content: Moderate; concentrated in belly cuts |
| 5. Preparation & Craftsmanship |
Often served as shime (light vinegar cure) to enhance flavor and preservation. Can be lightly seared (aburi) to bring out aroma. Skilled knife work is essential to maintain the clean presentation and mouthfeel. |
| 6. Recommended Pairings |
Sushi Rice: Lightly seasoned white vinegar rice Condiments: Wasabi, sudachi citrus, sea salt Drinks: Crisp sake, dry white wine |
| 7. Nutritional Information |
High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Contains vitamins B12 and D, and minerals such as selenium and phosphorus. |
| 8. Trivia & Cultural Notes |
Considered a luxury sushi fish in Japan, valued for its elegant balance of sweetness and umami. Wild-caught Shima Aji is rarer and more expensive than farm-raised. Its name means “striped horse mackerel” due to the vertical bands on its body. |
| 9. Recommended Sushi Styles |
• Shima Aji nigiri with wasabi and a brush of nikiri sauce • Shima Aji sashimi with sudachi salt • Lightly seared (aburi) Shima Aji nigiri • Shima Aji marinated in kombu (kobujime) |
