| Name (Japanese) | Bigfin Reef Squid (Aori-ika / アオリイカ / 障泥烏賊) |
| Overall Rating |
Flavor: ★★★★★ Texture: ★★★★★ Popularity: ★★★★★ |
| Reference Price |
Value: ★★★★☆ Price range: $25~$45/lb |
| Best Season | Autumn to early winter |
| Did you know? | Its name means “luring squid” for its graceful swimming that charms fishermen. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Overview |
Kanji Name: 障泥烏賊 (Aori-ika) English Name: Bigfin Reef Squid Scientific Name: Sepioteuthis lessoniana Classification: • Kingdom: Animalia • Phylum: Mollusca • Class: Cephalopoda • Order: Teuthida • Family: Loliginidae • Genus: Sepioteuthis • Species: S. lessoniana Average Size: 20–40 cm (mantle length) Key Features: Transparent to pale body with iridescent spots; renowned for its tender texture and sweet flavor |
| 2. Habitat & Distribution |
Found in warm coastal waters of Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Indo-Pacific. Prefers shallow sandy or seagrass beds near reefs. Typically caught using jigging or small net fishing. |
| 3. Seasonality |
Best season is autumn to early winter. Peak sweetness and tenderness before spawning. |
| 4. Sushi Ingredient Profile |
Common Uses: Nigiri, sashimi, tempura, grilled (yaki-ika) Flavor: Clean, mild sweetness with subtle ocean aroma Texture: Soft yet pleasantly firm, almost creamy Fat Content: Very low; prized for sweetness rather than richness |
| 5. Preparation & Craftsmanship |
Scored finely (kakushi-bocho) to enhance tenderness and presentation. Often served raw for its natural sweetness or lightly grilled for aroma. Freshness is key—texture deteriorates quickly after catch. |
| 6. Recommended Pairings |
Sushi Rice: Lightly seasoned with white vinegar Condiments: Wasabi, sea salt, shiso leaf, sudachi Drinks: Dry ginjo sake, crisp white wine |
| 7. Nutritional Information |
High in protein, low in fat. Contains taurine, vitamin B12, and selenium. |
| 8. Trivia & Cultural Notes |
The name “Aori” means “luring,” referring to its graceful swimming that attracts fishermen. Considered the king of squid in Japan for sushi and sashimi. Its sweetness is best enjoyed within hours of the catch. |
| 9. Recommended Sushi Styles |
• Aori-ika nigiri with fine scoring and wasabi • Aori-ika sashimi with sea salt and sudachi • Lightly grilled aori-ika nigiri for enhanced aroma • Aori-ika nigiri topped with uni for rich contrast |
