Nama Shirasu Donburi
Shirasu are baby sardines that most often come to market after being blanched in salt water. This time of year we sometimes find it raw, as nama shirasu. These are a bit intense in flavor and have a somewhat slippery texture. It comes with a small packet of ground ginger that we garnish it with. The ginger helps to balance the rich flavor. Just drizzle with soy sauce and it becomes the main dish for lunch when served with some miso soup and some side dishes.
Here is what it looks like at the market. It says on the label sashimiyō so we know that it can be eaten raw. The pack is 380 JPY and serves two.
Enoshima, a popular beach resort area south of Tokyo, is famous for its nama shirasu. Here are photos from a meal we had in Enoshima that featured shirasu tempura and nama shirasu donburi.
sashimiyō 刺身用 can be eaten raw
shirasu 白す baby sardines
nama 生 raw or uncooked
