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Omakase Salmon Tataki with Ponzu Gel

omakase salmon tataki - featured image

A fresh and elegant salmon tataki recipe featuring a perfectly seared texture and bright, tangy ponzu gel. This dish is quick to make, family-friendly, and restaurant-quality at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) fresh sushi-grade salmon
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (grapeseed or avocado oil)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup (120ml) ponzu sauce
  • 1 teaspoon gelatin powder (unflavored)
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Optional garnishes: thinly sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, microgreens or shiso leaves, pickled ginger or thin radish slices

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ponzu Gel: Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water to bloom for 5 minutes. Combine ponzu sauce, mirin, and soy sauce in a small saucepan and warm gently over low heat without boiling. Add bloomed gelatin and stir until dissolved. Pour into a shallow dish lined with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set but pliable.
  2. Prepare the Salmon: Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
  3. Sear the Salmon: Heat skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add oil and swirl to coat. Place salmon skin-side down if present and sear for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side to create a thin crust while keeping the center raw. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Slice the Salmon: Using a sharp knife, slice salmon into thin, even pieces about ¼ inch thick. Arrange on a serving plate.
  5. Plate with Ponzu Gel: Cut ponzu gel into small cubes or shards. Scatter over salmon slices. Garnish with scallions, toasted sesame seeds, microgreens, or shiso leaves.

Notes

Dry the salmon thoroughly before searing to ensure a good crust. Use a very hot pan for a quick sear to keep the center raw. Bloom gelatin properly for smooth ponzu gel texture. Do not boil ponzu mixture to preserve delicate citrus flavors. Chill ponzu gel for at least 2 hours or overnight. Sharp knife is essential for thin, clean slices. If ponzu is unavailable, substitute with soy sauce mixed with lemon juice and rice vinegar. Leftover salmon should be eaten within 24 hours; ponzu gel can be stored up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon tataki, ponzu gel, sushi-grade salmon, Japanese appetizer, seared salmon, easy salmon recipe, family-friendly salmon