Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsHayatoSaba With Tosa Zu Jelly Recipe

Saba With Tosa Zu Jelly Recipe

Inspired by Hayato
Time1h
Serves4

Make Saba With Tosa Zu Jelly Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Saba preparation

Tosa Zu Jelly

Garnish and finishing

Method

Prep

  1. 1

    Salt cure the saba

    Pat the saba fillets dry. Lightly sprinkle 0.5 tsp of salt on the flesh side of each fillet. Let rest 15-20 minutes to cure. Wipe away any surface moisture before cooking.

  2. 2

    Prep garnish

    Rinse and pat dry cucumber and microgreens; set aside for garnish.

Tosa Zu Jelly

  1. 3

    Make the jelly base

    In a small saucepan, whisk agar powder into dashi. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, whisking until the agar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and whisk in rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and the optional yuzu zest.

  2. 4

    Set the jelly

    Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and refrigerate until set, about 15-20 minutes. Once set, cut into small squares or rectangles.

Cook saba

  1. 5

    Sear saba

    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brush with a thin film of neutral oil. Rinse any excess salt from the fillets if needed and pat dry. Place fillets skin-side down and sear 2-3 minutes until the skin is crisp. Flip and cook about 30 seconds more. Remove from heat.

Plate and garnish

  1. 6

    Plate jelly

    Arrange jelly squares on warmed plates.

  2. 7

    Assemble

    Top jelly with a saba fillet. Garnish with cucumber ribbons and microgreens. If desired, drizzle a small amount of extra Tosa Zu Jelly around the plate for shine and tangy aroma.

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