In Japan, tataki is a type of salad made with either meat or seafood that is seared and marinated in mirin or rice vinegar before being cut into thin slices. Japanese chefs will traditionally serve it alongside scallions and pounded ginger. It is this ginger that gives the salad its name, as “tataki” translates to “pounded”.
The history of tataki goes back to the 16th century on the Japanese island of Shikoku. This island was the place where most foreign visitors would first enter Japan. Such foreigners brought with them the grilling techniques that made tataki possible. It is said that the original inventor of the dish was a renegade swordsman by the name of Sakamoto Ryoma, who was inspired by foreign culinary traditions.
At our Bothell Japanese restaurant, you can experience the taste of tataki in our tataki roll. This makizushi, inspired by the classic meat salad, is made with crab, cucumber, seared tuna, and avocado, topped with ponzu sauce and green onions. Come and try it out for yourself at Sushi Hana!