Shipped frozen, ready for sushi enjoyment!

  • Nordic Catch Japanese mackerel fillets package with multiple sliced pieces on crushed ice background
  • Mackerel nigiri sushi topped with grated ginger and black sesame seeds on Nordic Catch branded wooden board
  • Horse mackerel nigiri sushi with skin charred on top, scallion garnish, and yellow edible flower on Nordic Catch branded white plate
  • Horse mackerel sashimi slice held with wooden chopsticks over Nordic Catch branded dipping sauce on wooden surface with assorted sashimi platter in background
1 4

Nordic Catch

Japanese Horse Mackerel (Aji) Fillet - Sushi Grade (20 pieces)

Japanese Horse Mackerel (Aji) Fillet - Sushi Grade (20 pieces)

Our Japanese horse mackerel (aji) fillets are traditionally prepared with the skin largely removed and lightly scraped, making them ready to enjoy as-is. Clean, lightly oily, and delicate, aji is a classic sushi fish prized for freshness and balance.
$25.00
$25.00
$0.91 oz
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Sushi-Grade seafood, perfect for sashimi or poke!
  • Highly sustainable option, see product description!
  • Ships frozen, ready for sushi enjoyment!

Our Japanese Horse Mackerel (Aji) Fillets are sourced from Japan and prepared in a traditional sushi style, with the skin largely scraped and removed prior to packing. Because aji is a naturally small fish, further skin removal is often not possible without compromising the fillet—this preparation is intentional and designed for immediate use.

Aji is valued in Japanese cuisine for its clean, lightly oily flavor and delicate texture. Unlike heavier mackerel species, it is refreshing and balanced, making it ideal for sashimi, nigiri, or simple raw preparations.

These fillets are intended to be enjoyed as-is, requiring little to no additional prep beyond slicing. When freshness is respected, aji delivers one of the purest expressions of everyday sushi.

Why Japanese Aji?

Japanese aji is prized because it is:

  • Naturally small and delicate
  • Prepared specifically for sushi consumption
  • Mild and clean, not overly oily
  • Best enjoyed fresh and simply

In traditional Edomae sushi, aji is a test of both sourcing and handling.

How to Enjoy

Slice gently for sashimi or nigiri

Serve chilled with minimal seasoning

Excellent with ginger, scallion, or citrus

Can be lightly cured, but not required

Heavy cooking or aggressive seasoning is not recommended.

Product Details

Species: Horse Mackerel (Aji)

Origin: Japan

Harvest Method: Wild-caught

Cut: Fillet, skin mostly removed

Grade: Sushi-grade handling

Condition: Fresh or frozen depending on availability

Packaging: Vacuum sealed

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate or freeze immediately upon arrival

If frozen, thaw slowly under refrigeration

Consume promptly after thawing for best quality

Portion per pack

This pack of Japanese Horse Mackerel (Aji) weighs approximately 300g, giving you 20 pieces of sushi-ready pieces.

Cooking tips

For Sashimi & Nigiri (Most Common)

Slice gently against the grain

Serve well-chilled

Excellent with ginger, scallion, or a touch of citrus

Best enjoyed fresh and simply

Aji is prized for its clean, lightly oily flavor and delicate texture.

Light Curing (Optional)

Briefly salt or lightly vinegar-cure before slicing

Enhances aroma and tightens texture

Traditional in Edomae-style sushi

Curing should be subtle—avoid overpowering the fish.

Light Searing (If Desired)

Quick torch or pan sear only on the surface

Do not fully cook through

Adds aroma while preserving delicate texture

Best for those who enjoy contrast without losing freshness.

Gentle Cooking (Less Common)

Lightly pan-sear or grill very briefly

Cook just until opaque

Avoid high heat or long cooking times

Aji is small and delicate—overcooking will dry it out.

Species Name

View full details

Frozen Sushi-Ready Pieces

FAQ - Japanese Hose Mackerel + Cuttlefish

What does “sushi-ready” mean?

Sushi-ready means these products have been cleaned, trimmed, and prepared specifically for raw consumption, requiring minimal to no additional prep before slicing or serving.

Are these products safe to eat raw?

Yes. Both the Japanese Aji and Japanese Mongo Ika are handled and prepared to sushi and sashimi standards and are suitable for raw consumption when handled properly.

Do I need to remove skin or clean these further?

Aji: The skin has been mostly removed and traditionally scraped. Because aji is a small fish, this preparation is intentional and designed to be eaten as-is.

Mongo Ika: The cuttlefish is fully cleaned and pre-sliced, ready for immediate use.

Can these be cooked if I prefer not to eat them raw?

Yes, though they are best enjoyed raw.

  • Aji: Can be lightly seared, gently grilled, or briefly cured.
  • Mongo Ika: Can be quickly blanched or lightly grilled, but should not be overcooked.

Do these have a strong “fishy” taste?

No. When fresh, both products are known for clean, mild flavors.

  • Aji is lightly oily and refreshing.
  • Mongo Ika is mild, slightly sweet, and tender.

How should I store sushi-ready pieces?

Freeze immediately upon arrival. Thaw slowly under refrigeration and consume promptly for best texture and flavor.

Are these traditional sushi items in Japan?

Yes.

  • Aji is a classic Edomae sushi fish prized for freshness and balance.
  • Mongo Ika is commonly used for sashimi and nigiri, valued for its clean taste and smooth texture.

Are these products pre-portioned?

Yes. Both products are portioned for ease of use, making them ideal for home sushi preparation without specialized knife work.

Shop More Collections

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 38 reviews.

Customer photo review of Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Decided it was a good time for Hamachi and looked online to find it here. Overnighted, unfrozen and beautiful. Got both cuts and everybody was loving it. Added some Serrano and kumquat to a few different ponzu sauces. 4 pounds over fed about 8-10 people

American E. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Customer photo review of Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

This hamachi was a standout! It arrived beautifully fresh and had the perfect firm yet buttery texture. We served it simply with soy sauce, fresh wasabi, and a little citrus, and every bite was incredible. I’ll definitely be ordering more!

Amy L. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Customer photo review of Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

First time customer here. Fish was almost 2 yrs old. Max time frozen should be 6mo. Even under one year would have made a huge difference in quality. Edible but had to sear it and it still was old tasting. Very disappointing as I bought for sashimi. I guess I’m still looking for an online supplier for sashimi grade fish.

Lance C. 2/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Customer photo review of Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

I have been looking for a good supplier of sashimi grade Salmon and Hamachi. This is the best I have found. I live in a small town, so it is an all-day affair going to eat at a sushi joint. This stuff is off the chart good, no waste, no fishy smell. Will be buying again.

Karl B. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Customer photo review of Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

I saw that no one had reviewed this item yet, so I figured, why not? This is the highest quality Japanese yellowtail I’ve ever had, compared most sushi restaurants that I’ve visited! (Not to mention a whole lot cheaper, and I get to meal-prep.) The loins arrived without the bones, so I only had to take the skin off, which was easy. I highly recommend it!

Evelyn K. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

First of all, I have to say the communication was outstanding. From the moment I made the purchase I knew exactly what was going on and when I was getting my fish. I have ordered from other fish companies that have great product but the communication and shipping are poor. Now for the star of the show...the yellowtail. I got both cuts. OMFG!! The fish quality was A+, the weight was correct, I couldn't have been any happier with this purchase. I portioned it out for two nights in a row of sushi and sashimi and vac packed the rest of the portions to the deep freezer. I will certainly be a repeat customer. I wish you guys carried tobiko or masago. I tried adding a picture but it didn't appear to attach.

Calvin S. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

The hamachi was amazing. 4 pounds mare about 8 of us very happy. I would buy again. The $200 cost seems high until you figure what this would cost at a real place.

American E. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

I ordered frozen option as I needed to use it several weeks later. Instead, I received fresh and the quality was not near as good and forced me to eat it right away. Also, I had to forgo my plans. They need to bring back the skinned frozen option which is 10x better.

Al O. 3/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Ot arrived very cold, as it was surrounded by sealed ice packs. I did taste it a bit, and oh my its simply divine. I will be reordering it for sure. Make sure you keep them in the freezer as recommended. I give it for freshness 10/10, flavor 10/10, packaging 10/10, delivery 10/10.

Michelle S. 5/5 Verified

Wild Hokkaido Shoyu Ikura (Soy Sauce Marinated Salmon Roe) - 3.5oz tub

This was my first time trying Hamachi and it won't be my last. The texture and the butter rich flavor was exceptional. It was a big hit and I'm glad the piece was a good size, because my guest just loved it. Thanks, Pete.

Peter W. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Ordered both the fresh and frozen. Fresh was about as fresh as it coud be between getting to a market and shipped and was amazing . Was very impressed and the frozen as well, had to be frozen while extremley fresh the bloodline had zero color change for frozen was insanely good for frozen fish. Very pleased with both fresh and frozen yellowtail. Thanks for offering a great product!

George R. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

I put in an order and asked for it to come no later than Thursday as I was going out for the weekend. It did not come in by Thursday It came on Friday and had to sit there all weekend because we were out of town. I was told that they were going to contact Fedex and let us know, still waiting.

Dayan S. 2/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Store owner replied: Hi Dayan! I’m glad we’ve touched base about your delivery experience. Just to clarify things: Per your email on March 10, you stated “I am in no hurry for the order… Friday delivery would be fine with me”…. Then suddenly you mentioned you were out of town Friday and could not receive the delivery. Delays are an unfortunate event we cannot control. We hope you can try the product as intended and it earns a positive review next time. Cheers, Nordic Catch