Shipped frozen, ready for sushi enjoyment!

  • Frozen marinated cuttlefish fillet package with white fillets on green grass bed and Japanese flag on crushed ice background
  • Two pieces of white cuttlefish nigiri sushi on black slate with Nordic Catch branding against black background
  • Cuttlefish nigiri sushi topped with uni sea urchin roe, black caviar, and edible flowers on black slate with Nordic Catch branding
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Nordic Catch

Japanese Mongo Ika (Cuttlefish) - Sushi Grade (1.1 LBS)

Japanese Mongo Ika (Cuttlefish) - Sushi Grade (1.1 LBS)

Our wild-caught Japanese Mongo Ika (cuttlefish) is traditionally prepared and sushi-ready, pre-sliced for immediate use. Clean, mild, and delicately sweet with a firm, springy texture, this is a classic Edomae sushi ingredient valued for precision and balance—not richness.
$39.00
$39.00
$1.41 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 Mongo Ika (Cuttlefish) is wild-caught in Japanese waters and prepared in a traditional sushi-ready format, with the cuttlefish cleaned, marinated, and pre-sliced for immediate use. This product reflects how ika is served in Japan—precise, restrained, and texture-driven.

Unlike fatty fish such as tuna or salmon, mongo ika is prized for its firm, elastic bite and clean finish. The texture is intentionally springy and resilient, offering contrast and balance within a sushi meal. When high quality, ika should feel structured and crisp—not mushy or sticky.

This is a product for customers who appreciate traditional sushi craftsmanship, where texture is as important as flavor.

Understanding the Texture (Important)

Mongo ika has a distinct texture by design:

  • Firm and lightly chewy
  • Smooth, not slippery
  • Clean bite with gentle resistance

This texture is considered premium in Japanese sushi. It is not buttery or melt-in-your-mouth, and it should not be compared to toro, salmon, or hamachi.

If you enjoy textural contrast in sushi, mongo ika delivers a classic experience.

Best Handling for Sushi Enjoyment

Keep frozen until ready to use

Thaw slowly under refrigeration

Rinse briefly under cold water if desired

Pat completely dry before slicing or serving

Serve chilled, not icy

Avoid overhandling. Simplicity preserves texture and flavor.

How to Enjoy

Serve as sashimi or nigiri

Excellent brushed lightly with soy or citrus

Can be lightly scored for tenderness

Optional quick blanch or gentle grilling for those who prefer less chew

Minimal seasoning is recommended.

Product Details

Species: Cuttlefish (Mongo Ika)

Origin: Japan

Harvest Method: Wild-caught

Cut: Pre-sliced and scored, sushi-ready pieces

Preparation: Cleaned and traditionally marinated

Condition: Frozen

Packaging: Tray-packed and sealed

Storage Instructions

Keep frozen at 0°F (-18°C)

Thaw under refrigeration

Do not refreeze once thawed

Consume promptly after thawing

Portion per pack

Each package contains 12 large slices of Mongo Ika. Each of these slices can be sliced into 3 smaller slices, giving you a total of 36 nigiri-sized pieces.

Cooking tips

Cooking & Serving Tips for Mongo Ika (Cuttlefish)

Best enjoyed raw as sashimi or nigiri

Serve chilled and slice just before serving

A light rinse and thorough pat-dry improves texture

Texture is firm and springy by design

Optional preparation:

Very quick blanch or gentle grill if you prefer less chew

Avoid overcooking—extended heat will make cuttlefish tough.

Species Name

Sepia esculenta

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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.

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Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 39 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