Japanese Cuttlefish/Squids Species 1: Yari Ika-Spear Squid

Cuttlefish or squids are eaten almost all the world as they seem to inhabit the whole planet! They are the favourite food of many big fish such as tuna, whales and birds. Although humans contribute to dwindling stocks, they will never consume the same amount as its natural predators.

The Japanese call them Ika/烏賊, roughly meaning crow shellfish/cephalopods.

This is the start of a long series. I do hope you like them, otherwise you are in for a long haul!LOL

Yari Ika/槍烏賊, or Spear Squid, are also known under the names of sashika, Sayaika, Shyakuhachi, Tsutsuika or Sayanaga.
In Japan they are mainly caught in Winter and Spring off the shores of Aomori, Hokkaido, Ibaragi, Mie, Aichi and Yamaguchi Prefectures.
Females are slightly more rounded thanthe males.
They are either caught with nets or lines.
Their flesh is comparatively thin, but soft and sweet. They are among the most popular in Japan.
The best specimens are the ones caught by line. Buy them live whenever possible.

Still alive spear squid sushi nigiri!

Classical presentation sushi nigiri!

Unusual presentation sushi nigiri!

Classical live spear squid sashimi plate!

Spear Squid Sashimi Donburi!

Broiled spear squid!

Spear Squid Tempura!

Japanese-Style Sauteed Spear squid!

Italian-Style Spear squid in its ink!

They can of course be cooked, or eaten as sashimi, but I reckon sushi nigiri is best.
The best sushi restaurants will serve two of them with two different dip soy sauces.

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