Kinmedai Chiba 2lb

What is Kinmedai?
Kinmedai (金目鯛, golden eye snapper) is a deep-water fish from Chiba, celebrated for its striking pinkish-red skin, large golden eyes, and luxurious texture. Rich in natural oils and umami, it's prized by top Japanese chefs for a firm yet tender flesh that works grilled, steamed, or as sashimi. Each piece averages around 2 lbs, sourced from the deep, cold, nutrient-rich waters off Chiba.

The fat is what sets it apart from a lean white fish — it runs through the flesh, keeping it moist and rich however it's cooked, while staying clean and delicate rather than heavy. Firm enough to hold its shape grilled or simmered, silky enough to eat raw.

Specifications

How to enjoy

Salt-grilled (shioyaki) is a classic — salt the fish, grill skin-on until it crisps and the fat runs. It's equally good simmered in a sweet-soy nitsuke, the dish kinmedai is most famous for, or steamed to keep the flesh soft and clean. Fresh, it's also served as sashimi, silky and rich, or seared skin-on (aburi). Keep it cold and cook it fresh.

Pairing notes — salt, sweet-soy nitsuke, grated ginger, sudachi or yuzu, and a dry sake.