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What Is Sushi-Grade Fish? Ask Paul

Is it actually fresher or of higher quality than other fish at the seafood counter?
By Published Sept. 14, 2022

If you shop for fish, and especially if you shop for fish to be served raw or in ceviche (which is essentially the same thing), you’re bound to come across some fish labeled “sushi-grade" or "sashimi-grade.” What does that mean?

It doesn’t mean that the fish has been tested and found good enough for sushi. There isn’t a grading system for fish like there is for beef. And it doesn’t mean that the fish comes from a different source than any other fish.

So What Does Sushi-Grade Mean?

In fact, there are no regulations governing the use of “sushi-grade.” The term simply means your fishmonger generally considers the fish safe to serve raw. But what exactly that means varies from monger to monger as well as jurisdiction to jurisdiction. According to Davis Herron, the VP and Chief Operating Officer of the Retail & Restaurant Division of Lobster Place, a grand fish market in New York, the phrase is "simply a marketing term that retailers and restaurants use to denote freshness."

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Do Any Regulations Govern the Sale of Fish Intended for Raw Use?

The FDA doesn’t oversee what fish can be sold for eating raw, and neither do the majority of states or cities.

The FDA does have a published recommendation, but it’s only a recommendation. Namely: that all fish intended for raw use should be frozen—before sale—for a minimum of one week at minus 4° Fahrenheit (which is colder than a home freezer) or for 15 hours at minus 31°F (which is much colder than a home freezer). Those temps will kill off most of the parasites that are often found in fresh-caught fish, without damaging the texture of the fish itself. In some states, that FDA recommendation is enforced as a requirement; in most it is not. 

Tuna and scallops, since they are not typically infected by the harmful parasites, are generally considered an exception to the need for freezing. (And scallop ceviche is incredible.)

How Can You Best Ensure the Fish You Buy for Eating Raw Is Safe?  

It's a good idea to have a conversation with  your fishmonger about the fish you buy: If they call it "sushi-grade," what specifically does that mean to them? Has it been cold-treated for safety? How is it different from their fish that is not labeled sushi-grade?

Are There Any Fish That Should Not Be Served Raw?

Salmon and herring, especially wild-caught, are considered particularly high-risk, and freshwater fish should not be eaten raw.  And no form of raw seafood should be served to pregnant or immune-compromised people. 

Ask Paul Adams, senior science research editor, about culinary ambiguities, terms of art, and useful distinctions: paul@americastestkitchen.com

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JC
JOHN C.
16 days

Absolutely the best chicken ever, even the breast meat was moist! It's the only way I'll cook a whole chicken again. Simple, easy, quick, no mess - perfect every time. I've used both stainless steel and cast iron pans. great and easy technique for “roasted” chicken. I will say there were no pan juices, just fat in the skillet. Will add to the recipe rotation. Good for family and company dinners too. I've done this using a rimmed sheet pan instead of a skillet and put veggies and potatoes around the chicken for a one-pan meal. Broccoli gets nicely browned and yummy!

Absolutely the best chicken ever, even the breast meat was moist! It's the only way I'll cook a whole chicken again. Simple, easy, quick, no mess - perfect every time. I've used both stainless steel and cast iron pans. great and easy technique for “roasted” chicken. I will say there were no pan juices, just fat in the skillet. Will add to the recipe rotation. Good for family and company dinners too.

MD
MILES D.
JOHN C.
9 days

Amazed this recipe works out as well as it does. Would not have thought that the amount of time under the broiler would have produced a very juicy and favorable chicken with a very crispy crust. Used my 12" Lodge Cast Iron skillet (which can withstand 1000 degree temps to respond to those who wondered if it would work) and it turned out great. A "make again" as my family rates things. This is a great recipe, and I will definitely make it again. My butcher gladly butterflied the chicken for me, therefore I found it to be a fast and easy prep. I used my cast iron skillet- marvellous!

CM
CHARLES M.
11 days

John, wasn't it just amazing chicken? So much better than your typical oven baked chicken and on par if not better than gas or even charcoal grilled. It gets that smokey charcoal tasted and overnight koshering definitely helps, something I do when time permits. First-time I've pierced a whole chicken minus the times I make jerk chicken on the grill. Yup, the cast iron was not an issue.