The Uni Shell: A Beginner's Guide to Sea Urchin Shells

Introducing the Uni Shell

The uni shell, more commonly known as the sea urchin shell, is a uniquely textured and flavored delicacy for adventurous seafood lovers. Sea urchin shells contain the edible orange uni gonads inside, which have a sweet and briny taste that melts in your mouth.

Finding Uni Shells

Uni shells can be difficult to find at your average grocery store. However, local farmer's markets and Asian supermarkets, especially those with fresh seafood sections, often carry these exotic ingredients. You may also be able to find uni shells at high-end restaurants that serve seafood towers or omakase-style tasting menus. When buying uni shells, look for shells that are intact without any cracks or damage. Gently shake the shell and make sure the insides feel solid, which indicates fresher gonads.

How to Eat Uni Shells

Many seafood lovers crack open the spiny shells with specialized utensils to access the prized uni gonads inside. Gently pry open the shell and use a small spoon to scoop out the orange lobes. Uni shells are often served raw with a few drops of lemon or yuzu kosho as garnishes. The fresh, creamy texture and sweet brininess really sing when served this simple way. Uni shells can also be briefly torched, baked into pastas, mixed into rice bowls, or incorporated into sushi rolls for more complex dishes that highlight this special seasonal ingredient.

FAQs

What exactly is a uni shell?

A uni shell is the spiny, spherical shell that encases the edible sea urchin gonads (known as uni). The briny, sweet uni gonads are considered a delicacy, especially in Japanese cuisine.

Where can I buy uni shells?

Check your local Asian/seafood markets, farmer's markets, specialty grocery stores, or high-end restaurants. Uni shells can be difficult to find compared to regular seafood, so you may have to hunt around or request them specially.

How do I open a uni shell to get the gonads out?

Use a thick cloth or glove to hold the spiny shell. Wedge a special uni knife in the mouth area and pry open gently. Use a small spoon to scoop out the orange uni lobes inside. Be careful not to spill the delicious juices!

How should I eat the uni gonads?

Uni gonads are amazing when served raw and simple. Place them over sushi rice or directly on the shell. Garnish with a little soy sauce, wasabi, or lemon juice. You can also briefly torch them, mix into pasta, put over rice bowls, or incorporate into rolls.

Can I cook with the uni shells?

You can reuse cleaned uni shells for serving seafood appetizers like ceviches or crab salads. Use larger shells as bowls for dish presentations. Just make sure they are fully cleaned, sanitized, and dried first.