Hamachi is Japanese yellowtail at its buttery best. Rich, high in oil, and clean on the finish, it is the fish that makes a sushi counter feel like an occasion, and it arrives ready to slice and eat, straight from the box.
What is hamachi
Hamachi is the sushi name for Japanese yellowtail, a member of the amberjack family. Ours comes from a single farm in Kumamoto, Japan, raised to a standard we import exclusively, so the quality is consistent every time you order. It is the rich, buttery yellowtail you know from the best sushi bars, now cut to order and shipped to your door.
What it tastes like
Buttery, rich, and clean, with a high oil content that gives it a full, almost creamy texture. Hamachi is one of the most crowd-pleasing raw fish there is, indulgent enough to feel special, smooth enough that newcomers love it on the first bite.
Hamachi vs yellowtail
They are the same fish. Hamachi is simply the Japanese sushi name for farmed yellowtail, so when a menu says hamachi or yellowtail, you are looking at the same species. You may also see buri, which refers to larger, wild, mature yellowtail. Ours is hamachi, the farm-raised grade prized for its consistent richness and clean flavor.
Hamachi vs kanpachi
Both are amberjack and both are superb raw, but hamachi is the richer, oilier of the two, while kanpachi is leaner, firmer, and more delicate. If you love full, buttery yellowtail, hamachi is your fish. For something cleaner and brighter, see our guide to kanpachi.
How to eat it
Hamachi is made to be eaten raw. It arrives sashimi-ready, so you can slice it and serve it straight from the box, no cooking required. Cut it thick enough to show off its richness for sashimi and nigiri, or make crudo with a little yuzu or citrus. If you like, the collar is a treat on the grill, some of the best eating on the fish, but the loin needs nothing more than a knife. Keep raw preparations simple and let the oil and clean flavor carry the plate.
How to buy hamachi
Shop our hamachi sashimi cut, cut to order and shipped cold, ready to eat. New to ordering fish this way? Start with our guide to buying sashimi-grade fish online.
Shop HamachiCommon questions
What does hamachi taste like?
Buttery, rich, and clean, with a high oil content and a smooth, almost creamy texture. It is one of the most approachable raw fish there is.
Is hamachi the same as yellowtail?
Yes. Hamachi is the Japanese sushi name for farmed yellowtail. Buri refers to larger, wild, mature yellowtail.
Can you eat hamachi raw?
Yes. Our hamachi is sashimi-grade and arrives ready to slice and eat raw, straight from the box. It is loved as sashimi, nigiri, and crudo.
Selected by Ham. Honolulu since 1981.