Kanpachi is the clean, gently sweet amberjack that sushi counters prize. Silky and sashimi-ready, it is one of the most approachable premium fish you can put on a plate, and it arrives ready to slice and eat, straight from the box.
What is kanpachi
Kanpachi is a young amberjack, a close cousin of hamachi (Japanese yellowtail). Ours is ocean-raised in the clear waters off Hawaii, which gives it a clean, consistent quality year round. On a sushi menu you will see it labeled kanpachi or amberjack, and it is prized for a firm, silky texture and a flavor that is rich without being heavy.
What it tastes like
Clean, firm, and gently sweet, with a silky, almost glassy texture when sliced for sashimi. Kanpachi carries a little less fat than hamachi, so it tastes brighter and more delicate, the fish to reach for when you want richness without the full oiliness of yellowtail.
Kanpachi vs hamachi
They are close relatives and often confused, but the difference is easy to taste. Both are amberjack, both are superb raw. Hamachi is richer, oilier, and more buttery, the indulgent one. Kanpachi is leaner, firmer, and cleaner on the palate, the refined one. If you find hamachi a touch too rich, kanpachi is your fish. If you love full, fatty yellowtail, read our guide to hamachi.
How to eat it
Kanpachi is made to be eaten raw. It arrives sashimi-ready, so you can slice it thin and serve it straight from the box, no cooking required. Lay it out as sashimi, dress it as crudo with a little citrus and good olive oil, or fold it into a bowl. It also takes a light sear beautifully if you want warm edges over a silky center, but the truth is it needs nothing more than a sharp knife. Keep it simple and let the clean flavor lead.
How to buy kanpachi
Shop our Hawaiian kanpachi sashimi cut, cut to order and shipped cold, ready to eat, or try it alongside ahi and king salmon in our Sashimi Three-Pack. New to ordering fish this way? Start with our guide to buying sashimi-grade fish online.
Shop KanpachiCommon questions
What does kanpachi taste like?
Clean, firm, and gently sweet, with a silky texture. It is leaner and brighter than hamachi, rich without being heavy.
What is the difference between kanpachi and hamachi?
Both are amberjack. Hamachi is richer and oilier, while kanpachi is leaner, firmer, and cleaner on the palate.
Can you eat kanpachi raw?
Yes. Our kanpachi is sashimi-grade and arrives ready to slice and eat raw, straight from the box. It is prized as sashimi and crudo, and also takes a light sear well.
Selected by Ham. Honolulu since 1981.