Making sushi at home can feel intimidating, but with the right tools and a few key ingredients, you’ll be rolling in no time. It all starts with choosing the right fish, which is where terms like “sushi-grade” or “sushi-quality” come in. Sourcing a product that’s safe to eat raw and has been carefully handled is important. Here’s how to pick the perfect fish for your meal with confidence.
The Truth About “Sushi-Grade” Labels
Many people assume sushi-grade is an official certification, however, there is no governing body in Canada that assigns this label. In reality, the term is used by suppliers to indicate fish that has been carefully handled, frozen properly and considered safe for raw consumption.
That means the label is only as trustworthy as the source. At Sealand, our sushi-quality fish is frozen quickly after catch, kept at safe temperatures and packed with care. When you see “sushi-grade” on our salmon or tuna, you can count on a product being safe to eat raw.
Sushi-Quality Starts at the Source
Sushi quality fish isn’t just about appearance, it’s about everything that happens from catch to kitchen. From flash freezing and vacuum sealing to trusted sourcing and safe delivery, every step matters. That’s what makes sushi-grade seafood safe to eat raw and what separates it from the average fish at the grocery store.
If you’re planning sushi at home, choosing fish that’s been handled with raw consumption in mind is the best way to protect your health and elevate your experience. At Sealand, we make that choice easy. Our salmon and tuna are clean, carefully handled and shipped with care. All you need to do is slice, serve and enjoy.
What To Look For In Sushi-Quality Fish
The best sushi-quality fish has a vibrant, natural colour. Salmon should look bright and slightly translucent, while tuna should have a deep red or ruby tone. The texture should be firm to the touch, not soft or slippery. A clean, ocean-like smell is also essential. If it smells overly fishy or sour, it's not suitable for raw use.
How the fish is handled is just as important. Sushi-grade fish is flash frozen shortly after harvest to eliminate parasites and lock in freshness. It stays frozen at ultra-low temperatures until it's ready to be thawed for preparation. Sealand’s seafood is vacuum sealed and stored in strict temperature-controlled environments from catch to delivery.
Lastly, sourcing matters. Trustworthy suppliers work with approved facilities and follow strict protocols to ensure the fish is safe for raw consumption. At Sealand, we only offer sushi-grade products from partners who meet these standards and share our commitment to quality.
Can I Use Grocery Store Fish?
In most cases, grocery store fish is not safe for raw consumption. While it might look fresh behind the counter, most retail seafood hasn’t gone through the freezing process required to eliminate parasites. This is especially important if you’re using wild fish like salmon, which naturally carry parasites and must be frozen to specific standards before being served raw. The difference might not be obvious at first glance, but when it comes to food safety, it’s a critical distinction.
Our sushi-grade seafood is frozen and handled specifically for raw use. Each product is vacuum sealed, stored in cold-chain environments and delivered in temperature-controlled packaging. That means you can enjoy sushi, sashimi or poke at home with confidence and without worrying about what’s lurking beneath the surface.
Comparing Sushi-Grade Salmon Types
Both wild-caught and farmed salmon can be sushi-quality, but they offer different characteristics when it comes to flavour, texture and risk. Understanding how each is sourced and handled helps you make the right choice for your next sushi night.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Wild-Caught | Farmed (Sealand) | |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | Deep and earthy | Rich and buttery |
| Texture | Firmer | Softer with more marbling |
| Parasite Risk | Higher, requires flash freezing | Lower, raised in controlled environments |
| Supply | Seasonal | Consistent Year-round |
Wild salmon often has a firmer bite and a more pronounced flavour, but it also carries a higher risk of parasites since it spends time in freshwater.
Farmed salmon, like the Norwegian steelhead and Canadian centre cuts we offer at Sealand, are raised in controlled environments on parasite-free feed. This significantly reduces the risk, making them more consistent and reliable for raw consumption. Farmed salmon also tends to have a softer, more buttery texture and is available year-round, which is ideal if you’re planning sushi night on your schedule, not around the fishing season.
Preparing Your Fish Safely
To get the best texture and flavour from your sushi-quality salmon or tuna, always thaw it slowly and safely. Keep the fish in its vacuum-sealed packaging and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can place the sealed package in a bowl of cold water for 30 to 45 minutes. Avoid using warm water or leaving it out on the counter, as that can affect both taste and safety.
Once thawed, keep your work area clean and use a sharp knife on a sanitized cutting board. Rinse the fish gently under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel. For sashimi or rolls, slice it across the grain into even pieces. For poke bowls cut it into small, uniform cubes. Always keep the fish chilled and aim to enjoy it the same day you prepare it.
Sushi Night Starts Here
Sushi night doesn't need to mean takeout. These recipe ideas are quick, fresh and built around Sealand's sushi-grade tuna and salmon.
For an elegant appetizer, the Tuna Carpaccio features thinly sliced Sealand Tuna Saku blocks, complemented by finely diced red onions, minced jalapeño, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, served on toasted baguette slices and garnished with fresh arugula.
If you're in the mood for a fusion dish, the Canadian Skinless Salmon Sushi Burrito combines succulent Canadian salmon with crisp vegetables and seasoned sushi rice, all wrapped in a nori seaweed sheet, offering a handheld sushi experience with a twist.
For a refreshing option, the Ahi Tuna Ceviche presents Sealand Tuna Ahi Steaks mixed with red onion, garlic, jalapeño, avocado, and cilantro, marinated in zesty lime juice and extra virgin olive oil, creating a light and flavourful dish perfect for any occasion
Sealand’s sushi-grade salmon and tuna are clean, flash frozen and vacuum sealed to preserve quality from the ocean to your kitchen. You can order online anytime with no subscriptions or minimums and enjoy convenient delivery anywhere in Canada. For ideas on how to prepare your seafood, take a look at our recipes featuring sushi rolls, poke bowls and more.
