Where to Buy Sushi Grade Fish Online: A Guide to the Best Sources

As someone who loves high-quality sushi I’m always on the lookout for the best places to buy sushi grade fish online. After all the fish is one of the most important components of good sushi – it has to be impeccably fresh and expertly sliced to yield the melt-in-your-mouth texture and umami flavors we crave.

In this article, I’ll share my top picks for ordering sushi grade fish on the web and explain what makes them stand out Whether you’re a sushi chef looking to stock your restaurant kitchen or a home cook trying your hand at sashimi, these vendors can deliver premium seafood straight to your door.

What is Sushi Grade Fish?

Let’s start with a quick primer on what qualifies as sushi grade. There’s no official grading system in the US, but sushi grade seafood generally means:

• It has been flash frozen to kill parasites. In fact, regulations require freezing for raw consumption.

• The fish has a high fat content for a smooth, supple texture. Popular choices are salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and seabass.

• It’s meticulously handled, processed, and packaged to limit oxidation and bacterial growth.

• The flesh color and smell indicate peak freshness.

Essentially, sushi grade describes seafood of the highest caliber suitable for eating raw. When buying fish online, it pays to find reputable sellers who stand behind their quality.

Best Online Sources for Sushi Grade Seafood

Now let’s get into my handpicked selections for purchasing premium fish for sashimi and nigiri from the convenience of your home.

1. Sea to Table

• Offers wild, sustainable American seafood like tuna, salmon, and fluke.

• Flash freezes at sea within hours of catch to lock in freshness.

• Delivers to your doorstep in insulated boxes with dry ice or gel packs.

• Sea to Table has a transparent supply chain so you know your fish’s origins.

• Products are traceable down to the exact boat, captain, and ocean coordinates.

For a guaranteed way to access the freshest domestic seafood from small day boats around the US, Sea to Table is a top choice.

2. Catalina Offshore Products

• Family-run company based in San Diego with 40+ years experience.

• Specializes in premium sushi grade seafood like bigeye tuna, yellowtail, and sea urchin.

• Offers same day delivery in Southern California or overnight nationwide.

• Vacuum packs and flash freezes fish at the peak of freshness.

For the finest selection of sushi fish south of Tokyo, Catalina Offshore Products is my go-to. Their uni is some of the best in the world!

3. Honolulu Fish Company

• Sources from renowned fish markets like Tokyo’s Tsukiji.

• Flown in several times a week to their Oahu facility then delivered direct.

• Has rare Hawaiian fish like tombo ahi, uku, and opah available online.

• Packs fish in insulation and gel coolant packs to maintain temperature.

For exotic Japanese fish almost impossible to find elsewhere plus knowledgeable customer service, you can’t beat the Honolulu Fish Company.

4. Seattle Fish Company

• Family-owned since 1918 with a 65,000 sq ft facility in Denver.

• Has its own fleet of boats out of Alaska to bring in salmon and halibut.

• Huge selection including tuna, yellowtail, mackerel, sea urchin and more.

• Vacuum packs and overlays fish with glaze ice for shipping.

For almost any high-end seafood you need, the Seattle Fish Company is a reliable choice with competitive prices.

5. Osprey Seafood

• Niche distributor focusing on wild king salmon and halibut.

• Sources exclusively from artisanal fishermen in Alaska.

• Delivers pristinely handled fish in insulated boxes with gel packs.

• Works directly with Small Boat Fleet fishermen for traceability.

For consistently perfect salmon and halibut fillets, Osprey Seafood is my number one. Their fish is handled with exceptional care from catch to delivery.

What to Look for in Sushi Grade Fish

When buying sushi grade seafood online, here are a few things to evaluate before purchase:

• Reputable Seller – Check reviews and their sourcing practices. Are they transparent?

• Proper Handling – Whole fish? Gutted and bled quickly? Vacuum packed?

• Freshness – Frozen at sea? How long in transit? Is dry ice or gel pack used?

• Fat Content – Fattier fish like salmon and tuna hold up better for sushi.

• Cost – Higher price fish are meticulously handled and highest quality.

• Shipping – Overnight ideal. Avoid fish sitting warm for prolonged periods.

• Satisfaction Guarantee – Can return if not 100% happy with quality.

Stick to established sellers with impeccable handling practices and fast shipping for best results. It’s also smart to check buyers reviews and optimal storage techniques before purchasing.

Storing and Handling Tips

Once your sushi grade seafood arrives, proper storage is critical for both short term use and freezing:

• Immediately remove fish from box and wrapping. Try to limit time exposed to air.

• Place in coldest part of fridge, ideally at 38°F or on ice, for short term storage.

• For freezing, wrap fish tightly in plastic wrap pressing out air. Freeze at 0°F or below.

• Thaw overnight in fridge. Do not rapidly thaw under warm water or at room temp.

• Consume raw fish within 2 days of thawing for best quality and safety.

• Discard if fish gives off sour, fishy, or ammonia scents which indicate spoilage.

Following optimal refrigeration and freezing techniques helps prolong your investment in high-end sushi grade seafood.

Ready to Order Sushi Grade Fish Online?

While I still love heading out to our local fish market for seafood when I can, having access to quality sushi grade fish online is a game changer for sushi at home. No longer limited by what’s available nearby, the world of impeccably handled seafood is at my fingertips.

Frequency of Entities:

Sushi Grade Fish – 13
Catalina Offshore Products – 4
Sea to Table – 3
Honolulu Fish Company – 2
Seattle Fish Company – 2
Osprey Seafood – 2