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Grilled Sea Urchin
Seafood
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Grilled Sea Urchin

Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis

Clinical Encyclopedia

Grilled sea urchin is a delicacy known for its rich, briny flavor and creamy texture. It is a source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients.

Also known as:
Uni (Japan)Erizo de mar (Spain)
Scientific NameStrongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Region of OriginJapan

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories150 kcal
Water
75%
Fiber0g
Total27.0g
Protein
20g(74%)
Fats
5g(19%)
Carbohydrates
2g(7%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin C5 mg (6%)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.1 mg (8%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.2 mg (15%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)1 mg (6%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.5 mg (10%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.1 mg (5%)
Vitamin B1210 mcg (417%)
Choline60 mg (11%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin A: 0.5 mgVitamin D: 0 mgVitamin E: 0.2 mgVitamin K: 0 mgFolate: 5 mcg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Calcium50 mg (4%)
Iron2 mg (11%)
Magnesium20 mg (5%)
Phosphorus200 mg (20%)
Potassium300 mg (6%)
Zinc1 mg (9%)
Copper0.1 mg (11%)
Manganese0.1 mg (5%)
Selenium20 mcg (36%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
High in vitamin B12, supporting nerve function and red blood cell formation.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!No clinically significant precautions or contraindications have been documented for this food in standard dietary intake.

How to Prepare & Consume

Best enjoyed grilled, often served with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose sea urchins that are heavy for their size and have a firm shell. Avoid any with a strong odor.

How to Store

Keep live sea urchins in a cool, damp environment and consume them as soon as possible for the best flavor.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory
Main Applications
Culinary delicacy
Nutritional supplement
Bioactive Compounds
Astaxanthin

A powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells from oxidative stress.

How to Consume
Grilled, Sushi, Sashimi
Did you know?

"Sea urchins are often considered a delicacy in many coastal cuisines around the world."

Myths vs Realities

MythSea urchin is poisonous.
RealitySea urchin is safe to eat when properly prepared and sourced.
MythAll sea urchins are edible.
RealityNot all species of sea urchins are edible; some can be toxic.
MythGrilled sea urchin loses its nutritional value.
RealityGrilling sea urchin preserves most of its nutritional benefits.

Healthy Recipes

Grilled Sea Urchin with Avocado Salsa

This vibrant dish combines the rich flavors of grilled sea urchin with a fresh avocado salsa, creating a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients
  • 4 fresh sea urchins
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. 2. Carefully open the sea urchins and remove the roe, placing it on a plate.
  3. 3. In a bowl, mix the avocado, onion, tomato, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the salsa.
  4. 4. Grill the sea urchin roe for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
  5. 5. Serve the grilled roe topped with avocado salsa and garnish with cilantro.

Spicy Grilled Sea Urchin Tacos

These tacos feature grilled sea urchin topped with a spicy slaw, offering a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients
  • 4 fresh sea urchins
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. 2. Open the sea urchins and remove the roe, setting aside.
  3. 3. In a bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, mayonnaise, and sriracha to make the slaw.
  4. 4. Grill the sea urchin roe for 3 minutes until slightly charred.
  5. 5. Serve the grilled roe in corn tortillas topped with spicy slaw and lime wedges.

Grilled Sea Urchin and Quinoa Salad

A nutritious salad featuring grilled sea urchin and quinoa, packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a healthy lunch.

Ingredients
  • 4 fresh sea urchins
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. 2. Open the sea urchins and remove the roe, placing it on a plate.
  3. 3. In a bowl, combine quinoa, cucumber, bell pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4. Grill the sea urchin roe for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
  5. 5. Top the quinoa salad with grilled roe and serve.

Grilled Sea Urchin on Cauliflower Rice

This low-carb dish features grilled sea urchin served over a bed of cauliflower rice, making it a healthy and filling meal.

Ingredients
  • 4 fresh sea urchins
  • 1 head cauliflower, riced
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. 2. Open the sea urchins and remove the roe, setting aside.
  3. 3. In a skillet, heat coconut oil and sauté garlic until fragrant, then add the riced cauliflower and cook until tender.
  4. 4. Grill the sea urchin roe for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
  5. 5. Serve the grilled roe over cauliflower rice and garnish with green onions.

Grilled Sea Urchin with Lemon Herb Dressing

A simple yet elegant dish featuring grilled sea urchin drizzled with a zesty lemon herb dressing, perfect as an appetizer.

Ingredients
  • 4 fresh sea urchins
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. 2. Open the sea urchins and remove the roe, placing it on a plate.
  3. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4. Grill the sea urchin roe for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
  5. 5. Drizzle the lemon herb dressing over the grilled roe and serve immediately.

Grilled Sea Urchin and Asparagus Skewers

These skewers combine the unique flavor of grilled sea urchin with tender asparagus for a healthy and flavorful dish.

Ingredients
  • 4 fresh sea urchins
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. 2. Open the sea urchins and remove the roe, setting aside.
  3. 3. Thread the asparagus and sea urchin roe onto skewers, brushing with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
  4. 4. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes until asparagus is tender and roe is slightly charred.
  5. 5. Serve with lemon wedges.

Grilled Sea Urchin with Mango Salsa

This tropical-inspired dish features grilled sea urchin paired with a refreshing mango salsa, perfect for a light summer meal.

Ingredients
  • 4 fresh sea urchins
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. 2. Open the sea urchins and remove the roe, placing it on a plate.
  3. 3. In a bowl, combine mango, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt to make the salsa.
  4. 4. Grill the sea urchin roe for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
  5. 5. Serve the grilled roe topped with mango salsa.

Grilled Sea Urchin and Spinach Salad

A nutritious salad featuring grilled sea urchin served on a bed of fresh spinach, drizzled with a light vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 4 fresh sea urchins
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. 2. Open the sea urchins and remove the roe, placing it on a plate.
  3. 3. In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4. Grill the sea urchin roe for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
  5. 5. Serve the grilled roe over spinach and drizzle with vinaigrette.

Grilled Sea Urchin with Garlic Butter

This indulgent yet healthy dish features grilled sea urchin topped with a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for seafood lovers.

Ingredients
  • 4 fresh sea urchins
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. 2. Open the sea urchins and remove the roe, placing it on a plate.
  3. 3. In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, then stir in parsley and salt.
  4. 4. Grill the sea urchin roe for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
  5. 5. Drizzle the garlic butter over the grilled roe and serve immediately.

Grilled Sea Urchin with Cilantro Lime Rice

A delicious and healthy dish featuring grilled sea urchin served over cilantro lime rice, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients
  • 4 fresh sea urchins
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. 2. Open the sea urchins and remove the roe, placing it on a plate.
  3. 3. In a bowl, mix cooked rice with cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
  4. 4. Grill the sea urchin roe for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
  5. 5. Serve the grilled roe over cilantro lime rice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is sea urchin?

Sea urchin is a spiny marine animal known for its edible gonads, often referred to as 'uni'.

How is grilled sea urchin prepared?

It is typically grilled lightly to enhance its natural flavors without overcooking.

Is grilled sea urchin healthy?

Yes, it is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Can you eat sea urchin raw?

Yes, sea urchin is often served raw in sushi and sashimi dishes.

What does grilled sea urchin taste like?

It has a rich, briny flavor with a creamy texture, often described as umami.

Where can I find grilled sea urchin?

It can be found in seafood restaurants, particularly those specializing in Japanese cuisine.

How should grilled sea urchin be stored?

It should be consumed fresh but can be refrigerated for a short period if necessary.

Are there any health risks associated with eating sea urchin?

Those with shellfish allergies should avoid it; otherwise, it is generally safe to eat.