Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1296 · Saba Shioyaki

Saba Shioyaki, and where to source it

Saba Shioyaki — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Saba Shioyaki Japanese 5best2buy.com

Salt the fillet and let it sit 20 minutes, then pat off the beads of moisture that surface, so the skin crisps and the raw-fish smell is drawn out with the water.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook12 min
Makes2 servings
CuisineJapanese
Cost$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten · fish · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 2 servings
mackerel fillets
2
skin on
Local / market
salt
1 tbsp
Local / market
daikon radish
5 cm
grated
Local / market
soy sauce
to serve
Source it →
lemon or sudachi
1
wedges
Local / market
cooked short-grain rice
2 bowls
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerGrillSheet pan
The Method
  1. Salt the fishSprinkle salt over both sides of the fillets and let them sit 20 minutes.
  2. BlotPat the beads of moisture off the surface with paper towel and wipe away any excess salt.
  3. Broil skin-upBroil or grill skin-side up first for 6 to 7 minutes until blistered, then flip and cook 4 to 5 minutes more.
  4. CheckThe flesh is done when it flakes easily and turns opaque to the bone.
  5. ServePlate with a mound of grated daikon dabbed with soy sauce, a citrus wedge and hot rice.
The Toolkit

broiler or fish grill · fish spatula · grater

Straight Answers
Can you make Saba Shioyaki in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Saba Shioyaki? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Saba Shioyaki ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Saba Shioyaki gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).

Is Saba Shioyaki vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1296