Armoured cusk nigiri

Armoured cusk (Higedara)

【Nigiri sushi: Shiromi】
Higedara (Hoplobrotula armata) is a white-fleshed fish with a surprisingly refined and mild flavor. Although its appearance, reminiscent of a catfish, might make its delicate flavor hard to imagine, it is believed to have been used in nigiri sushi since the Edo period. Even today, some sushi restaurants in Tokyo still serve higedara.

While a steady amount of higedara is caught in western Japan, it is less commonly available in the Kanto region. In particular, fish weighing more than 1 kg are considered a luxury item. It is primarily used in high-end traditional Japanese restaurants and French restaurants.

At sushi restaurants, it is served after being cured with kelp. This fish truly showcases the skill of the sushi chef: the kelp adds umami, while the chef’s precise knife work creates its unique texture. It is also used in a variety of dishes, such as being steamed with sake, used in miso soup, and cooked in hot pot dishes.

【Related contents】
List of White flesh fish (Shiromi)

(Revision date: October 3, 2026)