Horse mackerel nigiri

Horse mackerel (Aji)

【Nigiri sushi: Hikarimono】
What is Aji?
When the term ‘aji’ is used, it generally means ‘maaji’. Maaji includes both ‘kiaji’ which lives along the coast and has a pale yellowish brown colored back, and ‘kuroaji’ which migrates offshore out at sea and is black all over. However, the fish markets don’t distinguish between these. Aji is caught all over Japan and each type has slightly different spawning periods, so you can find some sort of aji to try any time of year.

What does Aji (Horse mackerel) nigiri sushi taste like?
With its beautifully shimmering silver skin, horse mackerel offers a firm, springy texture and a sweet, fatty flavor. Although fishing conditions vary by region, it is caught year-round and maintains a consistent quality throughout the year. However, small to medium-sized horse mackerel—the ideal size for sushi—reach their peak seasonality, particularly from the rainy season through summer.

In the past, it was common to marinate the fish in vinegar and serve it with the skin on. However, with advances in distribution and preservation technology, a steady supply of fresh fish is now available. As a result, the mainstream style today is to serve it either raw or lightly marinated in vinegar. As a garnish, a mixture of grated asatsuki (Japanese chives) and ginger juice is often used, adding a refreshing aroma and green color that enhances both the appearance and flavor of the nigiri sushi.

Also called Atlantic horse mackerel or Jack mackerel or Rough scad or Saurel.

【Temperature of vinegared rice (shari) and sushi toppings】
36℃/20～23℃

【Trivia】
In recent years, the nonmigratory horse mackerel, with a yellow tinged body is popular. Seasonings decorated with a combination of chopped ginger and chives.

【Substitute fish】
Atlantic horse mackerel (Nishimaaji):Trachurus trachurus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Decapterus akaadsi Abe,1958
Japanese scad: Decapterus maruadsi (Temminck and Schlegel,1844)
Yellowtail horse mackerel or Southern Yellowtail Scad: Trachurus novaezelandiae Richardson, 1843

【Related contents】
What is Sujime?

What is Atarinegi?

List of Silver-skinned fish (Hikarimono)

(Revision date: May 15, 2026)