Sea Urchin Toast with Lemon Zest

Sea Urchin Toast with Lemon Zest

Sea Urchin toast with lemon zest is a luxurious, sophisticated appetizer that highlights the delicate, sweet, and briny flavor of uni. This dish is simple yet elegant, featuring creamy uni placed atop toasted bread with a burst of fresh lemon zest.

Uni, the prized delicacy from the gonads of sea urchins, is known for its rich, buttery texture and complex umami flavor. When paired with the crunch of toast and the brightness of lemon, this dish creates an unforgettable balance of taste and texture. It’s perfect for a special occasion or as an impressive starter for a seafood feast.

Ingredients:

For the Sea Urchin (Uni) Toast:

6-8 slices of crusty bread (such as baguette or sourdough)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup fresh sea urchin (uni), cleaned and separated into pieces

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

Fresh herbs (such as chives or dill), finely chopped (optional)

A drizzle of high-quality olive oil (optional)

Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)

How to Make:

Prepare the Toast:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a grill pan on medium-high heat.

Lightly brush each slice of bread with a mixture of melted butter and olive oil on both sides.

Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Alternatively, you can grill the bread on the grill pan for a more charred effect.

Once toasted, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Uni Topping:

While the bread is toasting, gently clean the fresh uni, removing any bits of shell or membrane. Use a spoon to separate the uni into individual pieces, taking care not to break the delicate texture.

Zest the lemon using a fine zester or microplane to collect the aromatic oils. Set aside.

Assemble the Sea Urchin Toast:

Once the toast is ready, place the slices on a serving platter.

Gently place the uni on top of each slice of toasted bread. The uni should be distributed evenly, with each slice getting a generous portion.

Sprinkle the fresh lemon zest over the top, ensuring each bite will have a zesty burst of flavor.

Serve:

Season the uni toast with a light pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the uni.

Optionally, drizzle a little high-quality olive oil on top for extra richness.

Garnish with freshly chopped herbs, such as chives or dill, if desired, for an added touch of freshness and color.

Serve immediately while the toast is still warm, allowing the richness of the uni to shine.

Chef’s Note:

Uni is a delicate ingredient, so it’s important to handle it gently to preserve its texture. Use the freshest uni available for the best flavor—freshness is key. When selecting bread, choose something hearty but not too dense to complement the delicate uni, as a crusty baguette or sourdough works wonderfully. If you prefer, you can serve this dish with a side of lemon wedges to add extra zest at the table.

This recipe can also be elevated by adding a touch of wasabi or a drizzle of soy sauce on top of the uni for an Asian-inspired twist.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Calories: 240

Protein: 7g

Carbohydrates: 20g

Fat: 16g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 2g

Sodium: 150mg

Sea Urchin (Uni) toast with lemon zest is an indulgent yet simple dish that allows the flavor of uni to shine. The combination of buttery uni, crispy toast, and zesty lemon makes for a refined appetizer that is as delightful to the taste buds as it is to the eyes. Perfect for any seafood lover or anyone looking to try something unique and luxurious.