Kaisen Don (海鮮丼), or "seafood bowl," is a beloved Japanese dish that showcases fresh, raw seafood over a bed of vinegared rice. It’s a type of donburi, a Japanese rice bowl dish, but with a focus on a variety of sashimi, offering a mix of textures and flavors that reflect the bounty of the ocean. This dish is especially popular in coastal regions of Japan, where fish markets and restaurants often serve high-quality, seasonal ingredients.
The base of the kaisen don is Japanese sushi rice, seasoned with a light amount of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. The vinegared rice adds a subtle tang and complements the natural flavors of the seafood.
The highlight of the dish is the selection of fresh seafood. Kaisen don typically includes a colorful assortment of sashimi, such as tuna, salmon, shrimp, squid, scallops, uni (sea urchin), and ikura (salmon roe). Often, each piece of fish is carefully selected to balance out flavors, colors, and textures.
Common garnishes include shredded nori (seaweed), green onions, shiso leaves, and grated ginger. Sometimes, fresh wasabi is added for a slight heat that complements the delicate flavors. Soy sauce, often served on the side, allows you to dip or drizzle it according to your taste.
Kaisen don is often enjoyed at fish markets, where vendors serve the freshest catches. For an authentic experience, many people recommend eating it fresh at these markets, such as the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo or the Nijo Fish Market in Sapporo. However, it’s also a popular menu item in izakayas (Japanese pubs) and sushi restaurants, where chefs carefully craft each bowl for a visually stunning presentation.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential minerals, kaisen don is a healthy choice. Its combination of fresh fish and vinegared rice makes it a nutrient-dense meal, often lower in calories than other dishes with fried or heavily sauced components.
Kaisen don is a must-try for seafood lovers and anyone looking to experience the clean, delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine. Its simplicity lets the quality of the ingredients shine, making each bowl an expression of the ocean’s freshness and abundance.