Geoduck Sashimi
Experience the unique, crunchy texture and sweet, briny flavor of fresh geoduck. This simple preparation highlights the clam's natural taste, served sashimi-style with soy and wasabi. A true delicacy of the Pacific Northwest.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 1 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Blanching Station
- b.Bring a large pot of water (at least 8 cups) to a vigorous, rolling boil.
- c.While the water heats, prepare a large ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. Set it next to the stove.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Blanch and Shock the Geoduck
- b.Holding the geoduck firmly by its shell, carefully lower the long siphon (neck) into the boiling water for exactly 10-15 seconds. Do not submerge the shell.
- c.You will see the tough outer skin shrivel and pull away from the meat.
- d.Immediately remove the geoduck from the boiling water and plunge it entirely into the ice bath to halt the cooking process. Let it chill for 2-3 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Clean the Geoduck
- b.Remove the chilled geoduck from the ice bath. The skin on the siphon should now be loose; peel it off like a sock and discard.
- c.Using a paring knife, carefully run the blade along the inside of the shell to detach the meat. Pry the shell open and remove the entire body.
- d.Separate the siphon from the round body (mantle).
- e.To clean the siphon, slice it in half lengthwise. Open it like a book and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove all traces of sand and grit.
- f.To clean the mantle, locate the dark, round stomach and visceral mass. Carefully cut this away and discard. Rinse the remaining white meat.
- g.Pat both the siphon and mantle completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for clean slicing.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Slice and Serve
- b.Place the cleaned geoduck meat on a clean cutting board. Using a very sharp, long knife, slice the siphon and mantle into paper-thin pieces against the grain.
- c.The siphon meat will be crunchy and translucent, while the mantle meat will be softer and more opaque.
- d.Arrange the slices artfully on a chilled plate, optionally over a bed of julienned daikon radish and garnished with shiso leaves.
- e.Serve immediately with small dipping bowls of soy sauce, a dab of wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1A very sharp knife is non-negotiable for achieving the paper-thin slices required for sashimi.
- 2Do not over-blanch the geoduck. More than 15 seconds will make the meat tough and rubbery.
- 3Chill your serving plate in the freezer for 15 minutes before plating to keep the sashimi cold and fresh.
- 4For an even crisper texture, you can briefly soak the sliced geoduck in a bowl of ice water for 30 seconds, then pat dry just before plating.
- 5The mantle meat, being softer, can also be used in stir-fries or clam chowder if you prefer not to eat it raw.
- 6Always purchase geoduck from a reputable seafood purveyor to ensure it was harvested from clean waters.
Adapt it for your goals.
Serving Style
Prepare as a crudo. Instead of soy sauce, drizzle the sliced geoduck with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of fresh yuzu or lemon juice, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Dipping SauceDipping Sauce
Swap the traditional soy sauce for ponzu, a citrus-infused soy sauce, which adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the sweet clam meat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Geoduck is packed with high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, with very little associated fat.
Rich in Iron
It provides a significant amount of iron, which is crucial for forming hemoglobin, transporting oxygen in the blood, and preventing fatigue from anemia.
Low in Calories and Fat
As a low-calorie, low-fat food, geoduck sashimi is an excellent choice for a heart-healthy diet and for managing weight without sacrificing nutrients.
Rich in Minerals
Besides iron, geoduck is a good source of other essential minerals like zinc and magnesium, which support immune function and metabolic health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 100g serving of geoduck sashimi contains approximately 80-90 calories, making it a very light and lean appetizer.