Many fusion dishes aim to combine cultural flavors, but not all succeed in achieving balance and harmony.

Kampachi Tiradito, however, is a dish that beautifully merges Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions, offering a refreshing and zesty experience.

Let’s explore its essence, ingredients, and how you can enjoy or prepare it yourself.

What Is Kampachi Tiradito?

Tiradito is a Peruvian dish reminiscent of Japanese sashimi but elevated with bold, citrus-based sauces. Kampachi, also known as amberjack, serves as the star ingredient in this dish due to its tender texture and rich flavor. The result is a refreshing and zesty appetizer that balances the umami of fish with the brightness of citrus.

A Classic Kampachi Tiradito Recipe

One notable version of Kampachi Tiradito draws inspiration from Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Here’s a simplified recipe based on his iconic approach:

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Ingredients

1 lb sushi-grade kampachi thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro leaves
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp yuzu juice
Sea salt
Rocoto chili paste or substitute with another mild chili paste

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: Mix lemon juice and yuzu juice in a 2:1 ratio.
Arrange the Fish: Lay thin slices of kampachi on a plate, fanning them out for an elegant presentation.
Season the Fish: Top each slice with a cilantro leaf, then drizzle the citrus mixture over the fish.
Add Chili Dots: Fill a small plastic bag with rocoto chili paste, cut a tiny corner, and add small dots of chili onto each cilantro leaf.
Finish with Salt: Sprinkle sea salt over the dish for the final touch.
Serve immediately and enjoy the harmony of flavors!

Variations to Try

For those looking to explore further, here are a couple of exciting twists on Kampachi Tiradito:

Hawaiian Kampachi Tiradito

Chef David Dworshak’s version adds a unique twist with marinated jicama and a roasted red pepper sauce:

Fish: Thinly sliced kampachi, seasoned with flaky salt, olive oil, and lime juice.
Jicama: Marinated with garlic, ginger, soy, cayenne pepper, agave nectar, and lemon juice.
Sauce: A blend of roasted red peppers, habanero chili, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper, pureed and strained.
Garnish: Torn mint leaves for a refreshing finish.

After trying Kampachi Tiradito, explore another luxurious raw preparation with our Toro Tartare with Caviar recipe.

Restaurant Inspirations

Many restaurants serve their own variations, such as:

Sesame and Yuzu Soy Leche de Tigre: A flavorful Peruvian sauce.
Aji Amarillo Gel and Micro Cilantro: Enhancing the dish with vibrant Peruvian peppers and herbs.

Where to Find Kampachi Tiradito

If cooking isn’t your style, restaurants offering Japanese-Peruvian fusion often include Kampachi Tiradito on their menus. For example, diners have praised versions at high-end establishments for their exquisite presentation and flavor.

Conclusion

Kampachi Tiradito is a culinary masterpiece that showcases the best of two worlds. Whether you’re seeking a new restaurant experience or looking to impress guests with a homemade dish, this fusion appetizer is sure to delight. Give it a try and savor the harmony of flavors!