Shako 蝦蛄

Shako is a mantis shrimp, a crustacean related to shrimp and crabs and classified in the family Squillidae. Catches have fallen sharply in recent years, so it has become rare at conveyor-belt sushi restaurants.

Its muted colouring is unusual for sushi, but once placed over vinegared rice the pairing is excellent. Shako is generally boiled before being made into nigiri. Beneath its unassuming appearance is abundant umami, and cooking gives the flavour even greater depth.

Among Japanese sushi chefs, shako is sometimes jokingly called “garage.” The fish name shako sounds exactly like 車庫 (shako), the Japanese word for a garage, which led to the English nickname.

Mantis shrimp are also famous for their astonishing punching power. Videos of them smashing shells sometimes go viral; an incautious hand can reportedly end up with a damaged fingernail.

Origin: Hokkaido, Aichi, Okayama Season: Spring to summer