Sanma or Pacific Saury is one of the most well-known seasonal fish representing autumn in Japanese cuisine. It’s usually salted and grilled whole even with intestines intact, and served with grated daikon and soy sauce to intensify the flavor of the fish. The Japanese enjoy the combination of the bitter intestine flavor with fresh grated daikon soy sauce. The kanji characters used in the Japanese names of the Sanma (秋刀魚) mean “autumn sword fish” in reference to sanma season and its body shape resembling a knife or a sword.
If you can grill sanma over charcoal, the smokiness adds another layer of flavor to the dish. However, I like using my oven toaster to grill my fish because it’s simple and easy to clean up. You can use an oven or a broiler, but please adjust the cooking time accordingly. I will be sharing another Sanma dish next week before the sanma season is over. This time I wasn’t scared to show fish head picture. Do you remember my post that I was concerned about publishing because I thought it’s scary looking? Well I received very positive responses last time from majority of readers who are used to fish heads so I am more confident this time to share the photos today. I hope I didn’t scare you this time… Have a great week everyone!
Ingredients:
- 1 Pacific Saury (Sanma)
- 1/2 Tbsp. sake
- Sea salt
- 1 Tbsp. grated daikon (squeeze water out)
- 1 lemon wedge
- 1/2- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
Instructions:
- Cut the fish in half diagonally (to fit in my toaster oven). Place the fish vertically on the cutting board and insert knife in the stomach side from top to bottom. Wash and get rid of gut thoroughly in cold water. Wipe the entire fish dry with paper towels. Sanma is usually eaten with intestine so it’s up to you if you want to remove it or not.
- In a bowl, sprinkle sake and leave it for 5 minutes. Meanwhile preheat toaster oven to 400F (204C). Line the grill pan with aluminum foil. I usually make the foil wrinkles first then line the pan so the fish skin won’t get stuck to the aluminum foil. You can also spray oil to prevent sticking to the foil.
- After 5 minutes, wipe the fish with paper towels and sprinkle both sides of the fish with salt (Note: salt the fish right before grilling).
- Put the fish on the foil and grill until the surface is blistered and brown a bit, about 6-8 minutes. Inside of the fish should almost be cooked (white color).
- Flip the fish carefully making sure the fish skin is intact and not attached to the foil. Grill the other side until nicely broiled, about 3 minutes.
Enjoy!
Hi, I'm Nami. Thanks for stopping by Just One Cookbook. You can read little bit more about me 
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焼くところに少しお酢を塗ると、焼き終えた時にキレイに取れるらしいですよ。科学関係らしいですけど。。。
Aiko-san, コメントありがとうございます！お酢とは初めて知りました！是非次回やってみます！実験楽しみ～！
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Aiko told us another method: applying vinegar with a brush on the foil so the skin won’t stick to the foil. I have to try this next time!
That is a good tips from Aiko-san! Must try this probably using different type of fish. Thanks!
Nami, if you didn’t talk about the head and scariness, I wouldn’t even notice there is a head
Your sanma looks so delicious, I wish I could taste this fish one day (I would even try the intestines). I think cutting the fish in two and presenting it in this way was an extraordinary aesthetic trick! You are so creative and you are definitely a very skilled food photographer.
I’m looking forward to see another sanma recipe!
I love fish and I’ve been wanting to make a whole fish but I’m a bit intimidated. Your photos along with instructions make it seem a bit less scary for this fish. I’m wondering if daikon is called something different as well. There is a lot of asian produce here and I see things that are from Japan, but I’ve never seen anything labeled daikon.
I grew up seeing fish head so it doesn’t bother me and usually I’m not even aware if there is a head or not. Haha. Daikon is called Japanese radish or Oriental radish. I’ve seen similar ones in Indian, Chinese, and Korean market before. Some high end supermarkets carry them too.
I have never tried whole fish grilled like this, only fried.
The fish looks very majestic! At first I thought it was a big fish, then I looked at the pictures below and realised it’s a really small fish
LOL, you didn’t scare me, but you would scare my hubby and kids
Actually, I adore salted and smoked fish, so I can imagine how delicious this must be! And I love finding something unique and extraordinary each time I visit…that’s why I love your blog! xo
I’ve never tried this fish before. The preparation looks very simple. Although eating the intestines doesn’t sound appealing to me however I’ve never tried them before. Do you enjoy eating them?
Thank you for going into such detail about this type of fish. Very informative!
My mom grilled the whole fish, so it didn’t bother me it was there. But I usually avoided that area and eat other parts.
I usually take it out for my cooking.
This looks fantastic Nami – is this similar to a mackerel?
Mandy
Have a happy day.
One of the similar fish in Japan is called Saba Shioyaki (Salt-Grilled Mackerel). You are right – it’s similar type of fish (we call it blue fish). Sanma in season has fat and really juicy whereas mackerel can be a bit dry texture sometimes…. I think?
Easy and tasty… a perfect way to eat fish!
Beautiful presentation Nami, and please don’t be hesitant about sharing your cuisine as it is meant to be. That is how we grow and learn.
I aways discover new things I didnt know, in your posts. That fish is unknown to me.
smoking ll defenetly give some unique flavoures to the fish, but I agree that the easier a dish to prepare is, the more time u ll safe and the more u can cook! =D
Nami, Thanks for sharing the method of grilling fish. I definitely love to try this at home
Perfectly grilled! I must try the vinegar tip.
Thanks Nami-san on sharing the tip of fish skin not stick on foil, and also thanks to Aiko-san. This grill fish must be very delicious.
I never tried this kind of fish, but sure look tempting and tasty..perfecly crunchy!:) I love your method, and options that you gave us..very nice photos! Thanks for sharing, Nami and have a wonderful week ahead!!!
Another simple and delicious recipe! I have to organize a trip to the asian store to see if I can get my hands on some of that fish!
hi nami, should have written to you earlier. I’ve already made sushi 2 times, thanks for your tips and post on how to cook sushi rice. I will send you a mail later to show you my attempted sushis and also some questions to ask you. You can have a look at my latest post on some kuihs which i practice on some sushi rolling. YOu really hv many wonderful
recipes on your blog!
Thanks for the email Lena! Your sushi kuih was impressive!!!
Nami,
This is another one of my favourite dishes at Japanese restaurants, the other similar one is saba shioyaki. I really like the delicate saltiness and you’re right about grilling it over charcoal to get the effect because the Japanese restaurants in Malaysia does that.
I can eat this everyday and the last time I had this dish in a Japanese restaurant, I said I was going to learn this recipe and now, I know that I’m just going to come to your blog. There is so much of sanma in our fresh fish markets and to think I have never cooked it before at home! Shame but it will change and I want to blog about it too
Thanks for reminding.
I remember you mentioned about Saba Shioyaki as your favorite on my Saba Misoni post. I thought of you when I decided to do Shioyaki. I was afraid this recipe is too easy to call it “recipe” but I’m glad I shared it. My husband said it’s a common fish in Taiwan too, so I was hoping my Asian readers would like this post.
I have a feeling that you will use charcol to cook this at home! I will ask my husband to cook this over BBQ grill next time.
The steps and photos that accompany this recipe are really excellent. You took out the intimidation factor of preparing and working with a whole fish. Looks delicious too! Love the salt grilling technique. I will definitely give it a try. Have a great week Nami.
Looks nice. Eating fish with intestine reminds me of a mistake I made once. I bought fish that was intended to be used for fish bait, and I cooked and ate it with the gut, intestines etc, everything inside. It wasn’t unpleasant to eat just the thought of it:) Your looks more appetising:)
This is a new fish for me. I don’t think I’ve seen this type of fish fresh. If I can find the frozen type in Asian markets, are they OK to use? Thanks for sharing this Japanese recipe! =)
You live in Bay Area right? Japanese supermarket sells it (not frozen) right now. Are you close to any Japanese market?
I really enjoyed learning about this seasonal fish from your post. It looks a little like herring, which is also often served very salty. On the topic of fish head, well kind of, I have been meaning to post my Dad’s steak tartare recipe but I’m scared that a pile of raw meat won’t go down so well… Anyway, really enjoying learning about Japanese flavours from your posts.
Oh I would love to see your dad’s steak tartare! Just one day of scary food (well I don’t think it’s scary though), post it please!
You grill fish at home? Wow, I won’t do that because the complete house will smell like fish house ; ) Hehehe.
Beautifully grilled fish here! This sanma fish looks quite similar to shishamo but bigger and longer.
Today I learn two new helpful tips! Tks Nami and Aiko!
Have a great week ahead!
It is very unique, how you cut the fish in half…to show the top half, and the bottom half!
When I leave the head on the fish, I usually bake it whole. This is totally very visual, and presented properly, in the style that is is supposed to be…I trust you on that one, Nami:DDD
I love salted fish, and the way you made it is superb, as with all your amazing dishes!
Love the simple flavors in your recipe Nami..this is how I like fish best- plain with salt & lemon! Looks delicious..grilled is so much healthier than fried..thanks for the wonderful tips you shared!
Fish in the toaster? When I think of a toaster oven, I’m thinking about breakfast foods
Your fish looks really crunchy and yummy!
I like my fish in nice, neat little filets, but I’m always open to new ideas and flavors. However, with a fish allergy, I don’t get to have any of it any more. I’m glad you made YOUR traditional fall dish and – as always – your pictures are stunning!
Fish is always a challenge to take pictures of (in my opinion) but yours came out really nice and appetizing. I love the golden brownish color — perfectly done, Nami! Good job my friend.
Nami, this resembles the fish which we call Galongong and is a favorite of mine… especially with vinegar. Ray is right, it’s a bit challenging to take a picture of a fish dish but yours is done artistically. Great post as always Nami!
malou
Nami – I am so far behind lately! I love the new heading. It probably isn’t that new, I have just been so busy I haven’t been reading blogs like I should! This fish looks super impressive. I am not a fan of seafood, but it looks gorgeous!
Bring on the fish head!
I hope they are still in season when I return home.
Nami before I say anything …. the picture of fish is breathtaking awesome………..
I have to admit here that I get scared with fish cooked whole specially the head and eyes.
I know it may sound funny but it feels as if it is looking at me…LOL
But my husband loves fish head, he will love this one.
I watched a TV show where the chef made fish this way and it looked to so good. Simple and good….yum!
Hi Nami, thanks for sharing. Beautiful picture and I like your presentation. Have a nice day.
Oh meeemorriiiies! I remember seeing these when I lived in Japan. I bet you have a recipe for every single one of my favourite Japanese dishes Nami!
I think I can eat a whole one just by myself with some rice. On a different note: have you ever had fried smelt? My mom use to fry the whole fish and we just snacked on it. I haven’t had it for so long…will have to look for them.
Oj, I think I’d find the idea of eating the “guts” rather off-putting so I’d definitely be taking them out. It looks great though – do you eat the skin? I’ve never been a huge fan of fish skin myself. I prefer to use it as a handy “natural” way of keeping flavour locked inside next to the flesh, like herbs and spices, until ready to peel back and eat.
I also take guts off for kids, but I “can” eat it too.
Yes skin is good part. It’s broiled so perfectly that it is crunchy and oily..and when you eat with the flesh, oh that’s so delicious! Japanese put grated daikon with soy sauce on top to eat it, so it’s very refreshing rather than fishy or oily, etc. It might be an acquired taste. 
My sister’s husband used to say that the skin, tail and head of fish was the absolute best part. He came originally from a small village in China and was always talking about the merits of these parts – how they’re the most filled with taste and nutrition! Do you also eat something like salmon skin? That seems a lot thicker so I’m not sure if it’s still eaten like “thinner” skins like your dish above. I should give it a try – I’ll eat anything if it’s “crunchy and oily” – two of my favourite food qualities
Yes we eat salmon skin! I won’t eat it if it has some spots where it’s not crispy. It has to be crispy and crunchy. We put it in sushi rolls, put it in salad, etc. I wasn’t into it when I was younger but now I can appreciate it more.
What do sanma guts taste like? My friends who have had this in Japan told me the guts are always included.
I am an adventurous eater but I’ve yet had sanma guts yet. Thanks.
Nami, Ahhh so that’s how you utilize this type of fish! I’ve been eying theme whenever we go to my favorite Korean Super Market, but don’t know how to fix them since it’s not something I grew up eating. This recipe is certainly easy and I should give it a try! Hope you have a wonderful week!
Nami, this dish looks and sounds gorgeous! I love anything described with layers of flavor and smoky…yum! You make it sound so easy, I might just give it a try!
A great way to eat fish…simply grilled! So easy and tasty! Unfortunately not easy to get this type of fish in the middle of the country.
Layers of flavor is right. It’s simply complex. The photos are gorgeous. Whole fish is great…really, if fish heads make one squeamish, obe should probably not eat fish!
The fish is grilled to perfection! My mum loves using the oven toaster for a lot of things so I’ve picked that up from here too!
I think my mom has made this before although I am not sure how she prepared it. It looks fantastic fish head and all lol. I’ll have to keep this in mind for when she comes back home.
I’ve never had salt grilled fish but they sound AWESOME
Intestines intact, eh? Oh goodie!!
This looks great Nami and reminds me of Sissi’s salted (and I believe grilled) horse mackerel. This is the true meaning of eating whole foods – I find it very refreshing and healthful.
this looks delicious lovely fish
I’ve had this tasty fish preparation, but didn’t realize the significance of it. Thanks for the enlightenment, which makes it even more delicious to enjoy.
These look so pretty and of course, not at all scary for regular fish eaters like me. I agree that charcoal grilling would add more flavours. Definitely, yummy!
looks good to me and just like a sword thanks for the kind comment on the vlog post
Nami, Hurray for showing the fish head. I don,t mind as long as the head par is not in my plate lol. this is such a simple recipe, I just adore it. Like the daikon…looking for more uses for pickled daikon (hint hint). OK so scrapping my wafu next tome for yours
Hi, Nami…Love your pics and posts, again…can you pls tell me which camera you use to take those stunning pics?
http://girlcookart.blogspot.com/
I use Canon T2i with 50mm f1.4 lens and Tamron 60mm f2.0 macro lens for most of the pictures featured on the website. Thank you for your compliment.
How can you make a simple fish dish so posh like that! I am totally amazed as usual
I don’t understand why people would think it’s scary looking…it’s fish! It’s supposed to look like fish, not skinned cut-up rubber. I’m glad you got positive responses. I’ve had this fish before; in fact it’s my mom’s favorite fish! Sooo many little bones though.
This reminds me of a fish I used to eat as a kid. May be when I am home this winter.. i will send you some typical bengali fish dish
Such a poetic name for a lovely tasting fish. It’s definitely great learning more about seasonal cuisines in Japanese culture from you, Nami.
I like reading through the comments to get more tips from others! Thanks Aiko! This looks delicious, reminds me of my favourite saba!
well… u not scary me nami, as u know we have all kind of fish dish like this at Indonesia… hehe he
So it’s a normal thing fr us, in fact u makes me mouth watering
I ever see this kind of fish when I watch japanese movie or drama, I though “that is a dish”? just a fish without any garnish in a plate?” haha ha
I know know what is that, and this dish will makes me want more! serve with warm rice, right?
ah no wonder they r selling the sanma fish now in Jusco cos it’s in season . now i know wat do with the fish then
. they r selling it cheap too .
My dad sometimes made herring like that, or he smoked them (he has a smoking oven that he can set up in the garden).
this fish is VERY good. the only bad thing about cooking it is the smell. i couldn’t believe how strong this fish smells during (and after) cooking. but the taste is worth it! has anyone tried scoring the fish on its sides before cooking?
Hi Jayson! I guess I’m really used to cooking fish that I didn’t even feel bothered by the smell at all (haha!).
About scoring the skin of fish, I actually did for one of the fish but it didn’t look good enough for photo shoot..
If you don’t cut the fish in half like I did above, it’s probably better to score. 
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