Grilled Live Sea Urchins Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6g green tea bbq seasonings
• 6 fresh live sea urchins
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Sea salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon of butter (optional, for added richness)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sea Urchins:

• Begin by carefully opening the sea urchins. Place them on a flat surface, and using a pair of kitchen scissors, cut around the mouth area of the sea urchin. Remove the top shell carefully.
• Scoop out the edible roe (the uni) using a spoon or small fork, taking care not to damage the delicate roe. If the roe is attached to the shell, use the spoon to gently loosen it. Save the uni for later.
• Discard the rest of the sea urchin, including the spines, and set the roe aside. If desired, you can also reserve the half shell as a decorative serving vessel.

Prepare the Marinade:

• In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, grated ginger, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine, and season with black pepper and a pinch of sea salt to taste. This will create a flavorful marinade that will complement the natural briny taste of the sea urchin.

Marinate the Uni:

• Gently place the uni in the marinade, making sure it is evenly coated with the mixture. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to marinate it for too long, as the delicate uni can lose its freshness.

Grill the Sea Urchins:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• While the grill is heating up, lightly brush the sea urchin shells (if you are using them as serving vessels) with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
• Place the uni (sea urchin roe) directly on the grill or in the half shells, if you're using them. Grill for about 2-3 minutes, just until the uni starts to firm up slightly and develop a light golden-brown color. Be careful not to overcook the uni, as it can become rubbery.

Serve the Grilled Sea Urchins:

• Once grilled, carefully remove the uni from the grill and place them on a serving platter or back in their shells.
• If you like, melt a little butter and drizzle it over the uni for added richness and flavor.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch and flavor.

Enjoy:

• Serve your Grilled Live Sea Urchins immediately. The combination of the fresh, briny uni with the smoky flavor from the grill, and the rich sesame and soy marinade, will create a delightful and unique dish.
• This dish is perfect for those looking to try something adventurous and indulgent. Whether served as an appetizer or as part of a seafood feast, these Grilled Live Sea Urchins offer a one-of-a-kind experience that highlights the delicate, oceanic flavors of the sea urchin in an exciting and elegant way. Enjoy the umami richness of this luxury delicacy paired with a crisp glass of white wine or sake for an unforgettable meal.