These Nissui Seasoned Sardines came from a new Asian market I visited recently. Their sardine selection was low, fried eel apparently being the more popular tinned fish there and in many other such establishments. The receipt called them "sardines ajitsuke", which apparently just means "seasoned".
Initial impression upon opening the can: 3/5.
A rather unappetizing visual. I'd rather they looked more like the image on the can, but no luck. Also disappointing is the amount of empty space. Just two large sardinops, I would assume, these being sourced from Thailand. The aroma is of soy sauce, not surprising.
I went in a different direction this time, and ate them with some soy and sesame oil glazed cold noodles. Seemed appropriate for a Japanese product also in a soy-based sauce.
Lifting them from the tin, they are quite stiff. Digging in, they are resistant to the pierce of a fork, but that's more likely due to their size. On the palate, they were reasonably tender, and the bones unobtrusive. I detected no scales.
Appearances aside, the flavor was not bad. But being packed in a soy sauce preparation may or may not have influenced the perception of the fish flavor.
Saltiness wasn't an issue, despite the label claiming 670mg. sodium. Probably more due to the soy sauce, which I didn't pour all of over the fish and noodles.
Main Takeaways
- Not the prettiest
- Wished they were smaller and better filled the can
- Flavor and tenderness acceptable despite appearance
Although a Japanese product, the label indicates the fish are sourced from Thailand.
Brand: Nissui Co. Ltd.
Description: Sardine in soy sauce
Species: ?
Country of Origin: Thailand / Japan
Source: FAO61, Northwest Pacific
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 3.53 oz.
Price Range: $2-3