Aburi Sushi
Flame-seared to order, aburi sushi brings warmth, smokiness and a soft caramelised finish to the fish. Try aburi at Sushi Jiro for something a little different.
What is Aburi Sushi?
Aburi means “seared” in Japanese, and that single step changes everything. A chef passes a flame briefly across the top of the fish, just enough to warm the surface and caramelise the natural oils while the centre stays soft and raw.
The result sits somewhere between raw and cooked. The seared side turns glossy and slightly smoky, the fat renders just enough to melt on the tongue, and the flavour deepens without losing the freshness of good fish. Many aburi pieces are finished with a light sauce that catches under the flame and adds a touch of sweetness.
Aburi is a preparation method rather than a shape, so you will find it applied to nigiri, to uramaki rolls and to signature pieces. It is a good choice if you enjoy sushi but prefer your fish a little warmer, and it is one of the easiest ways to bring someone new to raw fish partway across.
Sushi Jiro Boxhill
Top-rated on Google Reviews
This place is a favourite. All the iPad ordered food comes out incredibly fresh, hot and tasty. The conveyor belt is always restocked and the price is great. Highly recommend for your next visit to Vic Gardens!
Jason Doe
We have been here many times and always love going! The staff are very friendly and helpful and helped us with all our questions. Most importantly the food is Very nice and
fresh.
Cerie Cases
Sushi cuisine
Sushi Jiro’s menu showcases a diverse selection of modern Japanese cuisine, from traditional nigiri and beautifully wrapped maki to pure sashimi, inside-out uramaki, gunkan, flame-seared aburi, hand-rolled temaki and our signature nori tacos.
NIGIRI
MAKI
SASHIMI
URAMAKI
GUNKAN
ABURI
TEMAKI
NORI TACO
Australia's only producer of RSPCA-Approved salmon
The RSPCA Standard does not cover Macquarie Harbour which means that around 98% of Huon Salmon is RSPCA-approved.
Prepared with Daily Fresh Deliveries
We source only the freshest ingredients every day, ensuring each piece of Aburi is crafted with authentic taste and premium quality.
Types of Aburi at Sushi Jiro
Our chefs sear aburi to order, so it reaches you while the top is still warm.
Aburi Salmon
The one to start with. Fresh salmon seared until the edges turn golden and the fat softens, usually finished with a light Japanese mayonnaise that caramelises under the flame. Rich, smoky and slightly sweet, and comfortably our most popular aburi piece.
Aburi Scallop and Seafood
Scallop takes beautifully to the flame, turning sweet and tender with a lightly toasted top. Depending on the day you may also find seared prawn, eel or tuna, each treated a little differently to suit the fish.
Aburi Signature Rolls
Our chefs apply the same technique to full rolls, searing the top layer of an uramaki so the fish, sauce and rice come together with a warm finish. These are the most visually striking pieces on the menu and the ones diners tend to photograph.
Aburi for Cautious Diners
If raw fish is not your thing, aburi is a sensible middle ground. The surface is genuinely cooked and the texture is firmer and warmer than sashimi, which makes it far more approachable while still tasting like proper sushi.
How to Enjoy Aburi Sushi
Aburi rewards eating it promptly and dressing it lightly.
- Eat it warm. The seared top is the whole point and it cools quickly. Aburi is at its best within a minute or two of leaving the flame.
- Go easy on the soy. Most aburi is already sauced. A heavy dip will bury the smoky flavour the searing created.
- Skip the wasabi on the first piece. Try it as the chef made it before adding anything, so you can taste what the flame has done.
- Pair it with something clean. Green tea, miso soup or pickled ginger cut through the richness nicely.
- Order it alongside raw pieces. Aburi next to sashimi or nigiri shows the contrast between raw and seared at its best.
Aburi Sushi for Every Occasion
Aburi tends to be the piece people remember. The seared finish makes it a natural centrepiece on a shared platter, and it gives a sushi spread something guests may not have tried before.
It works well alongside the rest of our range, including maki, gunkan, temaki and nori tacos. One point worth knowing for catering: aburi is best eaten soon after searing, so for events we usually recommend it for platters being served straight away rather than sitting out. Our team can advise on the right mix for your occasion.
Enjoy Aburi Sushi Across Australia
Find your nearest Sushi Jiro in Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth and try aburi for yourself. Dine in and enjoy the full sushi train experience at selected venues, or order online for collection or delivery.
Availability varies by store, so it is worth checking the menu or asking the team when you arrive.
Ready to Order?
Warm, smoky and seared to order, aburi is one of the most distinctive things our chefs make. Find your nearest store or order online to try it today.
frequently asked questions
1. What is aburi sushi?
Aburi sushi is sushi that has been briefly seared with a flame across the top. The surface cooks and caramelises while the centre stays raw and soft, giving a warm, smoky flavour and a richer texture.
2. What does aburi mean?
Aburi means “seared” in Japanese. It describes the technique rather than a particular shape, so it can be applied to nigiri, rolls and other pieces.
3. Is aburi sushi cooked?
Partly. The seared surface is cooked, the centre is not. It sits between raw sushi and fully cooked options, which makes it a good choice for diners who are unsure about raw fish.
4. What is aburi salmon?
Aburi salmon is salmon seared with a flame, usually finished with a light sauce that caramelises under the heat. It is the most popular aburi option at Sushi Jiro.
5. Can I order aburi at any Sushi Jiro?
Aburi is available at most locations, though the exact range varies by store and by day. Check the menu or ask the team when you arrive.
Explore Sushi Stories
Standing outside a sushi restaurant wondering whether you order at the counter, wait to be seated, or just grab a plate off the belt? You are not alone. Sushi is the...
Calm. Considered. Confidence. The best sushi restaurants in Australia do not just taste different, they feel different the moment you walk in. Smart sushi restaurant...
Fresh. Fast. Local. When the sushi craving hits, the last thing you want is to scroll through twenty map pins and gamble on the closest spot. Knowing how to find sushi...
Hungry. Curious. Maybe a little unsure. Whether it is your first sushi outing or you are heading somewhere new, knowing what to expect from a sushi restaurant takes the...
Most diners pick a sushi shop the same way they pick a coffee place. It’s the proximity, habit, a mild sense of "this'll do." That's fine, until the day you bite into a...
Fast. Fresh. Affordable. The sushi train checks every box your lunch break demands – and it does it without making you wait, stress, or overspend. Here's why it...