Basashi: Japan’s Rare & Delicate Horse Meat Sashimi!

Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4

Basashi, or horse meat sashimi, is a delicacy from Kumamoto, Japan, known for its tender texture, mild sweetness, and rich umami. Served raw and thinly sliced, Basashi is often enjoyed with soy sauce, grated garlic, and shiso leaves, offering a unique culinary experience rooted in Japan’s samurai-era traditions. Our Basashi Sashimi Kit brings you the finest cuts for an authentic Japanese raw horse meat experience, prepared the traditional way!

The History and Cultural Significance of Basashi

Basashi, or raw horse meat sashimi, has been a regional delicacy in Japan for centuries, particularly in Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island. Its origins can be traced back to the Sengoku period (15th–16th century), an era of constant warfare, where samurai needed high-protein, easily preserved food sources.

A Samurai-Inspired Delicacy

Basashi traces its origins back to the Sengoku period (15th–16th century), when Japanese samurai warriors in Kumamoto relied on horse meat as a nutritious and energy-boosting food source during wartime. Over time, it evolved into a luxury dish, particularly in the Kyushu region.

Edo Period (1603–1868) – Horse meat gained popularity in Kumamoto, where the local climate and breeding methods created high-quality, lean, and tender cuts.

🌸 Modern Japan (20th Century – Present) – Today, Basashi is a regional specialty in Kumamoto Prefecture, commonly served in izakayas and high-end restaurants, often paired with sake or shochu.

🥩 Health Benefits – Basashi is valued for its high protein, low fat, and rich iron content, making it a nutritious alternative to beef or pork.

It is commonly paired with sake, shochu, or beer, making it a beloved dish among Japanese food enthusiasts.

Ingredients for Traditional Basashi Sashimi

Essential Ingredients

☑️ 300g horse meat sashimi-grade fillet, thinly sliced
☑️ 2 tablespoons🥄 soy sauce
☑️ 1 teaspoon🥄 grated garlic
☑️ 1 teaspoon🥄 grated ginger
☑️ 1 teaspoon🥄 wasabi

Garnishes & Serving Essentials

☑️ 1 shiso leaf (per serving)
☑️ ½ teaspoon🥄 sesame seeds
☑️ ½ teaspoon🥄 finely chopped green onions
☑️ Thinly sliced daikon radish for serving

Optional Additions

☑️ ½ teaspoon🥄 ponzu sauce for citrusy freshness
☑️ 1 quail egg yolk for a richer umami taste
☑️ A side of spicy miso for dipping

👩‍🍳 How to Prepare Basashi Sashimi with the Kit

🔪 Step 1: Slice the Horse Meat

1️⃣ Ensure the horse meat is chilled for clean slicing.
2️⃣ Use a sharp sashimi knife to cut into paper-thin slices.

🍽 Step 2: Arrange the Sashimi

1️⃣ Place shiso leaves on a serving plate.
2️⃣ Arrange the thinly sliced Basashi over the leaves.

🌿 Step 3: Prepare the Dipping Sauces

1️⃣ Mix soy sauce, grated garlic, and sesame seeds.
2️⃣ Prepare a side of wasabi and grated ginger for added flavor.

🥢 Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

1️⃣ Dip each piece into soy sauce or ponzu sauce.
2️⃣ Enjoy with sake or shochu for an authentic Japanese pairing.

🔥Why You’ll Love This Basashi Sashimi Kit

Ready to try this rare Japanese delicacy? Experience Basashi sashimi today! 🐴🍣🔥

🔥 Authentic Japanese Experience – A rare delicacy from Kumamoto, Japan.
🥩 Lean & Healthy – High in protein, low in fat, and rich in iron.
🍣 Delicate & Flavorful – Mild sweetness with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
🍶 Perfect for Pairing – Best enjoyed with sake or shochu.

“Basashi isn’t just a dish—it’s a taste of Japan’s samurai history, offering a refined, elegant, and unique dining experience!”

🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Nopales con Escamoles You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.

Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.