From Isle of Dogs · 2018 · Reconstructed
Sushi Master's Octopus Nigiri
Serve when
The tentacle is still twitching when the knife starts slicing — plate it the moment the last rectangle of octopus lands on its bed of rice.
In the movie
Theatrical
- ~01:22:35 The sushi sequence closes on a wriggling octopus tentacle, sliced into delicate rectangles and laid over beds of rice — the most unsettling and most beautiful shot in the scene.
The octopus is the one ingredient that still seems alive under the knife, and the film lingers on it — a deliberately uncomfortable beat inside an otherwise meditative scene, right before the poisoned wasabi turns the same craft against Professor Watanabe later in the story.
Ingredients
Method
- Start with octopus that's already been tenderized and cooked until just tender — a knife tip should slide into the thickest part with only a little resistance. Raw octopus is far too tough to slice for nigiri.
- Slice the tentacle on a sharp bias into thin rectangles, keeping the suckers on for texture and presentation.
- Score the surface of each slice lightly with the tip of your knife — this is what lets octopus nigiri fold slightly over the rice instead of sitting stiff.
- Form small ovals of sushi rice, add a touch of wasabi, and drape a slice of octopus over each.
- Serve right away with soy sauce and a squeeze of lemon if you like.
Beyond the recipe
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