How to Preserve Sea Urchin Roe

Preserve the fresh flavor of sea urchin roe by keeping it clean and cold until you are ready to eat. Sea urchin roe begins to spoil quickly once it comes out of the water. By removing the roe from the bacteria-laden shell and keeping it in a cool, dry environment, you can extend the fresh flavor and texture of the roe for up to three days. Protect your investment in this ocean delicacy by properly removing, cleaning and storing it.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2 cup table salt
  • Cutting board
  • Sheet pan
  • Thick rubber or cloth gloves
  • Chef's knife
  • Kitchen shears
  • Paper towels
  • Plastic wrap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Combine 2 qt. cold water and 1/2 cup salt in a large bowl to create a salty brine.

    • 2

      Place your cutting board on a sheet pan to catch juices that run off the board.

    • 3

      Cover your hands with a pair of thick rubber or cloth gloves, and position a sea urchin in the center of the cutting board with the small opening facing up.

    • 4

      Crack open the sea urchin by applying medium pressure to the small opening with the heal of a chef's knife. Do not cut all the way through the sea urchin.

    • 5

      Insert the tips of a pair of kitchen shears into the crack created by the chef's knife, and cut out a 1-inch circular opening.

    • 6

      Gently scoop out the yellow-orange sea urchin roe with a small spoon.

    • 7

      Rinse each piece of sea urchin roe in the bowl of cold salty brine to remove sand and grit.

    • 8

      Cover a plate with a couple of paper towels and line up the pieces of sea urchin roe so that each piece is overlapping by about an inch.

    • 9

      Loosely cover your fresh sea urchin roe with a piece of plastic wrap. Do not seal the plastic to the plate; just let it rest lightly on top.

    • 10

      Store your sea urchin roe in a refrigerator that keeps a constant temperature between 37 and 40 degree F for a maximum of three days.