Gemma 3n 4B vs MiniMax M2.5
Compare Gemma 3n 4B by Google AI against MiniMax M2.5 by MiniMax, context windows of 33K vs 205K, tested across 23 shared challenges. Updated February 2026.
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Gemma 3n 4BvsMiniMax M2.5
18 challenges
Why Gemma 3n 4B?
No standout advantages
Why MiniMax M2.5?
6.3x more context205K
9 months newerFeb 2026
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Gemma 3n 4BMiniMax M2.5
12 / 18
Pokémon Battle UI Recreationweb design
Recreate an interactive, nostalgic Pokémon battle UI in a single HTML file.
MiniMax M2.5
Vote
2 / 18
Mario Level UI Recreationweb design
Recreate an interactive, classic Mario level in a single HTML file.
Gemma 3n 4B
MiniMax M2.5
Vote
3 / 18
Interactive Catan Boardweb design
Tests an AI's ability to create interactive web elements
Gemma 3n 4B
No content available for this output.
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
4 / 18
Random Tailwind Webappweb design
Generate a single-page, self-contained HTML webapp using Tailwind CSS for a randomly chosen category/industry/niche.
Gemma 3n 4B
No content available for this output.
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
5 / 18
Simple 7-Ingredient Recipeconversation
Generate a unique and simple recipe with common ingredients.
Gemma 3n 4B
No content available for this output.
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
6 / 18
Beginner's Longevity Planreasoning
Create a starter plan for improving long-term health.
Gemma 3n 4B
No content available for this output.
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
7 / 18
Retro macOS UI Recreationweb design
Recreate a classic, retro, macOS Desktop UI — make it interactive and nostalgic, make it as interactive as you can, you can be creative.. Feel free to showcase your skills. The entire application must be a single-page self-contained HTML file.
Gemma 3n 4B
MiniMax M2.5
Vote
8 / 18
Advanced Longevity Plan (Biohacker)reasoning
Develop a cutting-edge 3-month longevity plan for a biohacker.
Gemma 3n 4B
The Ultimate 3-Month Longevity Plan for the Biohacker
Disclaimer: This plan is designed for individuals with a strong understanding of biohacking principles and a baseline level of fitness. Consult with your physician and/or qualified healthcare professionals before implementing any significant dietary, supplement, or exercise changes. This is a template; personalize dosages and activities based on your individual needs, response, and health conditions.
Core Philosophy: This plan focuses on a holistic approach encompassing nutrition, supplementation, exercise, stress management, and personalized tracking. It's built on principles of cellular health, metabolic optimization, and neuroplasticity. Progress is tracked meticulously, and adjustments are made based on data-driven insights.
I. Phase Overview:
- Month 1: Foundation & Adaptation: Establish core habits, optimize nutrient intake, and build a base level of resilience. Focus on adapting to new routines and monitoring baseline metrics.
- Month 2: Intensification & Personalization: Increase intensity, refine protocols based on data, and introduce more advanced techniques. Deepen understanding of individual responses.
- Month 3: Optimization & Fine-Tuning: Refine all aspects of the plan, focusing on maximizing results, addressing any weaknesses, and preparing for long-term sustainability.
II. Key Pillars:
1. Nutrition (Dietary Protocol):
- Base: Ketogenic Diet (modified to optimize for biohacking). This provides sustained energy, promotes cellular autophagy, and supports brain health.
- Macros (approximate, adjust based on individual response):
- Fat: 70-80% of calories
- Protein: 20-25% of calories (prioritize high-quality sources)
- Carbohydrates: 5-10% of calories (primarily from non-starchy vegetables)
- Ketogenic Variations:
- Cyclical Keto (Month 1-2): 2-3 days of targeted carbohydrate refeeding (50-75g net carbs) to replenish glycogen stores and potentially enhance performance. Prioritize complex carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, or berries.
- Targeted Keto (Month 2-3): Further refine refeeding days based on performance goals (e.g., longer workouts, cognitive tasks). Experiment with timing and carb sources.
- Foods to Prioritize:
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, MCT oil, grass-fed butter, fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
- Protein: Grass-fed beef, pastured poultry, wild-caught fish, eggs, organic dairy (if tolerated)
- Non-Starchy Vegetables: Leafy greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers
- Fiber: Avocado, chia seeds, flax seeds, psyllium husk (for gut health)
- Foods to Avoid:
- Processed Foods: Limit all processed foods, packaged snacks, and refined sugars.
- Grains: Wheat, rice, corn, oats.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas (can be reintroduced in moderation during refeeding days).
- Most Fruits: Limit to small portions of berries during refeeding days.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Stevia, erythritol (use sparingly).
- Hydration: Minimum 3 liters of water per day. Electrolyte replenishment is crucial (sodium, potassium, magnesium). Consider a trace mineral supplement.
- Meal Timing: Consistent meal times (every 3-4 hours) to maintain stable blood sugar and ketone levels.
2. Supplement Stack (Dosages are examples; consult a professional):
- Daily (Month 1-3):
- Magnesium Threonate (150mg): Promotes cognitive function and sleep quality.
- Vitamin D3 (5000-10000 IU): Optimizes immune function and mood. (Test and adjust dosage based on blood levels).
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (3-5g EPA/DHA): Supports brain health, reduces inflammation. (Consider a triglyceride form for better absorption).
- Creatine Monohydrate (5g): Enhances strength, power, and cognitive function (cyclical – see below).
- Zinc (20mg): Immune support, testosterone production.
- B-Complex (High-Quality): Energy production, nervous system support.
- Curcumin (500mg with Piperine): Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.
- Probiotic (Diverse Strain): Gut health, immune function.
- Cyclical Supplements:
- Creatine Monohydrate (5g daily) for 8 weeks, then 4 weeks off. This helps maintain sensitivity.
- Nootropics (Rotate every 4 weeks - see below): (Choose ONE per 4-week cycle)
- Lion's Mane (300-500mg): Nerve growth factor, cognitive enhancement.
- Alpha-GPC (300-600mg): Choline source, cognitive function.
- L-Theanine (200-400mg): Focus and relaxation, synergistic with caffeine.
- Bacopa Monnieri (300mg): Memory and cognitive function.
- Phosphatidylserine (100-200mg): Brain cell support, memory.
- Intermittent Supplementation (Based on needs & monitoring):
- CoQ10 (100-200mg): Energy production, antioxidant (especially if taking statins).
- Vitamin C (500-1000mg): Immune support, antioxidant (especially during periods of increased stress).
- Astaxanthin (4-8mg): Powerful antioxidant, eye health.
3. Exercise Protocol:
- Strength Training (3 days/week): Focus on compound exercises (squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press, rows). Prioritize progressive overload (gradually increasing weight or reps).
- Workout Split: Full body (Month 1), Upper/Lower (Month 2), Push/Pull/Legs (Month 3).
- Rep Range: 6-12 reps for hypertrophy, 4-6 reps for strength.
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) (2 days/week): Short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief recovery periods.
- Examples: Sprints, burpees, kettlebell swings, jump squats.
- Duration: 20-30 minutes.
- Focus: Maintaining high intensity during the "on" periods.
- Cardiovascular Exercise (2-3 days/week): Low-intensity steady-state cardio (LISS) like walking, swimming, or cycling. Aim for 30-60 minutes.
- Recovery (Daily):
- Active Recovery: Light stretching, yoga, foam rolling.
- Sleep (7-9 hours): Prioritize sleep hygiene (dark, quiet, cool room).
- Contrast Therapy: Alternating hot and cold exposure (sauna/cold plunge) to reduce inflammation and improve recovery.
- Massage: Regular massage to release muscle tension.
- Movement Quality: Prioritize correct form over weight. Consider working with a qualified coach to assess and improve movement patterns.
4. Stress Resilience & Mental Wellbeing:
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Training: Use a wearable device to track HRV and identify stress patterns. Implement techniques to improve HRV:
- Diaphragmatic Breathing (5-10 minutes daily): Focus on slow, deep breaths.
- Mindfulness Meditation (10-20 minutes daily): Focus on the present moment.
- Cold Exposure (Gradual): Cold showers or ice baths to improve resilience.
- Neurofeedback (Optional): Consider neurofeedback sessions to train brainwave patterns associated with relaxation and focus.
- Cognitive Techniques:
- Journaling: Reflect on thoughts and emotions.
- Gratitude Practice: Focus on positive aspects of life.
- Time Management: Prioritize tasks and avoid overwhelm.
- Social Connection: Maintain strong social connections and spend time with loved ones.
- Digital Detox: Regularly disconnect from technology to reduce stress and improve focus.
5. Advanced Tracking and Monitoring:
- Wearable Device: High-quality wearable (e.g., Oura Ring, Apple Watch with HRV tracking, continuous glucose monitor - CGM) to track:
- Sleep Quality: Duration, stages, efficiency.
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV):
MiniMax M2.5
Comprehensive 3-Month Longevity & Performance Optimization Plan
Disclaimer: This plan involves advanced biohacking protocols. Consult a physician before starting, especially if you have health conditions. Some interventions (e.g., rapamycin, NR/NMN) are investigational. Monitor biomarkers regularly.
Phase 1: Foundation & Assessment (Weeks 1–4)
1. Diagnostic Baseline (Week 1)
- Biomarker Panel: Comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, HbA1c, fasting insulin, hs-CRP, testosterone/estrogen, cortisol (morning), DHEA-S, vitamin D, B12, homocysteine, IGF-1.
- Genetic Testing (optional): Focus on methylation (MTHFR), APOE, and telomere-related genes.
- Wearable Baseline: Establish baselines for resting heart rate (RHR), HRV (RMSSD), sleep stages, and daily activity.
2. Dietary Protocol
Core Approach: Cyclical Ketogenic Diet with Time-Restricted Eating (TRE)
- Macros: 70–75% fat, 20–25% protein, 5–10% net carbs (initially 20g, titrate to 50g after ketosis).
- TRE Window: 12:12 (minimum) → progress to 16:8 by Week 4.
- Nutrient Density: Focus on organ meats, wild-caught fish, pastured eggs, fermented foods.
- Hydration: 3–3.5L water + 200mg magnesium/day.
3. Supplement Stack (Base)
| Supplement | Dosage | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D3 | 5,000–8,000 IU | Morning (with fat) | Target 60–80 ng/mL |
| K2 (MK-7) | 200–400 mcg | With D3 | For arterial elasticity |
| Magnesium Threonate | 400 mg | Night | For sleep/HRV |
| Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) | 2–3g EPA+DHA | With meals | High-grade fish oil |
| NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) | 300–500 mg | Morning | For NAD+ |
| Resveratrol | 100–250 mg | With NR | Trans-resveratrol |
| Spermidine | 3–6 mg | Night | Autophagy induction |
| Vitamin C (liposomal) | 1–2 g | Morning | For collagen/GI health |
4. Exercise Protocol
Structure: 4–5 days/week
- Strength (2 days): Full-body, low rep (3–5 reps), heavy compounds (squat, deadlift, press). Concentric focus.
- HIIT (1 day): 4x4 Norwegian protocol (4 intervals at 90–95% max HR, 3 min active recovery).
- Zone 2 (1–2 days): 45–60 min, HR < 180 – age. Target 60–70% max HR.
- Mobility/Recovery (daily): 15 min of dynamic stretching or light yoga.
5. Stress Resilience & Sleep
- HRV Training: Daily 5-min coherent breathing (6 breaths/min) using biofeedback (e.g., Elite HRV).
- Cold Exposure: Cold shower (2–3 min) ending with 30 sec cold, or cold plunge 2–3x/week.
- Sleep Hygiene: Fixed sleep window (10:30 PM–6:30 AM), cool room (65–68°F), red light glasses after 9 PM, no caffeine after 12 PM.
- Neurofeedback (Conceptual): If available, consider EEG neurofeedback sessions for alpha/theta training to enhance recovery.
Phase 2: Optimization & Intensification (Weeks 5–8)
1. Advanced Dietary Shifts
- Extended Fast: Begin monthly 48-hour water fast (monitored). Start with 24-hour fast in Week 5.
- Cycling: Implement "Feast/Famine" weeks—1 week of higher carbs (cyclical keto) followed by stricter keto.
- Ketone Optimization: Add exogenous ketones (2–3g BHB) on fasting days or pre-HIIT for cognitive performance.
2. Augmented Supplement Stack
Add to base stack:
- Rapamycin (Sirolimus): 3–5 mg/week (low-dose, intermittent). Consult doctor. Monitor lipids and glucose.
- Quercetin + Fisetin: 500 mg each, 2x/month (senolytic protocol).
- L-Theanine: 200 mg (night) for sleep depth.
- Taurine: 1–2 g (night) for antioxidant/GABA support.
- Protocol Cycling: Rotate spermidine (2 weeks on, 1 week off).
3. Exercise Progression
- Strength: Introduce DoggCrapp style training—rest-pause sets, controlled negatives.
- HIIT: Add sprint intervals (10 sec all-out, 50 sec recovery) once weekly.
- Zone 2: Progress to 75–90 min sessions, maintain low HR.
4. Advanced Wearables & Metrics
- Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): Use for 2 weeks to personalize diet (e.g., food sensitivity).
- HRV Analysis: Daily trending—aim for weekly RMSSD increase.
- Sleep Tracking: Deep sleep > 20%, REM > 25% (target with supplements/cool temps).
5. Cognitive Enhancement
- Nootropic Stack (cyclical):
- Day 1–5: Lion's Mane (1.5g), Bacopa (300mg), Caffeine (100mg) + L-Theanine (200mg).
- Day 6–7: Nootropic break (to prevent tolerance).
- Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR): 20-min daily yoga nidra or self-hypnosis for nervous system downregulation.
Phase 3: Integration & Fine-Tuning (Weeks 9–12)
1. Biomarker Re-Testing
- Repeat key labs. Adjust supplements/diet based on results (e.g., adjust vitamin D, lipid ratios).
2. Dietary Fine-Tuning
- Personalized Carb Tolerance: Use CGM data to reintroduce optimal carbs (e.g., sweet potato, berries) pre/post workouts.
- Protein Optimization: Slightly increase protein to 1.2–1.6g/kg to support muscle retention during caloric shifts.
3. Advanced Interventions (If Suitable)
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): 10–20 sessions (90 min at 2.0 ATA) for telomere lengthening/stem cell stimulation (emerging evidence).
- Red Light Therapy: 10–20 min daily (660nm/850nm) for mitochondrial function.
- Plasma Donation: If > 40, consider annual plasma donation to reduce inflammatory factors (talk to your doctor).
4. Exercise Periodization
- Week 9–10: Deload (50% volume).
- Week 11–12: Peak performance—max strength/HIIT output.
5. Long-Term Sustainability Review
- Assess adherence to protocols.
- Identify bottlenecks (e.g., sleep disruptions, stress spikes).
- Create "maintenance stack" for post-3-month phase.
Key Monitoring Schedule
| Week | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Baseline labs + wearable setup |
| 4 | Review HRV/sleep trends, adjust diet |
| 8 | Re-test biomarkers (critical), adjust supplements |
| 12 | Full reassessment, create Year 1 plan |
Emergency Modifications
- If HRV drops > 15%: Reduce training intensity, increase sleep, add magnesium.
- If fasting causes dizziness: Reduce fasting window, ensure electrolytes.
- If inflammation rises (hs-CRP > 2): Pause rapamycin, increase omega-3, add curcumin (1g).
Final Note: This is an aggressive protocol. Prioritize sleep, stress management, and listening to your body. Biohacking is iterative—adapt based on your unique responses.
Vote
9 / 18
Advanced Investment Memo (IC Memo)financial modeling
Write a pro-level buy-side investment memo with valuation and diligence questions.
Gemma 3n 4B
No content available for this output.
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
Sponsored
10 / 18
Mini LBO Underwritefinancial modeling
Build a simplified LBO with returns and sensitivities.
Gemma 3n 4B
No content available for this output.
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
11 / 18
Michelin Star Recipe Designplanning
Design an innovative, multi-component dish worthy of a 3-star Michelin restaurant.
Gemma 3n 4B
The Echo of the Deep: Scallop & Sea Buckthorn Spheres with Smoked Black Garlic Soil, Sea Bean Salad & Yuzu Air.
Conceptual Narrative:
"The Echo of the Deep" is an exploration of contrasting textures and flavors inspired by the hidden depths of the ocean and the vibrant resilience of the coastal landscape. The dish represents a journey from the briny freshness of the sea to the earthy depths of the soil, culminating in a light, ethereal finish. The unusual pairing of delicate scallops and tart sea buckthorn creates a surprising interplay of sweet and sour, evoking the feeling of sunlight piercing through the water's surface. The dish aims to be a sensory experience, stimulating both the palate and the imagination.
Yields: 2 servings Difficulty: Advanced Prep Time: 4 hours (plus overnight curing for black garlic) Cook Time: 30 minutes
I. Scallop & Sea Buckthorn Spheres:
-
Concept: Delicate spheres bursting with concentrated scallop flavor and a tart sea buckthorn counterpoint.
-
Ingredients:
- 6 Fresh Diver Scallops (large, dry-packed) - Source: Look for sustainable diver-caught scallops from the Pacific Northwest. Consider asking your fishmonger to dry-pack them for optimal sphere formation.
- 50ml Sea Buckthorn Puree (fresh or frozen) - Source: Sea buckthorn berries are rare. Look for reputable suppliers specializing in Nordic or Eastern European ingredients. Alternatively, you can create your own puree by blending fresh or frozen berries with a little water and straining.
- 2g Sodium Alginate
- 500ml Cold Filtered Water
- 1g Calcium Chloride
-
Instructions:
- Scallop Preparation: Gently dice the scallops into small, uniform pieces (approx. 1cm).
- Sea Buckthorn Infusion: Combine the sea buckthorn puree with the diced scallops in a blender. Pulse until a smooth, homogenous mixture is achieved.
- Sphere Formation: In a bowl, whisk the sodium alginate into 250ml of the cold filtered water until fully dissolved. Let it rest for 30 minutes to remove air bubbles.
- Calcium Chloride Bath: Prepare a calcium chloride bath by dissolving 1g of calcium chloride in the remaining 250ml of cold filtered water.
- Spherification: Using a syringe or a small spoon, carefully drop small droplets of the scallop-sea buckthorn mixture into the calcium chloride bath. The mixture will instantly form a delicate membrane, creating spheres.
- Rinse & Store: Allow the spheres to sit in the calcium chloride bath for 1 minute to fully set. Gently remove the spheres with a slotted spoon and rinse them in a bowl of clean water. Store in a bowl of fresh water until ready to plate.
II. Smoked Black Garlic Soil:
-
Concept: An earthy, umami-rich "soil" that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
-
Ingredients:
- 10 Cloves Black Garlic (cured for at least 30 days) - Source: Specialty food stores or online retailers specializing in fermented foods. If unavailable, you can cure your own garlic by fermenting for several weeks.
- 2 tbsp Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
-
Instructions:
- Black Garlic Preparation: Remove the outer papery skin from the black garlic cloves. Mash them into a paste using a fork.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the black garlic paste, panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toast & Bake: Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and toss to combine. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the mixture is golden brown and crispy. Allow to cool completely.
- Pulse & Sift: Pulse the cooled mixture in a food processor until it resembles coarse soil. Sift to remove any large pieces.
III. Sea Bean Salad:
-
Concept: A refreshing and salty salad that provides a textural contrast and a bright, oceanic flavor.
-
Ingredients:
- 100g Sea Beans (Salicornia) - Source: Specialty seafood suppliers or farmers markets near coastal areas. Ensure they are fresh and vibrant green.
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp Olive Oil
- Pinch of Sea Salt
- Pinch of White Pepper
-
Instructions:
- Blanch Sea Beans: Briefly blanch the sea beans in boiling water for 30 seconds. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crunch.
- Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and white pepper.
- Marinate: Gently toss the blanched sea beans with the dressing. Allow to marinate for 5 minutes before serving.
IV. Yuzu Air:
-
Concept: A light, ethereal foam that adds a burst of citrusy aroma and a delicate finish to the dish.
-
Ingredients:
- 50ml Yuzu Juice (freshly squeezed) - Source: Yuzu is a rare citrus fruit. Look for specialty food stores or online retailers specializing in Asian ingredients. If unavailable, a combination of lemon and grapefruit juice can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be different.
- 1g Soy Lecithin
- 100ml Water
-
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the yuzu juice, soy lecithin, and water.
- Emulsify: Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture on high speed until a stable foam forms. This may take a few minutes. The foam should hold its shape but be light and airy.
Plating & Assembly:
- Soil Base: Spoon a generous amount of the smoked black garlic soil onto the center of each plate.
- Sphere Arrangement: Arrange 3-4 scallop & sea buckthorn spheres artfully on top of the soil, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Sea Bean Nest: Create a small nest of sea bean salad next to the spheres.
- Yuzu Air Swirl: Spoon a generous dollop of yuzu air next to the sea bean salad, allowing it to cascade slightly onto the soil.
- Garnish: Garnish with a few microgreens (e.g., shiso or cilantro) for visual appeal and a subtle herbaceous note. A tiny sprinkle of edible silver dust can add a touch of elegance.
Wine Pairing Suggestion:
A crisp, dry Albariño from Rías Baixas, Spain, with its citrus notes and minerality, would perfectly complement the sea buckthorn and scallop flavors.
Notes:
- Precise measurements are crucial for spherification.
- The yuzu air is best prepared just before serving, as it will lose its stability over time.
- Adjust the seasoning of the sea bean salad to your preference.
- The presentation is paramount. Strive for a balance of color, texture, and height on the plate.
This dish aims to be a memorable culinary experience, showcasing the potential of unexpected ingredient pairings and advanced techniques. The "Echo of the Deep" is a celebration of the ocean's bounty and the artistry of fine dining.
MiniMax M2.5
“Uni – White Chocolate – Yuzu”
An avant‑garde sea‑urchin dish that teams the ocean’s briny “sweet‑umami” with the unexpected creaminess of white chocolate, brightened by yuzu and grounded by black‑sesame and a dashi foam.
1. Conceptual Narrative
The heart of this dish is the collision of two seemingly opposite worlds: the pristine, saline delicacy of fresh sea urchin (uni) and the rich, sweet silk of white chocolate. By treating the uni as a “sweet‑savory” ingredient—much like a luxurious, natural candy—we can build a tasting experience that is simultaneously familiar and startling.
Yuzu supplies a sharp citrus lift that cuts the chocolate’s sweetness and underscores the sea‑urchin’s natural sweetness, while a dashi‑foam adds deep umami and a delicate, airy texture. Black‑sesame “soil” provides a nutty, slightly bitter counterpoint and a satisfying crunch. The plating is deliberately minimal: a dark ceramic slate lets the pale gold uni, ivory chocolate sauce, and jade‑green yuzu pearls pop, mimicking a modern art composition.
2. Sourcing Notes
| Ingredient | Why it matters | Suggested source |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh sea‑urchin (Uni) | The star – bright orange‑yellow lobes, buttery texture. | Japanese market (Hokkaido uni) or a reputable fishmonger (Maine “purple sea urchin”). Keep on ice and use within 24 h of harvest. |
| White chocolate (Valrhona or similar) | High cocoa‑butter content gives a smooth, not overly sweet, base. | Specialty pastry supplier or high‑end grocery. |
| Yuzu (fruit & juice) | Fresh, aromatic citrus; yields bright, floral acidity. | Japanese/Asian markets (often sold as “yuzu juice” or fresh fruit). |
| Black sesame paste | Deep, toasty flavor and striking colour. | Natural‑foods store or Asian grocer (look for 100 % sesame). |
| Kombu & dried bonite (katsuobushi) | Essential for authentic dashi – deep umami backbone. | Japanese grocery or online “dashi‑kit”. |
| Soy lecithin (powder) | Stable foam builder for the dashi. | Specialty ingredient supplier (e.g., Modernist Pantry). |
| Sodium alginate & calcium chloride | For flawless spherical “yuzu pearls”. | Molecular‑gastronomy supplier or online. |
| Agar‑agar | Vegetarian setting for the yuzu gel. | Same as above. |
| Micro‑shiso & edible gold leaf | Elegant garnish; adds color and a hint of herbaceousness. | Specialty herb supplier (micro‑shiso) and leaf‑gold (pastry supplier). |
3. Component‑by‑Component Instructions
3.1 Sea‑Urchin (Uni) – “Cured & Torched”
- Cleaning – Rinse the whole uni quickly in ice‑cold seawater or a mild saline solution (2 % salt). Pat dry with a kitchen towel.
- Curing – Lightly dust each lobe with a pinch of flaky sea salt and a few gratings of yuzu zest. Let sit for 2 min (the salt draws out a touch of moisture, intensifying flavor).
- Finishing – Using a culinary blow‑torch, caramelize the surface of each lobe just enough to give a faint golden crust (≈5 seconds). The interior should remain raw, creamy.
- Optional Sous‑Vide – For a warmer bite, seal a lobe in a vacuum bag and cook at 45 °C for 5 min; then torch as above.
3.2 White‑Chocolate‑Yuzu Sauce
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 200 g | White chocolate (Valrhona “Ivoire”) |
| 100 ml | Heavy cream (35 % fat) |
| 30 ml | Fresh yuzu juice |
| 10 g | White miso (sweet type) |
| 5 g | Gelatin (200 Bloom) – bloomed in 20 ml cold water |
| 1 g | Yuzu zest (finely grated) |
Method
- Heat cream to 80 °C, pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth.
- Add bloomed gelatin, whisk until dissolved.
- Stir in yuzu juice, miso, and zest. Pass through a fine sieve.
- Keep warm at 45 °C (a tempering basin) until service.
3.3 Yuzu “Pearls” (Spherification)
- Alginate bath – Dissolve 0.5 g sodium alginate in 100 ml yuzu juice (use an immersion blender to avoid clumps). Let rest 30 min to de‑bubble.
- Calcium bath – Dissolve 1 g calcium chloride in 200 ml water.
- Sphere formation – Using a small pipette, drop yuzu juice into the calcium bath; each drop forms a ~4 mm sphere after 2 min.
- Rinse – Transfer pearls to a bowl of plain water to stop the reaction. Store in a damp paper towel until plating.
3.4 Yuzu Gel (Agar‑Agar)
- Combine 100 ml yuzu juice, 20 g sugar, and 2 g agar‑agar in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, stirring, then simmer for 1 min.
- Pour into a shallow silicone mold (≈3 mm thick). Refrigerate until set (≈15 min).
- Cut into tiny rectangles or diamonds.
3.5 Black‑Sesame “Soil” (Tuille)
| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 50 g | Black sesame paste |
| 50 g | Powdered sugar |
| 30 g | Egg whites |
| 20 g | All‑purpose flour |
| 20 g | Melted butter |
Method
- Mix all ingredients to a smooth paste.
- Spread thinly (≈1 mm) on a silicone‑lined baking sheet using an offset spatula.
- Bake at 160 °C (320 °F) for 8–10 min until just firm and barely colored.
- Remove, let cool 1 min, then break into irregular shards (“soil”).
3.6 Dashi Foam
- Dashi stock – Soak a 10 cm piece of kombu in 500 ml cold water for 30 min, then heat to 70 °C, add 15 g katsuobushi, steep 10 min, strain.
- Reduce the dashi to ≈200 ml over medium heat (intensifies flavor).
- Add 3 g soy lecithin, blend with an immersion blender for 30 sec, then whisk vigorously to form a stable, airy foam. (A small amount of lecithin creates a “micro‑foam” that holds its shape for several minutes.)
- Keep warm (≈50 °C) in a thermos until service.
3.7 Optional Sea‑Urchin Powder (Finishing)
- Spread any extra lobes on a silicone mat, dehydrate at 60 °C for 4 h, then grind to a fine powder using a spice grinder.
- Use a pinch to dust the plate for extra “sea” nuance.
4. Plating
- Plate choice – A dark ** slate** or black ceramic rectangular plate (≈30 cm) provides a stark contrast.
- Smear – Using the back of a spoon, draw a thin smear of the warm white‑chocolate‑yuzu sauce across the left third of the plate.
- Arrange Uni – Place 3–4 sea‑urchin lobes on the sauce, slightly overlapping, their caramelized tops facing up.
- Yuzu elements – Dot the yuzu pearls and small yuzu gel rectangles around the uni, following the curve of the smear.
- Soil & Foam – Crumble a few shards of black‑sesame tuile on the right side of the plate to create a “soil” bed. Dollop a generous quenelle of dashi foam on top of the tuile.
- Garnish – Sprinkle a pinch of sea‑urchin powder over the uni, add a few micro‑shiso leaves, and finish with a tiny flake of edible gold leaf for a flash of luxury.
- Service – Serve immediately; the contrast between the warm sauce, cool pearls, and airy foam is best experienced within 2–3 minutes of plating.
5. Technical Highlights
- Spherification (alginate‑calcium) delivers a “burst” of yuzu juice that balances the richness of the white chocolate.
- Lecithin‑stabilized foam provides a light, umami‑laden “cloud” that bridges the sea‑urchin and the chocolate.
- Sous‑vide/torch gives a controlled temperature gradient (warm interior, seared exterior) for the uni, highlighting its creamy texture.
- Dehydrated uni powder intensifies the marine flavor without adding moisture, perfect for a final “seasoning”.
Final Thought
This dish is a daring homage to the Japanese‑French concept of “sweet‑savory” fine dining: the opulent creaminess of uni meets the silky, faintly sweet embrace of white chocolate, brightened by yuzu’s citrus zip and anchored by black‑sesame and dashi. The result is a harmonious, multi‑textural experience that pushes the boundaries of flavor perception—exactly the kind of culinary narrative that a three‑Michelin‑star kitchen aspires to present.
Bon appétit – and enjoy the art of plating!
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