Llama 4 Scout vs MiniMax M2.5
Compare Llama 4 Scout by Meta AI against MiniMax M2.5 by MiniMax, context windows of 10.0M vs 205K, tested across 25 shared challenges. Updated February 2026.
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Llama 4 ScoutvsMiniMax M2.5
20 challenges
Why Llama 4 Scout?
2.1x cheaper overall$0.25/M in · $0.50/M out
48.8x more context10.0M
Why MiniMax M2.5?
Leads 1 of 1 benchmarks
Stronger on SWE-bench Verified80.2% vs 54.6%
10 months newerFeb 2026
Favorites
Llama 4 ScoutMiniMax M2.5
12 / 20
SVG Layout Challengeimage generation
Tests an AI's ability to generate vector graphics
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
2 / 20
Xbox Controller SVG Artimage generation
Tests an AI's ability to create detailed SVG illustrations of gaming hardware
Llama 4 Scout
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
3 / 20
Minimalist Landing Pageweb design
Tests an AI's ability to generate a complete, working landing page
Llama 4 Scout
MiniMax M2.5
Vote
4 / 20
Mario Level UI Recreationweb design
Recreate an interactive, classic Mario level in a single HTML file.
Llama 4 Scout
MiniMax M2.5
Vote
5 / 20
Linear App Cloneweb design
Tests an AI's ability to replicate an existing UI with Tailwind CSS
Llama 4 Scout
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
6 / 20
Interactive Catan Boardweb design
Tests an AI's ability to create interactive web elements
Llama 4 Scout
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
7 / 20
World Map SVGimage generation
Tests an AI's ability to create a detailed world map in SVG format
Llama 4 Scout
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
8 / 20
Simple 7-Ingredient Recipeconversation
Generate a unique and simple recipe with common ingredients.
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
9 / 20
Beginner's Longevity Planreasoning
Create a starter plan for improving long-term health.
Llama 4 Scout
No content available for this output.
MiniMax M2.5
No content available for this output.
Vote
10 / 20
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.
Llama 4 Scout
MiniMax M2.5
Vote
Sponsored
11 / 20
Advanced Longevity Plan (Biohacker)reasoning
Develop a cutting-edge 3-month longevity plan for a biohacker.
Llama 4 Scout
Comprehensive 3-Month Longevity Plan for Biohackers
Phase 1: Assessment and Foundation Building (Weeks 1-4)
- Wearable Tracking:
- Utilize a high-resolution wearable device (e.g., Garmin Forerunner 945, Apple Watch Series 7) to track:
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
- Sleep stages and duration
- Physical activity and exercise
- Blood oxygen level
- Integrate with a comprehensive health tracking platform (e.g., Whoop, Strava) for data analysis and insights
- Utilize a high-resolution wearable device (e.g., Garmin Forerunner 945, Apple Watch Series 7) to track:
- Dietary Protocol:
- Ketogenic Diet: Implement a cyclical ketogenic diet with a macronutrient breakdown:
- Fat: 70-80% of daily calories
- Protein: 15-20% of daily calories
- Carbohydrates: 5-10% of daily calories
- Fasting Regimen: Alternate-day fasting with 16:8 time-restricted eating (TRE) on non-fasting days
- Supplements:
- Exogenous ketones (e.g., beta-hydroxybutyrate, 10g/day)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., EPA & DHA, 2g/day)
- Probiotics (e.g., 10 billion CFU/day)
- Ketogenic Diet: Implement a cyclical ketogenic diet with a macronutrient breakdown:
- Exercise Routine:
- Strength Training: 3 times/week, focusing on compound exercises:
- Squats, deadlifts, bench press, rows, and lunges
- Progressive overload with 2.5-5kg increments every two weeks
- HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): 2 times/week, 20-30 minutes per session
- Sprints, burpees, jump squats, or other high-intensity exercises
- Recovery: 1-2 times/week, incorporating:
- Foam rolling and self-myofascial release
- Contrast showers and cryotherapy
- Strength Training: 3 times/week, focusing on compound exercises:
- Stress Resilience:
- HRV Training: Daily HRV monitoring and training using:
- HeartMath Inc. (emWave) or similar device
- Biofeedback exercises and resonance breathing
- Neurofeedback: Bi-weekly sessions using:
- EEG headset (e.g., Muse, Interaxon)
- Neurofeedback software (e.g., Brainwave, MindPlace)
- HRV Training: Daily HRV monitoring and training using:
Phase 2: Optimization and Intensification (Weeks 5-8)
- Dietary Protocol:
- Ketogenic Variations: Introduce targeted ketogenic diet (TKD) or modified ketogenic diet (MKD) for specific training or performance goals
- Fasting Regimen: Gradually increase fasting duration or frequency:
- 24-hour fasts every 4-5 days
- 36-hour fasts every 2-3 weeks
- Supplements:
- Add:
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR, 500mg/day)
- Phosphatidylserine (100mg/day)
- Bacopa monnieri (200mg/day)
- Rotate and cycle supplements every 4-6 weeks
- Add:
- Exercise Routine:
- Strength Training: Increase intensity with:
- Explosive exercises (e.g., box jumps, medicine ball throws)
- Advanced techniques (e.g., blood flow restriction, electromyostimulation)
- HIIT: Increase frequency or duration:
- 3-4 times/week, 30-40 minutes per session
- Recovery: Enhance with:
- Normobaric hypoxia training
- Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)
- Strength Training: Increase intensity with:
- Stress Resilience:
- HRV Training: Intensify training with:
- More frequent biofeedback sessions
- Advanced techniques (e.g., heart rate variability coherence)
- Neurofeedback: Increase session frequency:
- 2-3 times/week
- HRV Training: Intensify training with:
Phase 3: Fine-Tuning and Peak Performance (Weeks 9-12)
- Dietary Protocol:
- Precision Nutrition: Implement genetic testing (e.g., DNAfit, Nutrigenomics) to inform personalized nutrition
- Fasting Regimen: Refine and adjust fasting schedule based on performance and recovery
- Supplements:
- Fine-tune supplement stack based on progress and testing
- Introduce new supplements:
- Spermidine (1mg/day)
- Creatine (3g/day)
- Exercise Routine:
- Periodization: Alternate between high-intensity and low-intensity training phases
- Specificity: Tailor training to specific performance goals (e.g., endurance, strength, power)
- Stress Resilience:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Integrate mindfulness practices:
- Daily meditation (10-20 minutes)
- Yoga or tai chi sessions (2-3 times/week)
- Sleep Optimization: Prioritize sleep quality and duration:
- Establish consistent sleep schedule
- Use sleep-promoting supplements (e.g., melatonin, 5-HTP)
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Integrate mindfulness practices:
Additional Recommendations:
- Genetic Testing: Consider genetic testing for:
- APOE, MTHFR, and other longevity-related genes
- Nutrigenomics and personalized nutrition insights
- Blood Biomarkers: Monitor and track:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Lipid profile and ApoE
- Inflammation markers (e.g., CRP, IL-6)
- Mental Performance: Engage in mentally stimulating activities:
- Reading, puzzles, and brain games
- Learning a new skill or language
- Social Connection: Prioritize social connections and relationships:
- Regular social interactions and community engagement
- Volunteer or participate in group activities
Supplements and Dosages:
- Phase 1-3:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 2g/day
- Probiotics: 10 billion CFU/day
- Exogenous ketones: 10g/day
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR): 500mg/day
- Phosphatidylserine: 100mg/day
- Bacopa monnieri: 200mg/day
- Spermidine: 1mg/day
- Creatine: 3g/day
- Cycling:
- Rotate supplements every 4-6 weeks
- Take breaks from supplements (e.g., 1-2 weeks) to assess efficacy and prevent tolerance
Safety Considerations:
- Medical Supervision: Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine
- Monitoring: Regularly track and monitor your progress, adjusting the plan as needed to avoid adverse effects or plateaus
Disclaimers:
- Individual Results May Vary: This plan is for informational purposes only and may not be suitable for everyone
- Consult a Professional: Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your lifestyle or supplement routine
By following this comprehensive 3-month longevity plan, biohackers can optimize their physical and cognitive performance, enhance stress resilience, and potentially slow aging. Regular monitoring, adjustments, and medical supervision are essential to ensure safety and efficacy.
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
12 / 20
Michelin Star Recipe Designplanning
Design an innovative, multi-component dish worthy of a 3-star Michelin restaurant.
Llama 4 Scout
Dish Name: "Terra Verde" - A Harmonious Convergence of Land and Sea
Conceptual Narrative: Inspired by the Mediterranean landscape, "Terra Verde" is a symphony of flavors and textures that brings together the earthy richness of the land with the brininess of the sea. This innovative dish celebrates the union of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, featuring an unusual pairing of ingredients that will challenge and delight the palate.
Components:
- Saffron-Infused Cauliflower Mousse
- Smoked Eel Tartare with Pickled Fennel and Capers
- Wild Rice and Mushroom Duxelles
- Crispy Fried Cauliflower Petals with Lemon-Thyme Emulsion
- Microgreens and Edible Flower Salad
Component 1: Saffron-Infused Cauliflower Mousse
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) saffron threads, soaked in 1 tbsp (15 ml) hot water
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter
Steam the cauliflower until tender. Purée in a blender with cream, milk, saffron, salt, and pepper. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Whisk in butter until melted. Pour into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
Component 2: Smoked Eel Tartare with Pickled Fennel and Capers
- 1 lb (450g) smoked eel, flaked
- 1/4 cup (30g) pickled fennel, finely chopped (see note)
- 2 tbsp (30g) capers, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp (5g) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Mix eel, pickled fennel, capers, mustard, and honey in a bowl. Stir in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Sourcing Note: For pickled fennel, use a high-quality, artisanal product or make your own by slicing 1 bulb of fennel thinly, soaking in a brine made with 1 cup (250 ml) white wine vinegar, 1/2 cup (125 ml) water, and 1 tsp (5g) sugar for at least 2 hours.
Component 3: Wild Rice and Mushroom Duxelles
- 1 cup (120g) wild rice
- 2 cups (475 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (30g) dried porcini mushrooms, rehydrated and chopped
- 1/4 cup (30g) finely chopped shallots
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp (5g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook wild rice according to package instructions. Sauté shallots and porcini in butter until softened. Add flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add wine, whisking continuously. Simmer until reduced to a thick paste. Stir in cooked wild rice.
Component 4: Crispy Fried Cauliflower Petals with Lemon-Thyme Emulsion
- 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp (5g) chopped fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dredge cauliflower florets in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in buttermilk, then coat in flour again. Fry until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
For the emulsion, whisk together lemon juice, cream, mustard, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
Component 5: Microgreens and Edible Flower Salad
- 1/4 cup (15g) microgreens (such as pea shoots or purslane)
- 1/4 cup (15g) edible flowers (such as violas or pansies)
- 1 tsp (5g) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp (5g) white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toss microgreens and edible flowers with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
Assembly and Plating:
- Pipe saffron-infused cauliflower mousse onto a chilled plate in a curved line, resembling a hillside.
- Spoon smoked eel tartare alongside the mousse.
- Create a small mound of wild rice and mushroom duxelles nearby.
- Arrange crispy fried cauliflower petals on top of the duxelles.
- Drizzle lemon-thyme emulsion over the cauliflower petals.
- Garnish with microgreens and edible flower salad.
Tips and Variations:
- For a pop of color, add a few drops of beet juice to the saffron-infused cauliflower mousse.
- Substitute the smoked eel with seared scallops or foie gras for a different protein option.
- Use different types of microgreens or edible flowers to change the flavor and visual profile of the dish.
Advanced Culinary Techniques:
- Saffron infusion and foamification (Component 1)
- Smoking and tartare preparation (Component 2)
- Duxelles preparation and thickening (Component 3)
- Emulsion-making (Component 4)
- Edible flower and microgreen handling
Michelin-Starred Tips:
- Balance flavors and textures across the dish to create harmony and contrast.
- Pay attention to temperature and texture contrasts, such as the warm duxelles and crispy cauliflower petals.
- Use high-quality, seasonal ingredients to ensure optimal flavor and freshness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and edible flowers to add visual appeal and fragrance.
This dish is sure to impress with its innovative combination of ingredients, advanced techniques, and stunning presentation. The saffron-infused cauliflower mousse and lemon-thyme emulsion add an airy, ethereal quality, while the smoked eel tartare and wild rice and mushroom duxelles provide rich, savory elements. The crispy fried cauliflower petals add a satisfying crunch, and the microgreens and edible flower salad add freshness and color. "Terra Verde" is a true celebration of the Mediterranean landscape, where land and sea converge in a culinary masterpiece.
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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