Nothing beats Japanese cuisine when it comes to fish.
There are so many different types of foods that it may take a lifetime to try them all.
Narutomaki is one of those delicacies that everyone should eat at least once in their lives.
It is a popular dish not just in Japan, but also among seafood enthusiasts.
Narutomaki is used in a variety of dishes, including Tokyo-style ramen, nimono, and oden.
But what about the taste? How does narutomaki taste?
Don’t worry if you don’t know.
We’ll learn about its flavor and a few more details below.
Contents
- What exactly is Narutomaki?
- How Does Narutomaki Taste?
- How Can You Make Narutomaki?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Does narutomaki taste good?
- Is Naruto fish cake good?
- What do Japanese fish cakes taste like?
- What is the best fish cake for ramen?
- Which ramen is the tastiest?
- What does narutomaki fish cake taste like?
- Is narutomaki bad for you?
- Is narutomaki fully cooked?
- What’s the pink stuff in ramen?
- What does narutomaki smell like?
What exactly is Narutomaki?
Narutomaki is a popular delicacy in Japan especially among seafood aficionados. It is a kind of kamaboko, or cured fish surimi.
When cut, it resembles a cloud with a crimson or pink spiral pattern in the center.
The design is supposed to resemble the Naruto whirlpools that may be seen in the Naruto Strait between Shikoku and Awaji Island.
The most genuine narutomaki is produced in Yaizu, a city in Shizuoka Prefecture.
It’s a versatile ingredient that may be used in a variety of dishes.
When narutomaki is added to a meal, it becomes even more delectable since it is so tasty.
Because of this, the delicacy has grown in favor across the globe.
The primary component in narutomaki used to be minced catfish.
Nevertheless, producers have recently begun employing alternative species of white fish, such as Golden Threadfin Bream and Daggertooth Pike.
They eat Nibe Croaker, Chicken Grunt, Japanese Gissu, Gnomefish, and Black Bass.
Certain varieties may also include minced shrimp and squid.
How Does Narutomaki Taste?
Narutomaki is made with white fish paste that has been shaped into a log and steamed.
The red or pink pattern in the middle is caused by a food coloring mixed into half of the fish paste.
It tastes extremely similar to gefilte fish, a typical Ashkenazi Jewish dish.
Gefilte fish is a famous Jewish holiday meal eaten during Passover and Shabbat.
Narutomaki is also referred to as fish cake or steamed fish cake, and the two terms may be used interchangeably.
In Japan, it is also known as chikuwa, the classic narutomaki.
After shaping the fish paste into a bamboo stick, it is fried over a fire.
While narutomaki contains sugar and salt, it has a fairly mild taste and a chewy texture.
Yet, the amount of salt and sugar used in the cuisine may also affect the degree of sweetness or saltiness.
While comparable to gefilte fish in texture, it is smoother and rubbery.
Although being composed with fish, this delicacy does not have a pronounced fishy odor or flavor.
It’s because the item was washed before it was made.
Narutomaki is rich in protein and calcium and low in calories and fats since it is comprised with white fish and other seafood.
The quantity of calories, however, may vary from brand to brand.
Yamasa Narutomaki Steamed Fish Cake, for example, contains roughly 60 calories per 2 oz serving size (55g).
Another variety of Kamaboko has roughly 97 calories per 3 ounce serving.
Another product has around 160 calories per bag.
You should thus carefully examine the nutrition details before purchasing any brand.
How Can You Make Narutomaki?
Narutomaki is now widely accessible in numerous retailers throughout the globe.
Hence, if you wish to utilize it in your recipes, just purchase a bag or two.
If you can’t locate it locally, you may get it online from reputable retailers.
Narutomaki is a versatile component that goes well with a variety of dishes.
You may use it in a variety of meals other than ramen noodles.
You certainly can.
- It goes well with cold noodle meals like udon and soba.
- It goes well with dry noodle meals like yaki udon and yakisoba.
- Use it in meals that call for dashi broth, such as oden.
- To prepare tempura, deep fried it.
- In soups and salads, use it as a protein-rich crouton.
Nowadays, it’s also used in recipes like ramen stir fry and ramen burgers.
Also, it may be eaten as a snack with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha.
You can also create narutomaki at home with only a few basic components.
Fresh white fish, mirin, eggs, salt, sugar, red food coloring, and white pepper are used (optional).
Therefore, keep these principles in mind to construct the best narutomaki possible.
- Pick any of the non-fatty fresh white fish listed above, or cod and haddock will suffice.
- If you don’t have mirin, you may use white wine or Chinese cooking wine as a last resort.
- A food processor may help you create the fish cake faster, but it’s not necessary if you don’t have one.
- You may also mince and cut the fish by hand. Nonetheless, if you have it, utilize it.
- But, a bamboo mat and steamer basket are required.
Conclusion
Prepare a variety of recipes using narutomaki to experience Japanese tastes at any time.
Even if you are unable to prepare the fish cake at home, you may cover the hole by purchasing ready-made versions.
As previously said, there are numerous dishes available.
As a result, you will never run out of ideas.
You’ll want to eat something new and unusual every time you eat it.
