Mentaiko: what is it & how to use it
Mentaiko is the marinated roe of pollock and cod, a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Mentaiko is made in various flavors and colors and is available at airports and main train stations across Japan.
Japanese style mentaiko was nominated as Japan’s number one side dish in the Japanese weekly magazine, Shūkan Bunshun.
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What’s the origin of Mentaiko?
Mentaiko was first created in Fukuoka on the Japanese island of Kyushu. The dish was invented by a local fisherman who marinated the roe of fish in chili peppers to preserve it.
How is Mentaiko eaten?
Mentaiko can be eaten in various ways, including on its own, with rice or as an ingredient in dishes such as takoyaki. It is also commonly used as a filling for onigiri (rice balls).
What’s the difference between Mentaiko and tobiko?
Tobiko is the roe of flying fish, while mentaiko is the roe of pollock and cod. Both ingredients are commonly used in Japanese cuisine, but mentaiko has a stronger flavor due to adding chili peppers. Tobiko is also typically orange in color, while mentaiko can be found in various colors, including red and green.
What’s the difference between Mentaiko and tarako?
Tarako is the roe of Alaska pollock, while mentaiko is the roe of both pollock and cod. Both ingredients are commonly used in Japanese cuisine, but mentaiko has a stronger flavor because it is marinated. Tarako is also typically white.
What does “Mentaiko” mean?
Mentaiko is the Japanese word for “marinated roe”.
Where to eat Mentaiko?
Mentaiko can be found in a variety of restaurants across Japan, including izakayas, sushi restaurants, and seafood restaurants.
How much does Mentaiko cost?
The price of mentaiko varies depending on the restaurant, but it is typically around ¥1000 per dish.
Health benefits of Mentaiko
Mentaiko is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also low in calories and has a high level of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Drawbacks of Mentaiko
Mentaiko is high in sodium and cholesterol, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Conclusion
So you see, you should give mentaiko a try the next time you get a chance.
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Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.
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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.
