Narutomaki Japan Delicious Ramen Fish Cake Recipe Noodles Homemade Flavor

What is Narutomaki?

Narutomaki is a type of Japanese fish cake, commonly used as a topping in ramen dishes. It is characterized by its distinctive pink swirl design, which adds both visual appeal and flavor to various Japanese dishes.

Origin and Taste

Narutomaki originates from Japan and is made from surimi, a paste derived from white fish such as cod. The fish is filleted, processed into a paste, and then molded into a log shape with a pink swirl design. This design is achieved by dyeing half of the surimi with red food coloring. The resulting fish cake has a soft, slightly firm texture and a mild fish flavor, making it a versatile ingredient for various recipes.

How to Make Narutomaki

Making narutomaki from scratch can be rewarding and cost-effective. Here is a step-by-step guide to making narutomaki at home:

• Ingredients:

  • 200 grams surimi
  • ⅕ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg white
  • ⅕ teaspoon sugar
  • ⅕ teaspoon mirin
  • Pink food coloring

• Preparation:

  1. Fillet and Process the Fish: Fillet the fish and remove any fats. Rinse the filleted fish in cold water and squeeze out excess water.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Use a food processor to combine the fish paste, salt, egg white, sugar, and mirin until a smooth paste forms.
  3. Divide and Color the Paste: Divide the paste into two portions. Dye one portion with pink food coloring.
  4. Shape the Fish Cake: Flatten each portion into a rectangle on plastic wrap. Place the pink paste over the white paste, leaving a small border of white paste at the top and bottom.
  5. Roll the Fish Cake: Roll the fish cake carefully to avoid air pockets.
  6. Steam the Fish Cake: Steam the rolled fish cake for 15-25 minutes.
  7. Cool and Slice: Let the fish cake cool, then slice it into desired thickness.

Using Narutomaki in Ramen

Narutomaki is a popular topping for ramen due to its unique appearance and flavor. Here are some tips for using narutomaki in your ramen:

• Thawing and Slicing: If using frozen narutomaki, thaw it slightly before slicing. You can slice it while still frozen to avoid thawing and refreezing.
• Warming Up: Boil sliced narutomaki for a few seconds to soften it and enhance the flavor. Alternatively, you can add it to the hot broth in the last minute of cooking.
• Customizing: You can customize the thickness of your narutomaki slices by buying whole logs instead of pre-sliced ones.

Tips for Serving Narutomaki

• Ramen Broth: Add narutomaki to your ramen broth in the last minute of cooking to warm it up and blend the flavors.
• Salads and Stir-Fries: Narutomaki can also be used in salads and stir-fried noodle dishes for added flavor and texture.
• Presentation: The pink swirl design makes narutomaki a visually appealing addition to any dish, enhancing both the taste and presentation.

Where to Buy Narutomaki

If you prefer not to make narutomaki from scratch, you can easily find it in Japanese supermarkets or Asian grocery stores. These stores often carry pre-made narutomaki logs, which can be sliced to your desired thickness.

Nutritional Information

Narutomaki is relatively low in calories and fat but high in protein, making it a nutritious addition to your meals. Here is a brief nutritional breakdown:

• Calories: 129 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 1259mg
• Potassium: 334mg
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Vitamin C: 0.2mg
• Calcium: 16mg
• Iron: 1mg

By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy homemade narutomaki in your favorite ramen dishes, adding a touch of authentic Japanese flavor and visual appeal.