Narutomaki Fish Cake Recipe: A Culinary Adventure

If you're a fan of ramen, you've probably seen narutomaki fish cake as a topping on your bowl of noodles. This unique ingredient is characterised by its pink swirl pattern and chewy texture. But did you know that you can make narutomaki at home? With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create your own delicious fish cake to add to your favourite dishes.

To make narutomaki, you'll need white fish paste, salt, sugar, sake, mirin, egg whites, and starch. The fish paste is seasoned with the other ingredients and blended together to create a smooth mixture. The mixture is then shaped into logs and cooked in boiling water until firm. Once cooled, the logs are sliced into thin rounds, revealing the signature pink swirl in the centre.

Narutomaki is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's a popular topping for ramen, but it can also be used in sushi rolls or served on its own as a snack. Pair it with other Japanese flavours like soy sauce, wasabi, or pickled ginger for a delicious and authentic taste.

Key Takeaways

• Narutomaki is a unique Japanese fish cake with a pink swirl pattern.
• You can make narutomaki at home with white fish paste, salt, sugar, sake, mirin, egg whites, and starch.
• Narutomaki can be used in a variety of dishes and pairs well with other Japanese flavours.

Making Narutomaki at Home

If you are a fan of Japanese cuisine, then you must have tried narutomaki fish cake at least once. This distinctive fish cake is characterised by its unique pink swirl pattern and is commonly used as a noodle topping. While you can easily purchase narutomaki from the market, it is also possible to make it at home. Here's how you can make homemade narutomaki fish cake.

Selecting Ingredients

To make narutomaki fish cake, you will need a few ingredients such as white fish, egg white, salt, sugar, mirin, and starch. You can use any type of white fish such as cod, haddock, or pollock. Make sure to remove the bones and skin before using it. You can also add food colouring to achieve the distinctive pink swirl pattern. However, it is recommended to use natural food colouring such as beetroot powder instead of red food colouring.

Preparing the Fish Paste

To prepare the fish paste, you will need a blender. Add the white fish, egg white, salt, sugar, mirin, and starch to the blender and blend until smooth. The starch acts as a binding agent and helps to give the narutomaki its rubbery and chewy texture. You can also add cornstarch or calcium or sodium alginate as binders.

Shaping and Cooking

Once you have prepared the fish paste, spread the fish paste on a flat surface and add the pink food colouring in the middle. Roll the paste tightly to create a log shape. Wrap the log in clingfilm and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

After refrigeration, unwrap the log and cut it into thin slices. Steam the slices for about 10-15 minutes until cooked. The narutomaki should have a pink and white swirl pattern.

Tips

• Make sure to remove the bones and skin from the white fish before using it.
• Use natural food colouring such as beetroot powder to achieve the pink swirl pattern.
• Refrigerate the narutomaki log before slicing and steaming.
• Use a binding agent such as starch, cornstarch, calcium or sodium alginate to achieve the rubbery and chewy texture.
• Steam the narutomaki slices for about 10-15 minutes until cooked.

Serving and Pairing Narutomaki

Traditional Uses in Japanese Cuisine

In Japan, narutomaki is a popular ingredient in many dishes, especially ramen. It is often used as a topping for ramen noodles, adding a chewy texture and a savoury umami flavour. Narutomaki is also commonly used in other soups, such as udon and soba, as well as in oden, a Japanese hotpot dish.

Aside from being a ramen topping, narutomaki can also be enjoyed as a snack on its own. Simply slice it thinly and serve it with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. You can also wrap it in tofu skin or tempura batter and deep-fry it for a crispy treat.

Creative Serving Ideas

If you're feeling experimental, there are many creative ways to serve narutomaki. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Use narutomaki as a filling for sushi rolls. Simply slice it into thin strips and roll it up with rice and your favourite vegetables.
• Add narutomaki to salads for a protein boost and a pop of colour. It pairs well with fresh vegetables and a simple dressing of soy sauce and lemon juice.
• Use narutomaki as a substitute for chashu, the traditional braised pork topping for ramen. Simply slice it thinly and add it to your ramen bowl for a delicious and healthier alternative.
• Wrap narutomaki in plastic wrap and use a bamboo mat to shape it into a decorative flower. Use it as a garnish for your ramen or other dishes for an impressive presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a narutomaki fish cake from scratch?

Making narutomaki fish cake from scratch is actually quite simple. You will need white fish paste, salt, sugar, mirin, egg whites, and starch. You can find a detailed recipe online or in cookbooks. The basic steps involve pureeing the ingredients, shaping the fish paste into a log, and then cooking it. The distinctive pink swirl is created by adding food colouring to a portion of the fish paste before shaping it.

What's the best way to serve narutomaki in ramen?

Narutomaki is a popular topping for ramen. To serve, simply slice the fish cake into thin rounds and place on top of the ramen. You can also add other toppings such as green onions, sliced pork, and boiled eggs for added flavour and texture.

Can you suggest a good substitute for narutomaki in recipes?

If you are unable to find narutomaki, you can substitute it with kamaboko, which is another type of fish cake. Alternatively, you can use other toppings such as sliced fish or shrimp.

What are the key ingredients for a traditional narutomaki?

The key ingredients for a traditional narutomaki include white fish paste, salt, sugar, mirin, egg whites, and starch. The distinctive pink swirl is created by adding food colouring to a portion of the fish paste before shaping it.

Is there a need to cook narutomaki before adding it to soup?

Narutomaki is typically already cooked before being sold, so there is no need to cook it again before adding it to soup. Simply slice it into thin rounds and add it to the soup.

How do you store narutomaki properly after opening?

After opening, store narutomaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best to consume it within a few days of opening to ensure freshness.