Narutomaki

Narutomaki is a Japanese type of kamaboko, a cured fish surimi product, usually formed into a white fish cake with a pink or red spiral in the centre.

Narutomaki is a Japanese type of kamaboko, a cured fish surimi product, usually formed into a white fish cake with a pink or red spiral in the centre. It is commonly sliced and used as a garnish or topping, especially on ramen and udon, and its pattern is said to resemble the Naruto whirlpools in Japan's Naruto Strait. Narutomaki is familiar to many Canadian readers through Japanese restaurants, especially ramen shops, where it is used as a decorative and flavourful topping.

Definition

Narutomaki is a fish cake made from surimi and classified as a type of kamaboko. It is usually steamed and sold in loaves or rolls that are sliced before serving.

Appearance and naming

The defining feature of narutomaki is its white body with a pink or red spiral in the centre. The pattern is commonly linked to the Naruto whirlpools in the Naruto Strait, which inspired the name.

Culinary use

Narutomaki is widely used as a garnish or topping in Japanese cuisine, especially in ramen and udon. It is also reported in some sources as an ingredient in oden, nimono, and other noodle or stew dishes.

Production

Sources describe narutomaki as being made from fish paste shaped into a cylinder and cooked, with the coloured spiral created by combining white and dyed fish paste or by adding food colouring during forming.