Mentaiko: What is Pollock Roe?

Japanese cuisine is unique and highly regarded for its fresh ingredients and nutritional benefits. One product that meets all these standards and serves both as a dish and a cooking ingredient is the famous mentaiko.

You can enjoy its fresh taste, similar to sashimi, or creatively combine it with other ingredients to make countless delicious dishes. Now, let’s dive deeper into pollock roe and mentaiko specifically!

What is pollock roe?

Pollock roe, also called pollack roe, is the egg sack of the Alaska pollock fish. This roe is especially famous in Japan and Korea. It has a long history across East Asia, starting in Korea, where it was first called myeongnan-jeot. Then it was soon introduced to Japan and quickly became popular among the Japanese. Today, Japan has its style of pollock roe, with tarako (salted cod roe) and mentaiko (spicy, salted cod roe) becoming traditional Japanese delicacies. 

Its unique taste can be mild, salty, or spicy depending on how it’s prepared. Its texture is soft and a bit bumpy, with tiny beads that pop a little as you eat. Besides being delicious, it is also a good source of protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. It’s available in many specialty shops throughout Japan, and visitors can try various types. Fukuoka especially remains the go-to place for exploring distinctive pollock roe varieties.

What’s the difference between tarako and mentaiko?

Tarako and mentaiko may look similar but have unique flavors and histories. This roe was first eaten in Korea long ago and came to Japan during the early Edo period (1603-1867). Tarako is made by simply salting pollock or cod roe, giving it a light pink. Because it’s straightforwardly salted, tarako lets you taste the natural flavor of the roe. It’s mild in flavor with a slightly salty taste and a firm texture, making it perfect for pairing with rice.

In contrast, mentaiko is a spicy and softer version of tarako. In the 20th century, a Korean-born businessman named Toshio Kawahara introduced it to Japan. He created a new spicy twist on the original dish to suit Japanese tastes. To create mentaiko, the roe is salted and then marinated in a mix of chili peppers and spices, which gives it a bright red color.

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What does mentaiko taste like?

Mentaiko has a rich and savory taste with a kick of spice. Its exclusive flavors are a mix of salty and mildly spicy, with hints of umami from the fish roe. Each bite is soft with delicate pops from the roe, creating an enjoyable texture. The chili seasoning adds a warm, tangy taste that stands out, making it a yummy topping for many Japanese dishes.

What other dishes can I enjoy with pollock roe?

Pasta

Mentaiko pasta is a tasty dish that blends Italian pasta with Japanese flavors. You can find it in many Japanese restaurants or easily make it at home. This dish was created in Tokyo six decades ago and quickly became well-known across Japan. Made with pollock roe, butter, and cream, this pasta has a rich, savory taste with a bit of spice.

The sauce is simple but packed with flavor, so families can enjoy it as a quick dinner. This pasta dish also comes in different varieties. Some versions add lemon zest for a fresh taste; shiso leaves for a minty hint, or even soy sauce to deepen the taste.

Onigiri

Pollock roe is one of the most common fillings for onigiri, along with grilled salmon and umeboshi (pickled plum). It’s a perfect combination of soft, freshly steamed rice and the unique salty taste of pollock roe. In Japan, you can also find a type of onigiri where pollock roe is mixed with mayonnaise to add a creamy, rich flavor.

Sushi

Similar to onigiri, mentaiko and tarako are cherished toppings in traditional sushi. This is especially true in gunkan sushi, where the flavors of sushi rice and toppings blend wonderfully with the chewy texture of the seaweed wrapped around the sushi. A beloved variation in Japan is topping half with tarako or mentaiko and the other half with a bit of mayonnaise.

Japanese snacks

Mentaiko-flavored snacks, like potato chips, are easy to find all over Japan. Two very famous brands you can try are Koikeya and Calbee. Calbee has also released tarako and mentaiko flavors for their iconic Jagarico (potato sticks) product. Besides potato snacks, if you’re lucky, you might also find Umaibo, a national stick snack, in the premium mentaiko flavor.

Why should I try mentaiko?

Mentaiko offers an exciting and flavorful experience that combines salty, spicy, and savory tastes in one bite. It pairs well with many Japanese dishes, such as pasta, sushi, and onigiri, making it versatile. Pollock roe is delicious and offers health benefits, making it one of the top products to experience when visiting Japan. Have you explored this premium ingredient in your cooking or meals? I’d love to hear how you enjoy this tasty treat!