Traditional Jakoten Recipe

2022-10-31

By Sushi Master

Japanese Cuisine

Appetizer

Jakoten is a crispy and savory Japanese recipe made from fish paste and deep-fried to perfection. It's perfect for a quick snack or as an appetizer to share with friends and family. 

food

A traditional Japanese appetizer that originated in Akita, a prefecture located in the northeastern region of Japan's main island, Honshu. Akita is known for its fresh seafood, especially its freshwater fish caught from the prefecture's many rivers and lakes. 

food

Jakoten is a dish that takes advantage of this local flavor and makes use of local ingredients. Jakoten is made from a combination of mashed fish, such as mackerel, herring, or whitefish, and vegetables, including carrots and onions. This mixture is then shaped into patties or balls, which are then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. 

food

It is often served with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce that enhances its savory taste. Jakoten is a popular dish in Akita and can be found at many street food stalls and local restaurants.

Pitfalls on Jakoten

 Proper preparation of fish paste: Jakoten requires a high-quality fish paste made from fresh fish, which can be challenging to prepare. It is essential to ensure that the paste has the right consistency and is well-seasoned with salt and other spices.

 Achieving the right texture: Jakoten should have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. It can be challenging to achieve this texture without overcooking the Jakoten or making it too dense.

 Managing the oil temperature: deep-frying Jakoten requires careful temperature management to ensure that the coating crisps up without burning. This can be especially challenging when cooking in large quantities.

 Perfecting the dipping sauce: Jakoten is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and other ingredients. Achieving the right balance of flavors can be a challenge, as too much vinegar can overpower the dish.

 Presentation: Jakoten is often served as a side dish or snack, and presentation can greatly impact the dining experience. Ensuring that the Jakoten is arranged neatly and attractively can be a challenge, especially when serving a large group.

Ingredients

• 200g fish paste

• 1 tbsp sake

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp mirin

• 1 tbsp katakuriko (potato starch)

• Oil, for deep-frying

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the fish paste, sake, and beaten egg until the mixture is smooth.

2. Add soy sauce and mirin to the mixture and mix well.

3. Add katakuriko (potato starch) to the mixture gradually until it reaches a thick consistency.

4. Heat oil in a deep pan for deep-frying over high heat.

5. Drop the mixture into the hot oil by small spoonfuls, and deep fry until golden brown and crispy.

6. Put the Jakoten on paper towels to remove excess oil.

7. Serve hot with grated daikon (Japanese radish) and soy sauce.

Preparation Time 30 min

Cook Time 20 min

Total time 50 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 200

Fat: 8 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Carbohydrates: 10 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 1 g

Protein: 20 g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Jakoten

Shimane, they use a mixture of grated daikon radish, soy sauce, and green onions to create a dipping sauce for the jakoten, creating a dish known as "Anago-jakoten".

Kyoto, they use a mixture of flour, dashi (Japanese soup stock), and egg to create a delicate batter for the jakoten, deep-frying it until crispy and golden, creating a dish known as "Tempura-jakoten".

Toyama, they use a mixture of grated turnip, green onions, and soy sauce to create a dipping sauce for the jakoten, creating a dish known as "Tara-jakoten".

Hiroshima, they use a mixture of green onions, grated ginger, and soy sauce to create a flavorful sauce for the jakoten, serving it over a bed of hot rice, creating a dish known as "Negitoro-jakoten".

Fukuoka, they use a mixture of grated yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam), soy sauce, and bonito flakes to create a dipping sauce for the jakoten, creating a dish known as "Yamakake-jakoten".

Try this easy recipe for Jakoten, a crispy and savory Japanese dish that's perfect for a quick snack or as an appetizer to share with friends and family. Don't forget to share on your socials with the following hashtags #jakoten #japanesefood #appetizers #fishpaste #deepfried #Shikoku #hiverecipes