{"id":5146,"date":"2016-06-28T09:00:32","date_gmt":"2016-06-28T00:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/?p=5146"},"modified":"2020-06-08T15:26:20","modified_gmt":"2020-06-08T06:26:20","slug":"9-japanese-fish-snacks-for-the-ultimate-seafood-lover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.fromjapan.co.jp\/en\/japanese-culture\/9-japanese-fish-snacks-for-the-ultimate-seafood-lover.html","title":{"rendered":"9 Japanese Fish Snacks for the Ultimate Seafood Lover"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you love the flavors of fish and seafood, you\u2019ve come to the right place. Keep reading to find out what you’re missing out on and how you can get your hands on some delicious Japanese fish snacks!<\/p>\n

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Squid Jerky<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"squid
Image Source: Amazon.co.jp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s squid jerky<\/a><\/strong> (called saki ika<\/em> in Japanese) that tops our list of Japanese fish snacks. While it may not be wise to open up a bag while riding the bus, the intense ocean flavor and aroma of squid (or sometimes cuttlefish) is worth it for any a-fish-ionado of Japanese snacks. Available throughout Japan in many different flavors including natural, sweetened, and spicy. There is a reason why it\u2019s so popular with the locals and you will just have to chew on it awhile to find out for yourself!<\/p>\n

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Search for Squid Jerky<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Calbee Jagariko \u2013 Tarako Butter & Tai Flavors<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Calbee
Image Source: Amazon.co.jp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To take a bite of\u00a0the Japanese snack, Calbee Jagariko, is to truly understand how addictive the marriage of slender French fries and crunchy potato chips can be. Add the seafood flavors of tarako<\/em> (salted cod roe) or tai<\/em> (red sea bream), along\u00a0with buttery potatoes, and you\u2019ll find that the single-serving container will leave you wishing you had bought a second, third, fourth, etc. If you are having to choose\u00a0between trying one of the two, the Tarako Butter Jagariko<\/a><\/strong> has a subtle flavor similar to Japanese mentaiko<\/em> pasta while the Tai Jagariko<\/a><\/strong> has a more pronounced grilled fish flavor.<\/p>\n

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Search for Calbee Jagariko \u2013 Tarako Butter & Tai Flavors<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Almond Fish<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Almond
Image Source: Amazon.co.jp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Don\u2019t shy away from this traditional Japanese snack. Both nutritious and delicious, these dried fish and almonds, called \u201cAlmond Fish\u201d<\/a><\/strong> (aamondo fisshu<\/em>) in Japan, can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Whether you go for the simple salted mix or opt for a sweeter sesame coating, grabbing some by the handful while watching your favorite anime or enjoying a few beers with friends and family can add a uniquely Japanese flavor to your activity.<\/p>\n

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Search for Almond Fish<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Katto Yocchan Ika<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Katto
Image Source: Amazon.co.jp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another childhood favorite in Japan, Katto Yocchan Ika<\/a><\/strong> (Cut Yocchan Squid) has been around for over 5 decades, which says something about how good this snack is to eat! By the looks of the package, you may initially confuse the cute smurf-like squid man as trying to get you to eat candy, but Katto Yocchan Ika\u2019s flavor and aroma tell a different tale. How best to describe these bite-sized morsels of pickled squid? Chewy, sour, and oh-so delicious.<\/p>\n

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Search for Katto Yocchan Ika<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Big Katsu<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Big
Image Source: Amazon.co.jp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are you a fast-food junkie? If so, Japan\u2019s Big Katsu<\/a><\/strong> snack is perfect for your palate. Designed to imitate the taste and texture of a Japanese-style breaded pork cutlet, called katsu<\/em>, the Big Katsu offers a quick fix of fried flavor. While the breading and sauce on the outside may be similar to\u00a0what you would get when ordering katsu, the inside is not what you would expect\u2014rather than pork, a thin sheet of flavored fish that can almost be labeled a soft jerky awaits. It\u2019s definitely not as healthy to eat as the almond fish, but what guilty pleasure is?<\/p>\n

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Search for Big Katsu<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n

Calbee Kappa Ebisen<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Calbee
Image Source: Amazon.co.jp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Has Calbee cornered the market on French fry shaped snacks? While the shape of Kappa Ebisen<\/a><\/strong> may be similar to the Jagariko we mentioned earlier, the flavor and texture are entirely\u00a0different. Boasting some serious shrimp seasoning and a light crispness, Kappa Ebisen are just the right size for shoving 3 or 4 in your mouth at a time. They are a Japanese snack addiction just waiting to happen. If you don\u2019t believe us, check out this old commercial we found on YouTube.<\/p>\n

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Search for Calbee Kappa Ebisen<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n