Category Archives: squid

Cuttlefish, Japanese Gastronomy, squid, Surume Ika, sushi

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squid Species 4: Surume Ika/Japanese Common Squid-Pacific Flying Squid

November 12, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Here we continue with this series which still promises a long haul!

Surume Ika/鯣烏賊 or Japanese Common Squid/Pacific Flying Squid is also called by regional names of Ma Ika, Matsu Ika or Kanzegi.

It is caught off the shores of Northern Japan and south of Kyushu Island.
Catches tend to vary widely.
The Japanese squid can live anywhere from 5°C to 27°C, and tends to inhabit the upper layers of the ocean. They are short lived, only surviving about a year.
The fishing season for the Japanese flying squid is all year round, but the largest and most popular seasons are from January to March, and again from June to September. Gear used to catch the Japanese flying squid is mainly line and hook, lift nets, and gill nets, the most popular method being hook and line used in jigging.
Most of it is turned into various pickled or dried cuttle fish/squid products.
It is also much appreciated broiled or simmered.

It is quite popular as a simple sushi nigiri,

or slightly boiled with “tare” sauce.

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Big Fin Reef Squid, Japanese Gastronomy, squid

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squid Species 3: Aori Ika/Bigfin Reef Squid

August 23, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Here we continue with this series which still promises a long haul!

Aori Ika or Bigfin Reef Squid is another extremely popular cuttle fish but in many othere countries.
In French languedoc and Roussillon they call them “piste” and eat them raw marinated in lemon juice, olive oil and spices on top of freshly toasted bread.

American Aori Ika/Caribbean Reef Squid

Of course they come by various regional names in Japan: Mo Ika, Bashoo Ika, Kutsu Ika, Misu Ika, Shiroi Ika.
They are fairly large as they can attain 40~45 cm length for a weight up to 6 kg.

Their season is from Summer to early Autumn (just in time for this article!). They are mainly caught in Central and South Japan along the Southern shores.
The catch has never been big (mainly by trawling nets), making them a choice morsel.

They are considered the best cuttlefish as far as sashimi is concerned.
The Japanese often catch them as a hobby to process and sell at local markets.

As sushi, especially as nigiri, they are simply top-class!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Cuttlefish, Japanese Gastronomy, squid

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squids Species 2: Kensaki Ika (Red Squid)

July 30, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

“Kensaki Ika/ケンサキ烏賊 goes by the Latin name of Loligo (Photololigo) edulis Hoyle,1885, but that complicated name does not prevent this particular squid to be extremely popular in Japan!

It is of course known under other local names: Aka Ika/Red Squid, especially in Shizuoka, Budo Ika/Grapes Squid, Shiro Ika, Gotou Ika.

They will soon appear in the markets in Summer.
They are mainly caught by line.
They are more and more available live, so great specimens can be easily bought.

Kensaki Ika Sashimi! “Somen style/noodle style!

Another sashimi presentation!

They are a very versatile kind of squid as they can be appreciated as sashimi, sushi, simmered, boiled, broiled, dried, and especially as tempura!

As a cold boiled appetizer!

As tempura!

Sushi as it is!

Sushi, seasoned!

As for me, it is a bit of a dilemna as I like them both as sushi nigiri and sashimi!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Cuttlefish, Japanese Gastronomy, squid

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squids Species 1: Yari Ika-Spear Squid

July 27, 2015 dragonlife Leave a comment

Cuttlefish or squids are eaten almost all the world as they seem to inhabit the whole planet! They are the favourite food of many big fish such as tuna, whales and birds. Although humans contribute to dwindling stocks, they will never consume the same amount as its natural predators.

The Japanese call them Ika/烏賊, roughly meaning crow shellfish/cephalopods.

This is the start of a long series. I do hope you like them, otherwise you are in for a long haul!LOL

Yari Ika/槍烏賊, or Spear Squid, are also known under the names of sashika, Sayaika, Shyakuhachi, Tsutsuika or Sayanaga.
In Japan they are mainly caught in Winter and Spring off the shores of Aomori, Hokkaido, Ibaragi, Mie, Aichi and Yamaguchi Prefectures.
Females are slightly more rounded thanthe males.
They are either caught with nets or lines.
Their flesh is comparatively thin, but soft and sweet. They are among the most popular in Japan.
The best specimens are the ones caught by line. Buy them live whenever possible.

Still alive spear squid sushi nigiri!

Classical presentation sushi nigiri!

Unusual presentation sushi nigiri!

Classical live spear squid sashimi plate!

Spear Squid Sashimi Donburi!

Broiled spear squid!

Spear Squid Tempura!

Japanese-Style Sauteed Spear squid!

Italian-Style Spear squid in its ink!

They can of course be cooked, or eaten as sashimi, but I reckon sushi nigiri is best.
The best sushi restaurants will serve two of them with two different dip soy sauces.

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Japanese Gastronomy, Kimchi, Snack, squid

Japanese Appetizer (O-toushi/お通し): Boiled Squid and Kimchi!

April 23, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

O-toushi/お通しis actually a bit difficult to translate.
In a Japanese (in Japan) izakaya it is an appetizer that is served with the first drink and that you pay for in general in lieu of a cover charge.
I have nothing against such a notion as it gives you a good idea of the chef’s skills!

Dragon had found some boiled squid and kimchi at the supermarket.
Kimchi is Korean but it is one food that all Japanese have adopted as their for a very long time!
The kimchi provided enough seasoning on its own, but Dragon also added black sesame seeds for extra taste!

Sprinkled with some finely chopped scallions it makes for a very healthy and tasty morsel to enjoy with your drink! wine in this particular case!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

美食, 蛍烏賊, 観光, 魚海の幸, Firefly squid, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Hotaru Ika, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, squid, Tourism

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squid Species 5: Firefly Squid-Sparkling Enope Squid-Hotaru Ika-蛍烏賊

April 14, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

IKA-HOTARUIKA-1

Sparkling Enope Squid is a name difficult to remember and the translation of the Japanese name, Hotaru Ika/蛍烏賊 or Firefly Squid, certainly holds a better sound and is more adapted to reality.
It is also known as Matsui Ika in Toyama Prefecture.

The Sparkling Enope Squid is found in the Western Pacific ocean at depths of 600 to 1200 feet and exhibits bioluminescence. Each tentacle has an organ called a photophore, which produces light. By flashing these lights, the Sparkling Enope Squid can attract small fish to feed upon.

The Sparkling Enope Squid is the only species of cephalopod in which evidence of color vision has been found. While most cephalopods have only one visual pigment, firefly squid have three, along with a double-layered retina. These adaptations for color vision may have evolved to enable firefly squid to distinguish between ambient light and bioluminescence.

The Sparkling Enope Squid measures about 3 inches long at maturity and dies after one year of life.
The Sparkling Enope Squid can also light up its whole body to attract a mate. The mating season of the Sparkling Enope Squid lasts from March to June.

The fishing season lasts from Spring to Summer. The annual catch varies between 4,500 and 6,500 tonnes.

Very fresh Firefly squid can be appreciated as sashimi when very fres.

Boiled, they make for a great snack with bee!

They are very cute served as nigiri sushi!

Italian restaurants in Japan often feature them in their menus!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

美食, 観光, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, sashimi, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, squid, Surume Ika, sushi, Tourism

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squid Species 4: Japanese Common Squid-Pacific Flying Squid-Surme Ika-鯣烏賊

April 11, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

IKA-SURUMEIKA-1

Surume Ika/鯣烏賊 or Japanese Common Squid/Pacific Flying Squid is also called by regional names of Ma Ika, Matsu Ika or Kanzegi.

It caught off the shores of Northern Japan and south of Kyushu Island.
Catches tend to vary widely.
The Japanese squid can live anywhere in temperatures from 5° to 27°C, and tend to inhabit the upper layers of the ocean. They are short lived, only surviving about a year.
Flying squid have been observed to cover distances as long as 50 meters above the surface of the water, presumably to avoid predators or save energy as they migrate across vast expanses of ocean, uniquely utilizing jet-propelled aerial locomotion.
The fishing season for the Japanese flying squid is all year round, but the largest and most popular seasons are from January to March, and again from June to September. Gear used to catch the Japanese flying squid is mainly line and hook, lift nets, and gill nets, the most popular method being hook and line used in jigging.

When very fresh it can be enjoyed as sashimi, especially with a niso or sesame dressing-based dipping sauce!

Dried surume ika! Greta with beer or sake!

Most of it is turned into various pickled or dried cuttle fish/squid products.
It is also much appreciated broiled or simmered.

Also a great snack when boiled or grilled!

Fresh specimens ought also to be samples as sushi nigiri!

The same simmered and seasoned with tare sauce!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Big Fin Reef Squid, 美食, 魚海の幸, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, squid, Tourism

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squid Species 3: Bigfin Reef Squid-Aori Ika-障泥烏賊

April 11, 2012 dragonlife 3 Comments

IKA-AORIIKA-3

Aori Ika/障泥烏賊, or Bigfin Reef Squid is another extremely popular cuttle fish not only in Jpaan but also in many othere countries.
In French languedoc and Roussillon they call them “piste” and eat them raw marinated in lemon juice, olive oil and spices on top of freshly toasted bread!

IKA-AORIIKA-4
America Aori Ika/Caribbean Reef Squid

Of course they come by various regional names in Japan: Mo Ika, Bashoo Ika, Kutsu Ika, Misu Ika, Shiroi Ika.
They are fairly large as they can attain 40~45 cm length for a weight up to 6 kg.
Their season is from Summer to early Autumn. They are mainly caught in Central and South Japan along the Southern shores.
The catch has never been big (mainly by trawling nets), making them a choice morsel.
They are considered the best cuttlefish as far as sashimi is concerned.
The Japanese often catch them as a hobby to process and sell at local markets.

Artful Aori Ika sashimi!

Naturally, they make for beautiful succulent sushi!

here is another delightful way to serve it as a pre-seasoned sushi nigiri!

They can be cooked in many ways including tempura!

Jaoanese-style pasta with udon!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

烏賊, 美食, 魚海の幸, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, squid

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squids Species 2: Sword Tip Squid-Kensaki Ika-剣先烏賊

April 10, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

IKA-KENSAKI-IKA-1

“Kensaki Ika/剣先烏賊 goes by the Latin name of Loligo (Photololigo) edulis Hoyle,1885, but that complicated name does not prevent this particular squid to be extremely popular in Japan!

It is of course known under other local names: Aka Ika/Red Squid, especially in Shizuoka, Budo Ika/Grapes Squid, Shiro Ika, Gotou Ika.

They will soon appear in the markets in Summer.
They are mainly caught by line.
They are more and more available live, so great specimens can be easily bought.

A whole sword tip squid sashimi plate!

Grilled, great with a beer!

They are a very versatile kind of squid as they can be appreciated as sashimi, sushi, simmered, boiled, broiled, dried, and especially as tempura!

Beautiful sushi nogiri topped with sea urchin!

As for me, it is a bit of a dilemna as I like them both as sushi nigiri and sashimi!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, 47 Japanese Farms Through The Eyes of Its Rural Communities, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

Cuttle Fish, 烏賊, 美食, 観光, 魚海の幸, Gastronomes, Gastronomy, Italian Cuisine, Italian Restaurants, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Cuisine, Spanish Cuisine, Spanish Gastronomy, Spanish Restaurant, Spear squid, squid, Tourism, 槍烏賊

Japanese Cuttlefish/Squids Species 1: Spear Squid-Yari Ika-槍烏賊

April 9, 2012 dragonlife 2 Comments

The Japanese call them Ika/烏賊, roughly meaning crow shellfish/cephalopods.

This is the start of a long series. I do hope you like them, otherwise you are in for a long haul!LOL

Yari Ika Sashimi Salad!

Yari Ika/槍烏賊, or Spear Squid, are also known under the names of Sashiika, Sayaika, Shyakuhachi, Tsutsuika or Sayanaga.
In Japan they are mainly caught in Winter and Spring off the shores of Aomori, Hokkaido, Ibaragi, Mie, Aichi and Yamaguchi Prefectures. Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture is replete with many varieties.
Females are slightly more rounded than the males.
They are either caught with nets or lines.
Their flesh is comparatively thin, but soft and sweet. They are among the most popular in Japan.
The best specimens are the ones caught by line. Buy them live whenever possible.

They make for beautiful sushi with the body and tentacles (geso/ゲソ) served separately.
They can ordered seasoned with salt and lemon juice, or with tare sauce!
The best sushi restaurants will serve them sashimi or sushi with two different types of soy sauce.

Cooked Japanese style they are simple and succulent, grilled served with soy sauce!

Do try them stuffed, Japanese style!

Or Spanish style!

Needless to say, they are popular in local Italian Restaurants!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

sashimi, seafood, Shizuoka, squid, Uncategorized

Sashimi Set

June 30, 2007 dragonlife Leave a comment

Please check the new postings at:
sake, shochu and sushi

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日本語のブログ
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Here is a sashimi set I ordered at Oboro No Tsuki in Shizuoka City on June 28th.
Not only the fish is first class but the presentation was definitely high grade!

At the back, “katsuo”/bonito. Front left, “aji”/saurel or horsemackerel. Front right, “aka ika”/red cuttlefish