*Tarako* is the Japanese name for salted Alaska pollock roe. Alaska pollock is a North Atlantic fish in the cod family, and *tara* means “cod” in Japanese. This dish is sometimes called *mentaiko* (a reference to the Korean word for pollock roe, *myeongnan-jeot*), especially when it's mixed with chili powder, a popular preparation that came to Japan via Korea. Eaten in Japan since the seventeenth century, *tarako* is a classic drinking snack and rice topping. Today, *tarako* is an ingredient for a popular Western-style pasta sauce.
*Tarako* and *mentaiko* are both types of salted cod roe. The names of these seafood ingredients are often used interchangeably in Japan, but there are a few key differences:

- __Sac and size__: Cod roe labeled *tarako* is more likely to have the sac intact and to be smaller than *mentaiko*.
- __Spice__: Spicy cod roe is called *karashi mentaiko*. *Karashi* means “spicy” in Japanese. Sometimes spicy cod roe is simply called *mentaiko* for short, adding to the confusion.
- __Region__: *Mentaiko* is the preferred name in Fukuoka Prefecture, where salted cod roe is especially popular.

*Tarako* is mostly commonly eaten on a shiso leaf or bed of rice, but there are a few ways to incorporate this affordable [caviar](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-caviar) into Japanese recipes:

1. __Onigiri__: *Tarako* is a common filling or garnish for [onigiri](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/onigiri-guide) (rice balls).
2. __Pasta__: *Tarako* or *mentaiko* pasta features cod roe mixed with melted butter or olive oil and soy sauce to form a pasta sauce. The pasta is typically garnished with thin strips of nori (toasted <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-seaweed' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-seaweed","linkCopy":"seaweed","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>seaweed</a>) and/or shiso leaves.
3. __Salad dressing__: Add *tarako* to dressings for saltiness and fishy flavor.
4. __Potatoes__: Try folding salted cod roe into mild dishes like mashed potatoes.
5. __Eggs__: *Tarako* can also add flavor to scrambled eggs. 

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Japanese fish roe is a popular drinking snack and can be used in a variety of recipes.

Japanese fish roe is a popular drinking snack and can be used in a variety of recipes.

Tarako Ingredient Guide: How to Use Japanese Fish Roe

Tarako is the Japanese name for salted Alaska pollock roe. Alaska pollock is a North Atlantic fish in the cod family, and tara means “cod” in Japanese. This dish is sometimes called mentaiko (a reference to the Korean word for pollock roe, myeongnan-jeot), especially when it&#39;s mixed with chili powder, a popular preparation that came to Japan via Korea. Eaten in Japan since the seventeenth century, tarako is a classic drinking snack and rice topping. Today, tarako is an ingredient for a popular Western-style pasta sauce.

What Is Tarako?

Tarako and mentaiko are both types of salted cod roe. The names of these seafood ingredients are often used interchangeably in Japan, but there are a few key differences:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Sac and size: Cod roe labeled tarako is more likely to have the sac intact and to be smaller than mentaiko. </li><li class="">Spice: Spicy cod roe is called karashi mentaiko. Karashi means “spicy” in Japanese. Sometimes spicy cod roe is simply called mentaiko for short, adding to the confusion. </li><li class="">Region: Mentaiko is the preferred name in Fukuoka Prefecture, where salted cod roe is especially popular. </li></ul>

Tarako vs. Mentaiko: What’s the Difference?

Tarako is mostly commonly eaten on a shiso leaf or bed of rice, but there are a few ways to incorporate this affordable <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-caviar' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-caviar","linkCopy":"caviar","category":null}'>caviar</a> into Japanese recipes:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Onigiri: Tarako is a common filling or garnish for <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/onigiri-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/onigiri-guide","linkCopy":"onigiri","category":null}'>onigiri</a> (rice balls). </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Pasta: Tarako or mentaiko pasta features cod roe mixed with melted butter or olive oil and soy sauce to form a pasta sauce. The pasta is typically garnished with thin strips of nori (toasted <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-seaweed' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-edible-seaweed","linkCopy":"seaweed","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>seaweed</a>) and/or shiso leaves. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Salad dressing: Add tarako to dressings for saltiness and fishy flavor. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Potatoes: Try folding salted cod roe into mild dishes like mashed potatoes. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Eggs: Tarako can also add flavor to scrambled eggs. </li></ol>

5 Ways to Cook With Tarako

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Japanese fish roe is a popular drinking snack and can be used in a variety of recipes.

Japanese fish roe is a popular drinking snack and can be used in a variety of recipes.
