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'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 seaweed ) 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. Become a better chef with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Niki Nakayama, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Yotam Ottolenghi, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, Alice Waters, and more. Japanese fish roe is a popular drinking snack and can be used in a variety of recipes.