Narutomaki facts for kids
Narutomaki (pronounced nah-roo-toh-mah-kee), often just called naruto, is a special kind of fish cake from Japan. It's made from a paste of fish called surimi. Each slice of naruto is shaped like a cloud and has a pink or red spiral pattern in the middle. This spiral looks like the famous Naruto whirlpools found in the Naruto Strait in Japan.
The word "naruto" is also sometimes used as a slang term for the "at sign" (@) that you see in email addresses. You might also recognize naruto from the š„ emoji!
How Narutomaki is Made
Narutomaki is made by steaming or grilling fish paste until it becomes firm. The spiral pattern is created by adding a small amount of colored fish paste and rolling it up before cooking. This gives it its unique and recognizable look. The city of Yaizu in Shizuoka, Japan, is well-known for making a lot of narutomaki.
Where You Find Narutomaki
Narutomaki is a very common topping for Japanese noodles, especially Tokyo-style ramen. It adds a nice texture and a mild fish flavor to the soup. Besides ramen, in some parts of Japan, naruto is also used in dishes like oden (a type of stew) and nimono (simmered dishes). It's a popular ingredient that makes many Japanese meals more colorful and tasty!
