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Tobiko (Flying Fish Roe) Sushi

Tobiko/Flying Fish Roe/Golden Caviar

Fish Roe

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とびこ軍艦

Order Beloniformes, Family Exocoetidae

Tobiko is the roe of flying fish. There are more than 50 species of flying fish worldwide, most commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters. They glide at high speed above the water surface and are widely fished not only in Japan but throughout Asia. Known as "Golden Caviar" in some countries, tobiko is familiar around the world.

Tobiko is the tiny eggs of flying fish, measuring about 0.5 to 1 mm in size. Flying fish inhabit oceans worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. They glide just above the ocean surface at tremendous speed, covering distances of over 100 meters at speeds of 50 to 70 km/h.
Masago, the roe of capelin (or smelt), serves as a common substitute for tobiko.

Because tobiko is inexpensive, it is commonly served at conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Japan. Due to the small size of the eggs, it is typically served as gunkan-maki (battleship roll), but its vibrant color and delightful popping texture also make it a popular accent in salad rolls, chirashi-zushi (scattered sushi), and other dishes. While it is high in cholesterol and should be consumed in moderation, it contains protein and minerals, making it nutritionally valuable.

Overseas, where there is a general preference for colorful presentation, tobiko plays an even more prominent role than in Japan, though it is sometimes confused with ikura. Beyond gunkan rolls, tobiko is commonly used on the outside of inside-out rolls such as California rolls, and is also utilized at high-end establishments.

What Is Tobiko's True Color?

Tobiko is naturally a pale yellow color. Because it takes on dyes easily, it is often processed with colorings and flavorings when used as a sushi topping.
The most common color in Japan is red-orange, but overseas, tobiko is transformed into a variety of colors and flavors: dyed black with squid ink, tinted pale orange with yuzu, or colored green and given a spicy kick with wasabi, adding vibrant accents to sushi.
Colorful tobiko sushi from overseas Colorful tobiko sushi from overseas

Is Tobiko Crab Roe?

In Japan, most people know that tobiko is fish roe, just like ikura. However, in China, tobiko is often mistaken for crab eggs. This is understandable since tobiko sushi is sometimes served under the name "junkan xie zi sushi" (crab roe battleship sushi).
Outside of China as well, black-dyed tobiko is sometimes labeled as "black caviar," as if it were actual caviar (sturgeon roe).
With its dazzling appearance, tobiko is in high demand all around the world.

Crab eggs

In Japan, most people know that tobiko is fish roe, just like ikura. However, in China, tobiko is often mistaken for crab eggs. This is understandable since tobiko sushi is sometimes served under the name "junkan xie zi sushi" (crab roe battleship sushi).
Outside of China as well, black-dyed tobiko is sometimes labeled as "black caviar," as if it were actual caviar (sturgeon roe).
With its dazzling appearance, tobiko is in high demand all around the world.

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