What is Akita's specialty "Bodakko"? We'll explain why it's salty and show you how to recreate it at home

Akita's specialty, "bodakko"

Many people may have heard the name, but surprisingly, they might not know what kind of food it is. When you actually try it, you'll be surprised by how salty it is, but strangely, it's an addictive taste

This article covers everything from the true nature of bodakko, why it's salty, how to eat it, and even simple ways to recreate it. It's a dish that gives you a taste of Tohoku's food culture, so if you're curious, be sure to check it out!

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What is Bodakko? A look into this popular preserved food from Akita

"Bodakko" has recently become a hot topic on social media. Even though I'm from Aomori, I'd never heard of it before, and at first, I couldn't imagine what kind of food it was

Bodakko is a general term for salted salmon

In Akita, "bodakko" basically refers to salted salmon. There are no strict rules regarding the type of salmon used or the salt concentration; it seems to be a general term for salted salmon

However, the type of salmon known as "bodakko" that becomes popular is considerably saltier than typical salted salmon. It's characterized by its saltiness, so much so that just a little bit is enough to make you want to eat more rice. When grilled, salt may float to the surface, giving it a slightly different appearance from regular salted salmon

The origin of the name varies

There are several theories about the origin of the name "bodakko." The most well-known theory is that it is a corrupted form of "botankko," because the color of the salmon's flesh resembles that of a peony flower

On the other hand, I've also heard people say it's "so delicious it's like botamochi, it's so good it'll make your cheeks tingle." It's not the same as sweet botamochi, but the feeling of it having a slightly special taste might be similar

Another theory suggests that the name comes from the word "hota" (or "hoda"), which refers to twigs or pieces of wood. It's also said that the skin of salmon that has been roasted and dried out resembled this "hota," hence the name "hotakko," which later evolved into "hotakko."

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Why is it so salty? An explanation of why Bodakko is salty

The first time you try bodakko, you'll be surprised by how salty it is, but there's a good reason for that. It's not just because it's salty; it's also related to the local lifestyle and environment

To improve shelf life

The biggest reason is preservation. In the days before refrigerators, fish had to be thoroughly salted to last longer. By increasing the salt content, spoilage was prevented, allowing the fish to be eaten for a longer period. Since salmon is often available in large quantities at once, I think this preservation method naturally became widespread

To raise body temperature

The Tohoku region has a long history of salty food culture, and it is said that there is a tendency to prefer salty food from Kanto northward. In regions with harsh winters, maintaining body temperature is important, and it is thought that a diet that involves consuming plenty of salt has taken root for this reason. Considering the length of winter, it makes sense that the flavors would naturally become stronger

Medium-spicy is preferred in most households

However, not all of them are extremely salty. The amount of salt varies from household to household, but a moderate saltiness, often referred to as "medium salty," is common. While very salty ones are meant to be eaten in small quantities, medium salty ones are easy to incorporate into a meal as a side dish

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How salty is it really? My honest opinion after trying it

I often hear that Bodakko is salty, but when I actually tried it, it was even saltier than I imagined. However, it's not just salty for the sake of being salty; there's a good reason behind the flavor

How salty is it? Differences in salt concentration and appearance

Compared to typical salted salmon, this one is considerably saltier. When grilled, salt crystals form on the surface, and the flesh is firm with little moisture. The first bite hits you with a strong saltiness, but the delicious flavor of the salmon remains throughout

Incidentally, when you grill fish, the oil and moisture from the flesh drip down, but after grilling the bodakko (fermented fish), this much salt was left behind. This alone shows just how salty bodakko is

A flavor that makes you want to eat more rice with just a little bit

I saw a bento box on social media with a huge pile of rice topped with a small piece of salmon. At first, I thought it was strange, but after trying Bodakko, I understood. The extra spicy version is so salty that just a little bit is enough to make you eat a whole bowl of rice

The container above holds about 1.5 cups of rice, but it felt like there wasn't enough. Just licking the bodakko made me want to eat more rice, so I felt like I didn't need any other side dishes. Of course, I couldn't finish it all... It's not something you eat on its own, but rather a flavor that's only complete when combined with rice. In fact, you can't eat it without a lot of rice, and the saltiness makes you thirsty, so you'll want to drink something too. I was surprised to hear that connoisseurs in Akita drink sake with bodakko

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Recommended ways to eat Bodakko

Bodakko, which is characterized by its saltiness, can be enjoyed in just the right way if you get creative with how you eat it

The classic way to enjoy it is with rice (a small amount is fine)

The classic way to enjoy it is with rice. Just a little bit is enough to give it the perfect saltiness. Be careful though, because you might find yourself eating too much rice before you know it!

Enjoy it with rice balls or ochazuke (rice with tea)

When used as a filling for rice balls, even a small amount provides a rich flavor. When added to ochazuke (rice with tea poured over it), the saltiness is mellowed, making it easy to eat

Used in cooking (fried rice, pasta, etc.)

If you find it too strong on its own, I recommend using it in cooking. Just a little bit added to fried rice or pasta will give it a great flavor and allow you to reduce the amount of other seasonings you use

Can you make it at home? An easy way to make Bodakko-style treats

While you might think of bodakko as something you buy, you can actually make something similar at home. The recipe is very simple. All you need is salmon and salt

Ingredients you'll need (just salmon and salt)

All you need is salmon and salt. Using fresh salmon makes it easier to adjust the amount of salt

Super easy! Basic recipe

Making bodakko is incredibly simple! Just generously salt a salmon fillet and let it rest in the refrigerator for a few days. As the moisture evaporates and the flesh firmes up, it will have that authentic look. The key is to salt it a little more heavily than you would normally salt salmon

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Salty, but addictive, Akita flavor

Bodakko is a type of salted salmon characterized by its strong saltiness, a taste rooted in traditional preservation methods and the unique food culture of cold regions. While the initial taste might be surprising, it pairs perfectly with rice. Please try enjoying this Tohoku-style delicacy at home

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