[Fukushima Prefecture] What is the local dish Ikaninjin? Now known nationwide! Discover the charm of this beloved dish

Ikaninjin one of Fukushima's representative local dishes, originating in the northern Nakadori region of Fukushima Prefecture . It is a dish known to all Fukushima residents and has long been a beloved home-cooked dish.

Thanks to recent media and product collaborations, Ikaninjin is now well-known nationwide. What is the secret behind its popularity, which has earned it so much love both within and outside the prefecture?

In this article, we will introduce ikaninjin, as well as explore how to make and enjoy it. We hope that those of you who are curious about what ikaninjin is will take the opportunity to try it by making it yourself or visiting the area

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What is Ikaninjin? Explaining its history and what kind of dish it is

Have you ever heard of the dish called Ikaninjin? Ikaninjin is a dish made by slicing squid and carrots into long, thin strips and marinating them in a soy sauce-based dipping sauce. The squid absorbs the broth and regains its firm texture, while the carrots are crisp and crunchy. The rich aroma of the soy sauce, which contains the broth from the ingredients, makes it a visually appealing dish. The delightful texture and sweet-salty seasoning make it a perfect accompaniment to both rice and sake

Ikaninjin has been grown throughout Fukushima Prefecture for over 100 years. The origins of the dish are unclear, with various theories including that it is related to the Hokkaido local dish "Matsumaezuke" and that it was developed to recreate the texture of fresh squid in inland areas that are not bordered by the sea

For people in Fukushima Prefecture, squid and carrots a New Year's dish . As the end of the year approaches, large quantities of squid and carrots are lined up on the shelves of supermarkets across the prefecture. Eating squid and carrots will no doubt bring back memories of New Year's celebrations in the lives of many people as children.

However, since squid and carrots are easy to prepare and store, many households keep them on hand for everyday meals or as a snack with alcohol. You can also find them as a small side dish at local izakayas and restaurants

As an aside, squid and carrots is sometimes called carrot squid by some. They are the same dish, and the ratio of squid to carrots is the same

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How to make squid and carrots? Learn the recipe and enjoy it at home

Here we will introduce a typical way to make squid and carrots

material

• 1 dried squid
• 3-4 carrots
• 100cc soy sauce
• 50cc of sake
• 50cc mirin

How to make

1. Cut the body of the dried squid and the carrot into long, thin pieces that are easy to eat. (Use scissors to cut the dried squid.)
2. Bring the ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan and let cool
3. Place the carrots and dried squid in a Tupperware container, marinate in the seasonings from step 2, and leave in the refrigerator for 1-3 days (it's a good idea to stir occasionally)
4. When the dried squid becomes soft, it is done

Ikaninjin is a local dish that has been passed down through the generations in every household in Fukushima Prefecture. As a result, the taste varies from household to household depending on the degree of pickling and the amount of seasonings used. In the past, when relationships between relatives and neighbors were more frequent, one of the joys of cooking Ikaninjin was exchanging compliments on the taste of each household's Ikaninjin

You can adjust the amount of seasonings and the marinating time depending on your preferences. We hope you will create your own delicious squid and carrots

The most common way to eat squid and carrots is to eat them as is, but there are also some variations on the dish

• Tempura
• Takikomi gohan (rice cooked with ingredients)

Even if you have made too many carrots, you can still make them into a delicious dish

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Can I try Ikaninjin at restaurants or through mail order?

Ikaninjin is a Fukushima home-cooked dish, but there are restaurants that serve it as a taste representative of the region. It is particularly common to see it in izakayas and local cuisine restaurants in the Nakadori area (the central area when Fukushima prefecture is divided vertically into thirds). This area is easily accessible from Shinkansen stations and airports, so be sure to check it out when you visit Fukushima prefecture

Squid carrots are also sold in packs online, so ordering them online is a great way to get a taste of traveling

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Squid and carrots are spreading nationwide! An unexpected collaboration product is also born

Ikaninjin became widely known to the public after being featured in the media. In recent years, it also gained popularity after being featured on "Himitsu no Kenmin Show."

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Calbee's potato chips, which are made from squid and carrot flavor, also made the news. This product, which was the brainchild of Fukushima-born president Shuji Ito, has been well-received and has been re-released several times, which is unusual for a limited edition product

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summary

In this article, we have introduced the appeal of squid and carrots. Widely loved throughout Fukushima Prefecture, squid and carrots are a dish with a deep flavor. Why not give them a try as an accompaniment to rice or alcohol?

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