Go Back
–+ servings

Homemade Sakura Denbu (Fluffy Pink Fish Flakes)

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Author Yuto Omura
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients 
 

  • 200 g cod fillets skinless
  • 4 tsp sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tbsp sake
  • 2 drops pink food coloring or natural substitute like beetroot juice

Instructions 

  • Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add 200 g cod fillets. Boil for 3-5 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets.
    boiling two cod fillets in a pot of water on the stove
  • Drain and place the cooked cod in a bowl of cold water to cool it. I recommend using a sieve to save any broken pieces of cod. Gently rub the surface of the cod to wash it, then drain the water and rinse with fresh water.
    washing boiling cod with cold water in a sieve over a large mixing bowl
  • Pat the surface dry with kitchen paper and then rub the filets between your fingers to break it into fine flakes.
    breaking cod fillets into flakes with fingers
  • Mix 4 tsp sugar,1 pinch salt,1 tbsp sake and 2 drops pink food coloring in a bowl until dissolved.
    red food coloring mixed with condiments to mix with flaked cod fillets
  • Place the cod flakes in a cold non-stick frying pan and pour in the mixture from the previous step. Heat the pan over a low heat and mix continuously to prevent browning.
    pouring condiments mixed with pink food coloring over flakes of cod in a frying pan
  • Cook until the liquid has evaporated the flakes are mostly dry with a small amount of moisture.
    sakura denbu frying in a pan
  • Use for sushi, rice balls or bento boxes! Enjoy!
    Chirashizushi scattered sushi bowl served in a wooden "sushi-oke"