Japanese Fish Cakes (Nerimono)
Protein

Japanese Fish Cakes (Nerimono)

Availability: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ (Asian supermarket)
⚠️ fish ⚠️ egg ⚠️ gluten

What is it?

Ground white fish shaped and then grilled, steamed, or fried. They come fully cooked. In oden, they season the broth.

Substitution Guide

✅ Best Substitute

Asian Fish Balls

They are also made from fish paste. They are bouncier and a little saltier.

⚠️ Acceptable

Fried Tofu (Atsuage)

It soaks up broth and adds richness. It gives no fish flavor.

🚫 NEVER Use

Canned Fish

It falls apart in the pot. Oil and strong smell cloud the broth.

Related Ingredients

Did you know?

🔬

Each region has its own fish cakes. Satsuma-age comes from Kagoshima. Hanpen is a Tokyo favorite.

Sensory Profile

Bouncy and a little sweet. Fried kinds soak up broth like a sponge.