Ikura oroshi
“I’m turning Japanese, I think I’m turning Japanese, I really think so….” How else could you explain getting into this off the menu sushi bar concoction. It’s as simple as it gets but it’s also a stretch for the typical Western palate. All you need is good ikura (salmon eggs) which precludes the use of the little glass vials of nastiness and some really fresh daikon radish. This serving used about an inch and a half of a 4 inch diameter or so radish grated finely with the juice reserved. A fairly reputable source makes some pretty impressive claims about fresh daikon juice and a health elixir (http://www.mitoku.com/products/driedvegetable/Healthbenefits_dai.html). Don’t desicate the grated radish, just drain it well and then top with the ikura. I’ve garnished it with kaiware, daikon sprouts, which seemed symmetrically appropriate but a lemon slice is more traditional and I’ll bet that mitsuba or even chives would work well. Whatever you garnish it with it makes an inexpensive hors oeuvres that make a dramatic conversation provoking presentation.







7:50 am
mike_NY says:
Looks amazing! Should be noted too that daikon juice is great followed by some quality cold sake. You showed me that on Kimchi night.
9:51 am
john_houston says:
Yup, that’s very true Mike. Check the photo, juice on the left Karatamba on the right.
1:23 pm
erin_NY says:
Speaking of kimchi…we had daikon kimchi recently. Really, really good. So how does one eat this appetizer? Seems like a true challenge with chopsticks.
1:37 pm
mike_NY says:
Wow I didn’t even notice that! You do have the juice and Sake. Well then.. thats a full meal!
6:37 pm
john_houston says:
Erin it is easier than it looks. The ikura is sticky and the grated radish clumps and holds together very well. It’s not for stick neophytes but it isn’t much of a challenge either.