Chikuwa :: Grilled Fish Paste
Chikuwa, which literally means “bamboo ring”, is so called because it resembles the cut end of a bamboo stalk. Seasoned white fish paste is skewered on bamboo or metal spits, then grilled or steamed, although the former is more common nowadays. Usually eaten chilled as a side dish, often dipped in soy sauce or used to accompany beer or sake, chikuwa makes a good low-fat source of protein. It can also be used in o-den or grilled and eaten hot.
