Homemade Sakura Denbu (Fluffy Pink Fish Flakes)
Sakura Denbu is a sweet and fluffy condiment made with fine flakes of cod colored pink like cherry blossoms. It is perfect for decorating and adding flavor to sushi, rice balls, bentos and donburi!
- Prep time
- 5 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 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
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
Pat the surface dry with kitchen paper and then rub the filets between your fingers to break it into fine flakes.
- 4
Mix 4 tsp sugar,1 pinch salt,1 tbsp sake and 2 drops pink food coloring in a bowl until dissolved.
- 5
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.
- 6
Cook until the liquid has evaporated the flakes are mostly dry with a small amount of moisture.
- 7
Use for sushi, rice balls or bento boxes! Enjoy!