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Datemaki (伊達巻)

Japan

Datemaki

Traditional New Year’s Japanese roll consisting of a delicate omelette with fish paste, rolled into a thin roll. Served sliced into rounds, it symbolizes diligent study and a long life.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Datemaki step 1

    Remove the skin from the fish, discard the bones, finely chop the flesh and mash it with a knife until it becomes a paste.

  2. Datemaki step 2

    Add salt, sugar, and potato starch (pre-dissolved in cold water) to the fish paste. Mix well.

  3. Datemaki step 3

    In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, strain through a sieve, then gradually pour the egg mixture into the fish mixture while constantly stirring.

  4. Datemaki step 4

    Heat a rectangular (or round) pan, grease it with vegetable oil, pour in the mixture and cover with a lid over low heat for 8–10 minutes, until the bottom of the omelette is browned and the top just sets.

  5. Datemaki step 5

    Flip the omelette and fry the other side uncovered for about 3 minutes until golden‑brown.

  6. Datemaki step 6

    Remove the omelette, shape it into a rectangle if needed, place it on an oiled flat plate, then return it to the pan and quickly sear the other side.

  7. Datemaki step 7

    Cool the roll at room temperature, slice into rounds about 1 cm thick, and serve.