Akaten
What is Akaten?
Akaten
Akaten (aka-ten) is a deep-fried fish paste mixed with chili peppers, coated with bread crumbs, and deep-fried in oil. It is one of fish paste products and a type of “deep-fried fish paste ( agekamaboko )” that can be found in various parts of Japan.
It is a local specialty of Hamada City, located in the western part of Shimane Prefecture, and is characterized by its red color and spiciness, just as the name suggests. (Aka means red in Japanese, and Ten means fried in Japanese.)
It is known as Shimane’s local cuisine, local gourmet, local delicacy, and B grade gourmet, and is sold at major supermarkets in Hamada City and in Shimane Prefecture, including outside the city, and is also served at izakaya (Japanese-style pubs).
The fish used is mainly cod, and in addition to red pepper, it contains starch, salt, sugar, pepper, and food coloring (e.g., food coloring). It is popular as a side dish for sake or rice, and is eaten as is or after being lightly roasted in a frying pan, oven, toaster, etc. It can be served with soy sauce, ginger soy sauce, mayonnaise, sauce etc.