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Kirasumameshi ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

  • Oita Prefecture

    Kirasumameshi

Kirasumameshi

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  • Kirasumameshi

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  • Kirasumameshi

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  • Main lore areas

    Usuki City

  • Main ingredients used

    Fish, okara, kabosu

  • History/origin/related events

    Usuki City is located in southeastern Oita Prefecture, and stretches out in an oval shape towards Hoyo Strait. It is on Usuki Bay facing Bungo Channel to the east, and the ridges of Mount Chinnan and Mount Himedake to the southwest. Fishing has long been practiced in the coastal communities, where single-hook handline fishing, longline fishing, and small trawl fishing are used. Specialty products include hairtail, yellowtail and blowfish. “Kirasumameshi” is a local cuisine of Usuki City, along with “Ohan” and “Chadaizushi”. Unlike the familiar winter dish of "Ohan" and the hospitality dish of "Chadaizushi", "Kirasumameshi" is eaten all year round. During the middle of the Edo period (about 1700 - 1750), the Usuki domain, which was often in financial difficulties, issued a decree of thrift and often regulated what to eat and wear. It was during this time that "Kirasumameshi" was born. Leftover sashimi or fish that have been cut were coated with okara, which is the dregs of soybeans, and used to increase the volume. It was a thrifty dish, yet rich in nutrition and loved by the common people. In the Usuki region's dialect, okara is called "kirazu", and “mabusu” (dredge) is called "mamesu”. Therefore, the dish is named "Kirasumamesi", which means sashimi dredged (“mamesu”) with “kirazu”. During the era of the domain, merchants and people delivering "Nengu (annual tributes)" from the mountains were said to look forward to eating “Kirasumameshi” with great expectation.

  • Opportunities and times of eating habits

    In Usuki City, it is eaten at home throughout the year, but it is often mentioned as a spring dish, especially because it is an indispensable dish for cherry blossom viewing. Also, important guests are treated with "kirasu-mameshi".

  • How to eat

    Sashimi such as yellowtail, horse mackerel, and tuna are marinated in soy sauce-based dipping sauce for a while, and then covered with okara. Finally, the dish is topped with condiments such as green onions and ginger, and is characterized by the addition of a squeeze of kabosu (kabosu citrus fruit) to accentuate the finish. The aromatic and refreshing flavor can be enjoyed. The dipping sauce and condiments used vary from household to household, giving each household its own unique flavor.

  • Efforts for Preservation and Succession

    In Usuki City, the taste is still eaten at home and can be purchased at supermarkets. The prefecture has created a food education PR video, "Local Cuisine Rappbaa," in an effort to pass on the local cuisine passed down from generation to generation in various regions. The video introduces recipes for "Yaseuma" and "Ryukyu" to the rhythm of rap music.

RECIPE

Ingredients (For 5 persons)

  • Okara (bean curd) 100g
  • Fish (pieces of yellowtail or other fish after sashimi) 150g
  • Green onion 2
  • ginger a little
  • dark soy sauce 2 tbsp.
  • Light soy sauce 1 tbsp.
  • sake 2 tbsp.
  • mirin (sweet sake) 1 tbsp.
  • sugar a pinch
  • Kabosu 1 piece
  • salt a pinch
  • soy sauce As needed

How to cook

  • 1. Cut fish into small pieces.

  • 2. Sprinkle a little salt on the fish and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes. (The meat will become tighter.)

  • 3. Mix dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sake and mirin and marinate.

  • 4. Knead okara by hand and mash.

  • 5. Press down with hands to make a mountain shape. (The okara will become sticky.)

  • 6. Make leeks and soak them in water.

  • 7. Cut leeks into small cubes and ginger into thin strips.

  • 8. Season okara with kabosu, soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.

  • 9. Add chopped green onion and ginger to 8.

  • 10. Place fish on top and sprinkle okara over the fish.

  • 11. Mix well.

Recipe Arrangements

provider : "Oita's Local Cuisine for the Next Generation

Recipes vary depending on the region and home.

This recipe video has been partially arranged to make it easier to cook at home.

Contact

Food Cultures Office, Overseas Market Development and Food Cultures Division, Food Industry Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Tel:+81-3-3502-5516

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