Ika Menchi (Squid hamburger) ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

Aomori Prefecture

Ika Menchi (Squid hamburger)

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Image source: Aomori Prefecture Tourist information website ‘Apty Net’

Main lore areas

Tsugaru Region
Main ingredients used

Squid, Cabbage, Carrot, Onion

History/origin/related events

It is a home-cooked dish spread in Tsugaru region, and made from minced ‘Geso’, squid legs left over after preparing squid sashimi, mixed with vegetables like onions and carrots, and wheat flour, then deep-fried. There are some stories behind the dish, but it is mainly said that people cooked it not to waste precious squid and to make the most of vegetable scraps just after the end of the war When Food was scarce. The flavor of squid, popping texture, sweetness from vegetables and crunchy flavor have made the dish very popular among all ages.
Opportunities and times of eating habits

Basically, it is an ordinary home-cooked food. Every home has own recipe; it is grilled in some home instead of deep-fried. You can find one in local markets or supermarkets as a classic dish with reasonable price. It is a casual food like fast food, and people can replace to other ingredients, too. Many restaurants offer it as a local cuisine, and some of them serve ‘Ika menchi don’, put ‘Ika menchi’ on top of rice in a bowl, or ‘Ika Mench’ hamburger.
How to eat

Pre-cook squid and mince whole parts of squid. If you use food processor, the texture of the dish will be fluffy, if you mince roughly with knife, you can enjoy bouncy squid texture. Mix minced squid with vegetables and wheat flour, then knead them. Beaten eggs are added in some home. You can add pickled ginger or ‘edamame’ beans, tofu, ‘Nagaimo’ Japanese yum for texture, or curry powder for flavor. It is the best when it is freshly fried for full-flavor.
Efforts for Preservation and Succession

(Outline of traditions, preservation societies, social media use, modern approaches for commercialization etc.)
It is widely prevailed as an ordinally dish, and each home has ‘own flavor’. Each region has been promoting its own dish like ‘Ajigasawa Ika Menchi’ or ‘Hirosaki Iga Menchi’. A group to promote this food was formed in Hirosaki City and is actively working.

RECIPE

Ingredients (Serves 5)

Squid 2 (260g)
Cabbage 40g
Carrot 30g
Onion 100g
Frying oil As needed
Red chili pepper 10
[Seasoning A] Salt 1 tsp.
[Seasoning A] Pepper A little
[Seasoning A] Wheat flour 3~4 tbsp.

How to cook

1. Separate squid’s body and legs and clean the body. Chop body into some pieces, then mince with food processor until you see some smaller chops. Finely mince legs with knife.
2. Finely mince carrots, then heat them in the microwave for a minute.
3. Mince cabbage. (with 5cm square)
4. Mix 1~3 and add salt and pepper. Add wheat flour to prevent ingredients from fall apart and adjust dough moisture. Separate dough equally in the cooking bowl, then knead 10 hamburgers by hand with vegetable oil.
5. Deep-fry chili pepper followed by 4. It’s ready when the dough becomes golden brown and looks crispy.
6. Serve on a plate.
7. Originally, it’s cooked only with squid legs. You can use any squid legs and season vegetables. You can also chop ingredients roughly to enjoy different texture, or add cheese for kids.

Recipe Arrangements

provider : Ms. Ikuko Kitayama from Shibata Gakuen University Junior College

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

Ika Menchi (Squid hamburger) ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

Aomori Prefecture