Okata-Zushi (Sushi Rice Balls with Mackerel and Beans) ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

Oita Prefecture

Okata-Zushi (Sushi Rice Balls with Mackerel and Beans)

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Main lore areas

Takenaka District
Main ingredients used

Rice, Pinto beans, Japanese horse mackerel

History/origin/related events

There are a variety of sushi dishes in Oita prefecture. “Okata-Zushi” is a type of sushi from Takenaka district of Oita city. The sushi is bale-shaped and is made with grilled Japanese horse mackerel and cooked sweet pinto beans. The word “okata” refers to a village headman.
In the past, there was an event named “jigoku-iri” which took place before the busy farming season. The village headman would hand out “Okata-Zushi” to the peasants as a token of his appreciation for their hard work. The event symbolizes the hard work of the farmers and the enjoyable time that people would have at this event before the work began. The peasants rarely got to eat rice, so they were all very happy to receive the “Okata-Zushi.” At the time, the only fish available for the feast were Japanese horse mackerel and sardines and for vegetables, only beans and potatoes.
Another type of sushi “mosso zushi” from Nakatsu and Usa cities of Oita prefecture is made by pressing the sushi into a square wooden mold called “mosso.” It is said that this dish was born at a time when rice was considered a delicacy and making the sushi with a mold allowed the rice to be divided equally among the people. “Kachi Ebi Chirashizushi” from Nagasu of Usa city is made with red shrimp, a specialty of the region and is served at festivals and on special occasions to guests. “Chadai zushi” from Usuki city is nigiri sushi made with vegetables instead of fish as it was cheaper to use vegetables. Common vegetables were used to lower the cost of making the sushi.
Opportunities and times of eating habits

It was eaten in the early summer before rice planting. As the system of agricultural work such as rice planting and harvesting changed, "Jigoku-iri" was no longer held, and the custom of eating "okata-zushi" also declined. Japanese horse mackerel can be caught in Oita prefecture all year round. Cooked beans can be store bought so this dish can be made regardless of the season.
How to eat

Soak pinto beans or red kidney beans in water overnight. The following day, simmer the beans on a low heat and make sure that the beans are not overcooked. Once cooked, add sugar and a little salt, and cook some more. Crumble the flesh of grilled Japanese horse mackerel and pour sugared vinegar onto the fish. Add the fish and cooked beans to the sushi rice and form bale shapes of rice. It is possible to use store bought cooked beans instead of homemade ones.
Efforts for Preservation and Succession

(Outline of traditions, preservation societies, social media use, modern approaches for commercialization etc.)
This dish is no longer made at home frequently but can be purchased at farmer’s markets. It is a traditional local dish that is valuable and should be passed down to younger generations.

RECIPE

Ingredients (4 servings)

Rice 280g
[Sushi vinegar] Vinegar 2 1／3 tbsp.
[Sushi vinegar] Sugar 27g (3 tbsp.)
[Sushi vinegar] Salt 6g (1 tsp.)
Japanese horse mackerel 1 mid-sized
[Sugared vinegar] Vinegar 2 tsp.
[Sugared vinegar] Sugar 6g (2 tsp.)
[Sugared vinegar] Salt 1.5g (1／4 tsp.)
[Cooked beans] Red kidney beans 80g
[Cooked beans] Sugar 36g
[Cooked beans] Salt 3g (1／2 tsp.)

How to cook

1. Soak the red kidney beans in water overnight.
2. Place the beans in a pot and add plenty of water. Bring to a boil. Change the water and simmer the beans. Do not overcook.
3. Add sugar after the beans become soft. After that, add salt.
4. Cook the rice so that it does not become too soft and add the sushi vinegar.
5. Grill the Japanese horse mackerel. Once cooked, crumble the flesh of the fish. Pour sugared vinegar onto the fish before mixing it into the sushi rice.
6. Add the fish and cooked beans into the sushi rice and form into a bale shape.

provider : Oita's local cuisine that you want to cook now

Recipes vary depending on the region and 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

Okata-Zushi (Sushi Rice Balls with Mackerel and Beans) ｜ Our Regional Cuisines

Oita Prefecture

Okata-Zushi (Sushi Rice Balls with Mackerel and Beans)

Main lore areas

Main ingredients used

History/origin/related events

Opportunities and times of eating habits

How to eat

Efforts for Preservation and Succession

RECIPE

Ingredients (4 servings)

How to cook