Ika no Sugata Fry – Classic deep-fried Japanese squid crackers
Summer is nearly upon us.It’s a season for chilled beer.When we drink beer, we Japanese usually prepare ‘Otsumami (おつまみ)’, which means finger foods and nibbles that are eaten along with beer.
If I give some typical examples of unique Japanese Otsumami, what come to my mind right away are 3 types of Japanese dried squid snacks, namely, Surume, Noshi-ika, and Saki-ika.
In addition to them, there is one more Japanese squid snack that shouldn’t be forgotten when we talk about Otsumami.
Ika no Sugata Fry – Classic Japanese squid crackers known as Otsumami snacks
It is Ika no Sugata Fry (いかの姿フライ) (Amazon.com) that we Japanese commonly have along with beer and other alcoholic drinks.The Japanese snack is classic deep-fried squid crackers that have been loved by Japanese people for a long time.
The item that I picked up this time includes a bunch of Ika Sugata Fry snacks.It is a kind of value pack.
The snack name, Ika no Sugata Fry (いかの姿フライ), literally means deep-fried squid snacks with a whole shape of squid, as you can see from the photo.
The ingredients of Ika no Sugata Fry snacks
Speaking of the ingredients of Ika Sugata Fry snacks, the snack is made mainly from wheat flour, squid, bread crumbs, starch, fish paste, vegetable proteins (including soybeans), and eggs, and it is seasoned with salt, sugar, sweeteners, and spices.
Therefore these Japanese squid crackers have a little salty, mild, sweet flavor, and they are crunchy in texture.
The Ika Sugata Fry snack is similar to the Ikaten snack, well-known as a specialty food of Hiroshima Prefecture, in flavor and texture.
Conclusion : Ika no Sugata Fry
Not only does the Ika Sugata Fry snack go perfectly well with chilled beer, but the Japanese snack can also be used as ingredients for various foods.
For example, small pieces of Ika Sugata Fry snacks and Yakisoba noodles make a great combo, and bits of the squid snack can also be used for salads as substitutes for croutons.
If you have a chance, let’s give it a try and enjoy chilled beer along with it!The classic Japanese squid cracker, Ika no Sugata Fry (いかの姿フライ), is worth a try and highly recommended!
