I didn’t even know what that pink swirl was the first time I tried fish cake ramen. It looked like something from an anime show. Remember when Naruto helped make ramen in Episode 168 of the original series?
That’s when he cooked alongside Teuchi at Ichiraku Ramen and added that same swirl to the bowl. It’s called narutomaki, a steamed fish cake made from white fish. It’s not that heavy, it’s a touch chewy, and it has a lot of umami.
Now I put it in every time I cook ramen at home. It serves a purpose besides ornamentation. It adds taste and a little excitement to the bowl.
Total Cooking Time: ~50–65 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time (Steaming): 15–30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Table of Contents
What Is Fish Cake in Ramen?
Ever seen that white slice with a pink swirl in ramen? That’s narutomaki, a classic Japanese fish cake. People also call it “Naruto,” and no, it didn’t start with the anime.
Cooks make narutomaki by grinding white fish like pollock or cod into a paste called surimi. Cooks make a log out of the paste, steam it, and then cut it into thin slices. It comes out sweet, chewy, and firm.
The swirl in the middle? That doesn’t happen by chance. The design is supposed to appear like the whirlpools in Japan’s Naruto Strait. It’s like a small piece of ocean art in your dish.
It’s easy to utilize narutomaki because it’s already cooked. You can add a piece of ramen and consume it. It warms up fast and brings a subtle seafood flavor.
Narutomaki is probably the most recognized fish cake you’ll spot floating in a bowl of Japanese ramen, but it’s not the only style out there. Across Asia, you’ll find plenty of variations like Chinese fish cake, which is usually pan-fried or steamed and added to soups or noodle dishes. The flavor and texture are a bit different from the Japanese version, giving each bowl its own character.
Fish cake ramen isn’t just about flavor. It’s about the whole experience. That one slice adds tradition, color, and comfort in every bite.
Think of it like ramen’s version of a marshmallow in hot chocolate. It’s not the main event, but it makes the whole thing better.
Narutomaki adds more than color. It brings flavor, texture, and a little story from Japan right into your soup.
How to Make Narutomaki (Fish Cake Ramen)
Ingredients
- White Fish Fillet (pollock, cod, or hake) – 200g
- Egg White – 1
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Sugar – 1 tsp
- Mirin (optional) – 1 tsp
- Cornstarch – 1 tsp
- Pink or Red Food Coloring- a few drops
Prepared Method
First Step
First, clean the fish fillets. Then take off any skin, bones, or fat. Wash them off with cold water and then dry them with a paper towel.
Second Step
After that, chop the fish into small pieces. Mix it in a food processor until it’s smooth. Add egg white, salt, sugar, mirin (if using), and cornstarch. Blend again until the paste is thick and sticky.
Third Step
Scoop out half of the fish paste and set it aside; this stays white. Then, add some pink food coloring to the other half and stir it in well.
Fourth Step
Lay a piece of plastic wrap flat. Spread the white paste into a rectangular shape. Then run a strip of pink paste through the middle. Try to keep it even and centered.
Fifth Step
Make sure the plastic wrap is tight around everything. Keep the swirl in the middle as you go on. Make sure to wrap it securely so it stays in shape.
Sixth Step
After that, place the wrapped log in a steamer basket. Steam for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the item. It’s ready when it feels firm to the touch.
Seventh Step
Let it cool completely. Then unwrap and slice into ¼- to ½-inch rounds. You should see that signature pink swirl in every piece!
Nutrition Facts for Narutomaki (Per Serving)
- Calories: 60–70 kcal
- Protein: 10–12g
- Total Fat: 0.5–1g
- Carbohydrates: 2–3g
- Sugar: <1 g
- Sodium: ~400mg
- Cholesterol: ~25mg
- Omega-3 fatty acids: ~0.2–0.5g (varies by fish type)
Is Fish Cake Healthy to Eat?
Yes, fish cake, especially the kind used in fish cake ramen, can be a healthy option. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and offers nutrients like omega-3s that support heart and brain health.
Narutomaki has a pink swirl and gets steamed, not fried, so it stays light.
If you make it at home, you can skip the preservatives and control the salt. That’s a win for both flavor and nutrition.
If you’re already wreaking havoc on your sodium levels with salty broth or boxed noodles, just keep a check on them. Fish cake adds protein and flavor to your bowl without making it too heavy.
Final Thought
I used to skip fish cake when ordering ramen until I finally gave it a shot. Now I get it. That little swirl isn’t just cute, it adds texture and a clean, savory taste that ties everything together. Whether I’m making instant noodles or slow-cooked broth, narutomaki is always the finishing touch. Fish cake ramen feels incomplete without it.
What is the Fish Cake Ramen Topping Called?
Chefs call the fish cake ramen topping narutomaki. It is a steamed fish cake made from white fish. It has a pink swirl in the middle. Narutomaki adds a light, chewy bite and a splash of color to ramen bowls. People all throughout the world appreciate this classic, delectable topping.
Is Naruto Fish Cake Halal?
Naruto fish cake can be halal, but it depends on the ingredients and how it’s made. Traditional narutomaki uses white fish and no pork, which is halal-friendly. However, some store-bought versions might have non-halal additives. Make sure it satisfies halal criteria by checking the label or asking the maker.
