Hokkaido Ikameshi
Ikameshi fills small cleaned squid with glutinous and regular rice, then simmers it in a sweet-savory soy sauce until the grains absorb the squid broth.
At a glance
| Name | Hokkaido Ikameshi (Ikameshi) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Hokkaido |
| Region | Hokkaido & Tohoku |
| Type | Squid stuffed with rice and simmered in a sweet soy glaze |
What is it?
Ikameshi fills small cleaned squid with glutinous and regular rice, then simmers it in a sweet-savory soy sauce until the grains absorb the squid broth.
History and local context
The best-known example is Mori no Ikameshi, launched by Ikameshi Abe Shoten as a Mori Station boxed meal in 1941. That specific product should not be confused with every stuffed-squid dish.
How to enjoy it
Slice the body into rings so squid and rice share each bite. Do not overfill raw squid, and cook the rice at the center fully.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Hokkaido Ikameshi from?
It is associated with Hokkaido, in the Hokkaido & Tohoku region of Japan.
What kind of food is Hokkaido Ikameshi?
This guide classifies it as squid stuffed with rice and simmered in a sweet soy glaze. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Hokkaido Ikameshi online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.
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