Hokkaido Sanpeijiru: Salted Fish and Root-Vegetable Soup
Sanpeijiru is a Hokkaido soup of salted salmon or herring simmered in kombu broth with daikon, carrot, potato, and leek. The preserved fish supplies much of the salt and savor to a generally...
At a glance
| Name | Hokkaido Sanpeijiru: Salted Fish and Root-Vegetable Soup (Sanpeijiru) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Hokkaido |
| Region | Hokkaido & Tohoku |
| Type | Salted-fish and root-vegetable soup |
What is it?
Sanpeijiru is a Hokkaido soup of salted salmon or herring simmered in kombu broth with daikon, carrot, potato, and leek. The preserved fish supplies much of the salt and savor to a generally clear broth.
It differs from Ishikari nabe, whose basic form uses fresh salmon and miso. Some modern households do season sanpeijiru with miso, but preserved fish remains an important identifying feature.
History and local context
Hokkaido households used salted fish, including heads and backbones, with winter root vegetables to avoid waste and make a sustaining soup. A dish recognized as sanpeijiru appears in a 1784 travel record.
The name has several proposed origins, including a person called Sanpei, a style of plate, and Ainu-language explanations. None should be presented as definitively settled.
How to enjoy it
Taste the broth before adding salt, then eat the fish carefully with the root vegetables. Bone-in pieces deepen the stock but require attention, especially when serving children.
At home, simmer the vegetables in kombu broth, add desalinated salted fish later, and season only after the fish has released its salt. Compare salmon, herring, and cod versions.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Hokkaido Sanpeijiru: Salted Fish and Root-Vegetable Soup from?
It is associated with Hokkaido, in the Hokkaido & Tohoku region of Japan.
What kind of food is Hokkaido Sanpeijiru: Salted Fish and Root-Vegetable Soup?
This guide classifies it as salted-fish and root-vegetable soup. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Hokkaido Sanpeijiru: Salted Fish and Root-Vegetable Soup online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
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