Noto Ishiru: Fermented Squid and Fish Sauce
Ishiru is a fish sauce from the Noto Peninsula made by fermenting and aging squid viscera or fish such as sardine and mackerel with salt. Its brown liquid adds concentrated marine savor and...
At a glance
| Name | Noto Ishiru: Fermented Squid and Fish Sauce (Ishiru) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Ishikawa |
| Region | Chubu |
| Type | Fermented fish sauce |
What is it?
Ishiru is a fish sauce from the Noto Peninsula made by fermenting and aging squid viscera or fish such as sardine and mackerel with salt. Its brown liquid adds concentrated marine savor and saltiness, so it is used a little at a time like a seasoning or stock base.
The names ishiri and yoshiru are also used in Noto. Ishikawa sources describe a broad tendency toward sardine-based sauce on the outer coast and squid-liver sauce on the inner coast, with aroma and flavor varying by raw material.
History and local context
The salted raw material is fermented and aged in vessels for more than a year, then the separated liquid is strained. This reflects Noto methods of preserving and fully using seafood, and the production technique is a nationally registered intangible folk cultural property.
Ishiru is a condiment rather than a finished dish. It seasons hot pots, simmered foods, pickles and glazes, and provides the base for ishiri kaiyaki, in which seafood and vegetables are cooked in a large shell.
How to enjoy it
Begin with a few drops in soup or hot pot and taste before adding more. Reduce other salt or soy sauce so that the seafood savor remains clear rather than simply salty.
When buying, compare squid versus fish raw material, salt concentration, bottle size and after-opening storage. Ishikawa's certified-food page lists current producers and sellers in the Noto area.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Noto Ishiru: Fermented Squid and Fish Sauce from?
It is associated with Ishikawa, in the Chubu region of Japan.
What kind of food is Noto Ishiru: Fermented Squid and Fish Sauce?
This guide classifies it as fermented fish sauce. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Noto Ishiru: Fermented Squid and Fish Sauce 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.
This section contains an advertising affiliate link to Rakuten Japan.