What kind of fish is Menuke? Pick up in detail the characteristics, how to handle, and how to cook

27 Nov 2022
By intelligentsweepingrobot

Have you ever seen a fish called Menuke? Menuke is a fish that is characterized by its bright red body color and protruding eyes. However, in fact, the menuke is famous as an ultra-luxury fish and is a popular target among anglers. This time, we will introduce the recommended cooking method to get closer to the reality of such menuke.

What kind of fish is menuke?

What kind of fish is Menuke? For more information on the characteristics, how to handle, and how to cook, click here for an image of picking...>>>

Source: PIXTA

Menuke is not the name of a single species, but a general term for large, red-bodied saltwater fish belonging to the perciformes and rockfish family. For this reason, Japanese red sea bream and giant squirrel are also sometimes called menuke. All species of menuke grow to a length of 40 to 60 cm and are characterized by a bright red body surface.

Menuke Habitat

Source: PIXTA

Menuke is a deep-sea fish that lives in the deep sea at a depth of 200 to 1000 meters. In Japan, most of them inhabit the area from Hokkaido to Sagami Bay in Chiba Prefecture. The fishing boats dedicated to Menuke are also limited to that area.

Origin of the Name of Menuke

Deep-sea fish, including menuke, have a body structure that can withstand strong water pressure in order to adapt to their habitat. Therefore, if the water pressure suddenly changes when you catch it, it will not be able to withstand the pressure, and the internal organs and eyes will pop out. Its appearance is shocking, and it is said that it came to be called Menuke because its eyes can be seen.

Click here for a video of catching a fish!

You can watch the scene of catching the minuke from 7:00.

Source: YouTube

Menuke fishing is introduced on Daiwa's boat fishing YouTube channel, "DAIWA Ship [Fleet Frontline]", a major fishing tackle maker. Menuke's explosive fishing scene is powerful, and it is a video that even people who do not usually fish can enjoy. There are also tips for menuke fishing, so if you are an angler, please refer to it.

Click here for the YouTube top page of the DAIWA ship [ship front line]!

What does Menuke taste like?

Source: PIXTA

Menuke has an elegant taste with no peculiarities, suitable for being called a high-class fish. The meat is soft, light and easy to eat, and it has a delicious taste, so it is a fish that is liked by men and women of all ages. During the cold season from autumn to spring, which is said to be the season for menuke, the meat is particularly fatty and plump. It is recommended to enjoy it when it is in season, as it loses its flavor when it gets warmer. By the way, not all the red fish you see in supermarkets and fresh fish stores are domestically produced menuke, and as you can see from the prices of processed products such as Saikyo-zuke, imported fish are often used, so keep that in mind. prize.

What kind of fish is Menuke? Characteristics Pick up in detail how to handle and cook

Let's Cook Menuke!

Source: PIXTA

Menuke is a rare and valuable deep-sea fish that has become difficult to catch in recent years. That's why when you get your hands on menuke, you want to fully enjoy its taste. Therefore, we will introduce a video that explains in detail how to handle menuke.

Source: YouTube

The popular channel "Kimagure Cook" with 4.63 million subscribers explains in detail how to handle menuke. It is a very easy-to-understand video because it carefully explains in order from the preparation, and the hands that actually handle the menuke are shown large. Even beginners can easily imitate it, so let's use this video as a reference and try to handle the menuke yourself!

Click here for Kimagure Cook's YouTube top page!

Four Recommended Menuke Cuisines

①Sashimi

Source: PIXTA

If you can get fresh menuke, you should definitely try sashimi. During the season, you will be able to enjoy the plump texture. We recommend simply dipping the fatty meat in soy sauce or wasabi.

②Simmering

Source: PIXTA

Because the meat of menuke does not harden even when cooked, it is suitable for cooking. Among them, boiled dishes are especially recommended. When it's slowly simmered and the meat naturally splits open, you'll be able to enjoy the softness of the meat as it crumbles when you put it in your mouth. If you add sake or cooking sake to accentuate the stew, the smell of fish will be completely removed, so it is also recommended for those who don't like fishy smells.

③Nabe

Source: PIXTA

You can also easily try hot pot dishes that allow you to fully enjoy the umami of the soup stock that comes out of the menuke. The flesh of the fish retains its soft texture even after being cooked for a long time, making it a perfect ingredient for hot pot. The broth is packed with the umami of Menuke, and the vegetables that are boiled together are also delicious.

④ Arajiru

Source: PIXTA

Using the husks of Menuke to make the dashi makes for a richer, more umami-packed soup. After enjoying the meat as sashimi or in a hot pot, you can use the leftovers to fully enjoy the menuke. It is seasoned only with miso, and we recommend sprinkling ginger and green onions on top to bring out the flavor of the ingredients.

Recommended Items for Fishing

By the way, some of our readers may be interested in eating the fish you caught yourself. If you catch a fish, you want to keep it as fresh as possible so that you can enjoy it. Therefore, this time, we will introduce three recommended cooler boxes that can be used for menuke fishing. We have carefully selected items that can maintain a high level of cold storage for a long time and are equipped with functions that are easy to transport, so please use them as a companion for your fishing!

If you value the high cooling effect, this is it!

SHIMANO SPAZA LIMITED 350 Caster Pure White 35L NS-C35U

This is the cooler box "Spaza Limited" series released by Shimano. It's not too heavy for its capacity, and it comes with casters so it's easy to carry. The biggest attraction is the high cooling effect due to the vacuum panels on the inner side and bottom. In addition, it can be kept cold for a long time of 60 hours, so you can bring it home with a high degree of freshness even from a distant fishing spot. It is also recommended that you have a size that allows you to put multiple fish in even a large 60cm class menuke. In addition, since the top surface has a lever that can be opened and closed with a single action, it can be used without stress even when fishing with a lot of luggage. It is also good that you can always put fish in a clean state because it is antibacterially treated. This product is especially recommended for those who are looking for a cooler box that has a large capacity, high cooling effect, and is easy to handle. [Capacity] 35L [Weight] 7.7kg [Inner dimensions] 59.2 x 25.2 x 23cm [Outer dimensions] 79.4 x 34.7 x 32cm

Recommended for those who want both coolness and lightness!

SHIMANO SPAZA BASIS 350 Caster Beige 35L NS-D35U

It is a cooler box of the "Spaza Basis" series also released by Shimano. Since the inner bottom has a structure like a slat, there is no need to worry about the melted water coming into contact with the fresh fish, and the cooling effect can be maintained longer. The cold storage time is set to 50 hours, which is more than enough to bring home from your local fishing spot. In addition, the inner sides are made of lightweight expanded polystyrene material, which reduces the weight of the cooler box itself. Despite its lightness and size, it is easy to carry around, and even a large menu can be stored securely. It has a long handle and large casters, so you can carry it for a long distance without any trouble. In addition to the standard white body color, there is also a stylish beige lineup, so it is recommended for those who want to make a difference from other anglers. [Capacity] 35L [Weight] 7.1kg [Inner dimensions] 59.2 x 25.2 x 23cm [Outer dimensions] 79.4 x 34.7 x 32cm

If you want to focus on cost performance, this is it!

DAIWA cooler box light trunk α GU3200 red fishing

This is the cooler box "Light Trunk α" series released by Daiwa. Despite its large capacity, it can easily accommodate a menuke over 50 cm in length, but it is attractive because it is quite light and easy to carry. Foamed urethane is used for the insulation material, and it has both cold insulation and lightness. It has excellent functionality with a long handle, a faucet for draining water, and a gridiron that prevents slipping. The top surface is removable and double-sided, making it easy to clean and store cleanly. Available in 4 colors, it is also attractive that you can choose your favorite design. Recommended for those looking for a low-priced, high-performance cooler box. [Capacity] 32L [Weight] 5.0kg [Inner dimensions] 56.5 x 24.5 x 22cm [Outer dimensions] 69 x 34 x 31.5cm

Let's cook menuke and taste high quality fish!

Source: PIXTA

Contrary to its strong appearance, Menuke has an elegant taste. Although it has become a rare existence, there are many fans for its exceptional taste, and it will continue to be very popular among anglers as a super-luxury fish. If you haven't tried it yet, please try seasonal menuke and find your favorite dish!

What kind of fish is Menuke? Pick up in detail the characteristics, how to handle, and how to cook