While horse mackerel (aji) might not be familiar to everyone, it’s a beloved fish in Japan, enjoyed in a delightful variety of preparations, including raw, grilled, deep-fried, and occasionally pan-fried.
The dish features a crispy, golden coating on the outside, while the fish inside stays tender and moist. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the crunchy breading, creating a delicious and satisfying combination.
Those familiar with Japanese cuisine will recognize that fried dishes are quite common in Japan. The term fry refers to dishes where ingredients, particularly seafood like squid, shrimp, and oysters, are coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried. Aji fry is one such example. In contrast, dishes featuring meat, such as pork, chicken, and beef, that are similarly breaded and fried are known as katsu (cutlet).
Although fry dishes are not part of traditional Japanese cuisine, they have evolved uniquely in Japan and have become widely accepted and popular in everyday meals.
Aji fry is enjoyed both at home and washoku (Japanese food) restaurants as part of a teishoku (set meal) menu which often includes steamed rice, miso soup, and pickles.
When making aji fry at home, you have the option to buy whole aji or pre-butterflied fillets. While using pre-prepared fish is certainly convenient, this recipe will walk you through the process of preparing aji from scratch.
We’ll be using small aji and demonstrating the sebiraki (butterfly cut) technique, which involves cutting from the back of the fish. While preparing the fish does require some knowledge and skill, and may seem a bit challenging at first, mastering this technique will greatly expand your repertoire of fish dishes.
Aji fry complements a wide range of seasonings, such as thickened Worcestershire sauce, ponzu, soy sauce, lemon juice, and tartar sauce. In this recipe, we use thickened Worcestershire sauce, ponzu, and lemon juice, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other seasonings that suit your palate.
Aji fry made with fresh ingredients is particularly delicious, so if you have the chance, be sure to try making it and enjoy it at home!
English (US) · 