Angry rockfish nigiri

Angry rockfish (Menuke)

【Nigiri sushi: Shiromi】
“Menuke” (also spelled “Menuki”) is a general term for red-colored rockfish that inhabit deep waters. The name is said to derive from the fact that when these fish are hauled up from the depths, their eyes appear to bulge due to the rapid change in pressure. As a result, several species of red-colored fish are known as “Menuke” in different parts of Japan.

Menuke is primarily served as a sushi topping at sushi restaurants in Hokkaido. In this context, the name generally refers to Oosaga (also known as Koujin menuke), a species caught in Hokkaido. The name “Oosaga” is derived from “big Saga,” with “Saga” being a regional term used in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region for red rockfish such as Sankou menuke.

Oosaga (Sebastes iracundus) and Sankou menuke (Sebastes flammeus) look very similar, but they can be distinguished by the color of the inside of their mouths. Oosaga has a black mouth cavity, whereas Sankou menuke has a white one. However, because Sankou-menuke is caught in relatively small quantities, the two species are not always distinguished in the market.

In the past, menuke was considered an inexpensive fish, but in recent years it has become a high-end fish. This is partly because improvements in post-harvest handling have made it possible to bring the fish to market while preserving its freshness and fat content, and partly because its fatty flesh appeals to modern culinary tastes. If you visit a high-end sushi restaurant in Hokkaido, you may have the opportunity to try it. Deep-water fish can sometimes have a milder flavor, but their flavor pairs very well with vinegared rice, so give menuke a try.

【Related contents】
List of White flesh fish (Shiromi)

(Revision date: October 23, 2026)