Shizuoka Local Cuisine: Kurohanpen Fry

Alright, folks, let me tell you about a local favorite from Shizuoka Prefecture: Kurohanpen Fry! If you think you know “hanpen,” think again. Shizuoka serves up a unique twist with their “kurohanpen,” and frying it takes it to a whole new level. It’s a simple dish, but it’s packed with the umami goodness of fish and has been loved by generations in this region. Let’s dive in!

Dish Name: Kurohanpen Fry

• Region / Location: Shizuoka Prefecture, especially Yaizu City.
• Primary Area of Tradition: Yaizu City
• Main Ingredients: Kurohanpen, breadcrumbs, wheat flour, egg.

How It’s Eaten / Served

To make kurohanpen fry, the kurohanpen is coated in wheat flour, dipped in beaten egg, and then covered in breadcrumbs before being deep-fried. The key is to use finely ground breadcrumbs and apply them thinly. You can enjoy it as is, or with a drizzle of your favorite sauce. It’s a versatile dish!

Cultural Background and Preservation

Kurohanpen itself is a distinctive food of Shizuoka. It’s made from ground fish like mackerel, horse mackerel, and sardines, and it’s boiled. Unlike the white, fluffy hanpen you might find elsewhere, kurohanpen has a grayish color and a semi-circular shape. This difference comes from using the whole fish – bones and skin included – which gives it a richer flavor. While you’ll find it all over the prefecture, it’s a specialty of Yaizu. Besides being fried, kurohanpen is also used in simmered dishes, grilled preparations, and as a key ingredient in Shizuoka-style oden.

Kurohanpen fry is a common homemade dish and a popular item in the prepared food sections of supermarkets. This fried version of kurohanpen concentrates the savory flavor of the fish and the crispiness from frying, making it a beloved everyday dish for everyone, from children to adults.

Additional information:

• Kurohanpen (黒はんぺん): A gray-colored, semi-circular fish cake made from ground fish, a specialty of Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Oden (おでん): A Japanese one-pot dish containing various ingredients like boiled eggs, daikon radish, and fishcakes in a flavorful broth.