The knot design for kamaboko is universal and it is pretty to look at when served on a platter or as a garnish on top of a dish. The elasticity of the fish cake makes it possible to create this beautiful design.
Watch How to Make Kamaboko Knot
Two Japanese fish cakes (Kamaboko), seven beautiful designs! Make ordinary fish cake into decorative designs on this Oshogatu (Japanese New Year)!
Step 1: Remove the kamaboko from the wooden board.
Step 2: Slice off the uneven edge on both ends.
Step 3: Cut a slice of red-skinned kamaboko 1/3 inch (8 mm) thick.
Step 4: Place the kamaboko slice flat on the work surface. Make a 1-inch (2.5-cm) slit parallel to the bottom of the fish cake about one-quarter of the way down from the red-skinned top. See Step 6 for reference.
Step 5: Flip the fish cake and make a similar slit from the other side about one-quarter of the way from the bottom of the fish cake. Make a small parallel slit in the center white portion. See Step 6 for reference.
Step 6: Lift up and insert the ends in the center slit, one from the front and one from the back.
Step 7: Gently pull out both ends. Here you have a beautiful knotted kamaboko that symbolizes a happy union.
To learn about other beautiful designs of kamaboko (Japanese fish cake), click here.
