Decorative Kamaboko Cutting - Musubi 7

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.

Decorative Kamaboko Cutting Prep 1

Step 2: Slice off the uneven edge on both ends.

Decorative Kamaboko Cutting Prep 2

Step 3: Cut a slice of red-skinned kamaboko 1/3 inch (8 mm) thick.

Decorative Kamaboko Cutting Prep 3

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.

Decorative Kamaboko Cutting - Musubi 1

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.

Decorative Kamaboko Cutting - Matsuba 2

Step 6: Lift up and insert the ends in the center slit, one from the front and one from the back.

Decorative Kamaboko Cutting - Musubi 4

Decorative Kamaboko Cutting - Musubi 5

Step 7: Gently pull out both ends. Here you have a beautiful knotted kamaboko that symbolizes a happy union. 

Decorative Kamaboko Cutting - Musubi 7

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To learn about other beautiful designs of kamaboko (Japanese fish cake), click here.

7 kinds of Decorative Kamaboko (Fish Cake) on a Japanese lacquer plate.

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