白子 · シラコ · shirako
Shirako
Shirako is fish milt — the sperm sac, usually of cod — custardy, creamy and frankly divisive. A prized winter delicacy for the adventurous.
- Also known as
- milt, cod sperm sac
- Species
- Gadus macrocephalus (Pacific cod (milt))
- Category
- Other & modern neta
- Texture
- custardy, soft — creamy, mild, rich
- Peak season
- Dec, Jan, Feb
- Sustainability
- unrated
- Mercury
- Not in the FDA consumer table
- Pregnancy
- Eat in moderation
- Price tier
- $$$
Say what it is, then taste it
Shirako is milt — the male fish’s sperm sac, most often from cod (tara no shirako). Get past the description and what you have is one of winter’s great textures: soft, custardy and cloud-like, with a mild, creamy richness.
How it’s eaten
Served raw with ponzu, lightly grilled, or fried as tempura, shirako divides the table — but its fans are devoted. Like ankimo, it’s a cold-season luxury that rewards the adventurous.