My First Homemade Shiokara
Shiokara is a traditional Japanese seafood dish made by fermenting squid with salt. It has a rich, savory flavor and is often enjoyed in small portions with rice or as a snack with a drink.
To be honest, I have never been a big fan of the shiokara sold in stores. It is often a little too salty and fishy for my taste.
But my mother-in-law's homemade shiokara is completely different. I have always loved hers.
When we could get very fresh good squids, she used to make a fresh batch for our family. It became one of our family traditions that I simply took for granted.
When I was shopping the other day, I noticed a package of fresh squid at the supermarket.
It looked very fresh, but the squid was a little smaller than I expected. I wasn't sure if it would be suitable for making shiokara.
After standing there for a moment, I thought, "Why not give it a try?"
I decided to make just a small batch.
For the first time, I made it by myself. Looking back, I'm really glad I did.
I carefully followed the way she taught me and hoped it would turn out well. As I mixed the ingredients together, I realized I wasn't just making food—I was continuing a small family tradition.
When I tasted it, I felt relieved and happy. It wasn't exactly the same as hers, of course, but it brought back many warm memories.
Sometimes handmade things are more than just objects or food. They carry stories, memories, and the kindness of the people who taught us.
I hope I can continue making shiokara every year from now on.
-Nat
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