ちくわ

ちくわ
noun
tube-shaped fish cake; chikuwa
1. tube-shaped fish cake; chikuwa
A Japanese fish cake made from fish paste (surimi) that is wrapped around a bamboo stick, grilled, and then removed, leaving a distinctive hollow tube shape.
ちくわをおでんに入(い)れる。
Add chikuwa to the oden.
ちくわの穴(あな)にきゅうりを詰(つ)める。
Stuff cucumber into the hole of the chikuwa.
ちくわの磯辺揚(いそべあ)げは定番(ていばん)のおかずだ。
Chikuwa tempura with nori is a classic side dish.

ETYMOLOGY:
From 竹輪(ちくわ) - literally "bamboo ring/wheel," referring to the bamboo stick used in making it and the ring-like cross-section.

Usually written in hiragana (ちくわ) rather than kanji.

MAKING PROCESS:
Fish paste (すり身(すりみ)) is wrapped around a bamboo or metal rod, then grilled or steamed. When the stick is removed, a hollow tube remains.

COMMON PREPARATIONS:

  • おでん - simmered in oden broth
  • 磯辺揚(いそべあ)げ - tempura with nori seaweed
  • 煮物(にもの) - simmered dishes
  • サラダ - salads
  • お弁当(べんとう) - lunch boxes

POPULAR SERVING STYLE:
ちくわきゅうり (chikuwa with cucumber stuffed inside) is a simple, popular snack or bento item.

RELATED FISH CAKES:

  • かまぼこ - steamed fish cake (flat)
  • さつま揚(あ)げ - fried fish cake
  • はんぺん - fluffy white fish cake
  • なると - spiral-patterned fish cake

Related Words

Related: かまぼこ (fish cake)
general
Added 2026.1.20 14:43 · Revised 2026.2.19 21:42
07000/07479_chikuwa