Hotaru Ika (Firefly squid)

Raw Hotaru Ika (Firefly Squid)

Boiled Hotaru Ika with their eyes, mouth and soft bone removed.

These squids have an organ called photophore fitted on each of their tentacle and around their body that enables them to light up (blue) to attract small fishes on which they will feed on. They can also light up their body during mating season to attract their mate. 

Caught off the waters of Toyama, Japan These squids are in season in spring (March - May). The color of the squid turns maroon after boiling. These squids are priced for the flavor and texture of the innards that bursts in your mouth as you chew on them. They are commonly served raw, topped onto a hot bowl of rice or boiled then served with sumiso (miso vinegarish paste). At the restaurant, we serve them boiled, over pasta and risotto.

Capellini pasta +  Mentaiko + Tako + Hotaru Ika