What is Masago?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 10, 2026
Tobiko is the Japanese word for flying fish roe. It is most widely known for its use in creating certain types of sushi. The eggs are small, ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 mm. For comparison, tobiko is larger than masago, but smaller than ikura.
Is masago actually fish eggs?
Smelt roe — commonly known as masago — are the edible eggs of the capelin fish (Mallotus villosus), which belong to the smelt family. They're considered a forage fish, meaning they're an important food source for larger predators, such as codfish, seabirds, seals, and whales.
What is masago in sushi?
Masago is a common name for smelt roe, and they are edible eggs of Mallotus villosus (Capelin fish) that belonged to the smelt family. It is often used to coat the outside of sushi rolls and in making sushi fillings. Commonly seen in orange, green, or red color, but it actually has a pale-yellow color.
Does masago taste like anything?
What does masago taste like? It tastes similar to tobiko, and is a bit salty with ocean flavor. It has a slightly crunchy and sandy texture and goes well with rice and vegetables.
Is caviar a masago?
Masago and caviar are both fish roe (fish eggs) from different species of fish. Only the roe from sturgeon fish is called “true caviar.” So, technically, masago is not caviar.
26 related questions foundWhat is masago nigiri?
Masago nigiri sushi is a traditional Japanese type of nigiri sushi. It consists of hand-pressed sushi rice that's topped with smelt roe. Traditionally, this type of sushi is eaten by hand in a single bite.
What are the red dots on sushi?
Tobiko is the name of the roe from the flying fish species. The most common place to find tobiko is in sushi restaurants, where people sprinkle them on top of dishes or spread them on sushi rolls to give them a brighter look. People may also eat tobiko as a sushi or sashimi dish.
Can you freeze masago?
Store masago in your freezer until you're ready to use it, then move it to the refrigerator. Shelf Life: Up to six months frozen, 3-4 days refrigerated.
Is masago safe?
Low in Mercury
It's also low in mercury and can be consumed safely, even while pregnant. According to the American Pregnancy Association, pregnant women can safely enjoy masago in moderation along with other low-mercury seafood options like salmon and tobiko.
Can you eat masago raw?
Masago is served raw, which can put some people off straight away! However, there is no evidence suggesting eating Masago raw presents any health risks. In general, it's a very safe fish roe to try. The only people who should avoid Masago are those who are allergic to fish and shellfish.
What is maguro?
Bluefin tuna, also known as maguro in Japanese, is very large. It is a Japanese tradition that not a single part from head to tail is wasted.
What is Ebi in Japanese food?
Ebi (shrimp) is one of the most common ingredients in Japanese cuisine. Whether you've enjoyed it fried as tempura, boiled and served as a piece of nigiri or cut up into small pieces and stuffed into a maki roll, chances are you've experienced shrimp multiple times in Japanese establishments across the United States.
Is masago a shellfish?
Masago is a seafood product and naturally, those with fish and shellfish allergy should avoid it. For some people, masago can cause allergic reactions without having seafood allergies. This includes rashes, narrowing of the airways, and low blood pressure.
What fish does masago come from?
Masago, also known as capelin roe, is the ripened egg of the capelin fish. Capelin is a type of foraging fish that frequents the world's cold-water regions, namely the Arctic, North Pacific, and North Atlantic. Capelin fish are an important source of food for whales, puffins, Atlantic cod, and other ocean predators.
How do you eat masago?
Masago is traditionally found on the outside of sushi rolls, both for flavor, texture, and decoration. However, this fish roe can also be eaten plain, by the spoonful, or mixed into other sauces, such as wasabi or soy sauce. It is also a great topping for bagels, mixed into scrambled eggs, or tossed onto a salad.
Which is healthier fish or eggs?
Egg has more riboflavin and folate, however, salmon contains more niacin, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12. Egg is a great source of calcium. Egg is an excellent source of Vitamin A. For omega-3 fatty acids, salmon has more dha, dpa and epa than egg.
What is masago in Poke Bowl?
Masago ( smelt roe ) is edible eggs of capelin fish . Low in carbs but rich in protein , healthy with omega -3 fatty acids and mineral . In our sushi burrito or poke bowl sometimes used as garnish or topping or added to the food.
Can a pregnant lady eat masago?
For a pregnancy-safe roll, try the Happy Roll, which includes tempura shrimp, masago, jalapeño, cream cheese, mayo and an avocado, kani and seaweed salad topping. Again, ask for the chef to remove the masago.
Is masago gluten free?
The Answer is: Yes
Yes, Masago is entirely made of fish eggs that come from the capelin fish. These are free from any other ingredients and allergens, including wheat and gluten. Masago does come from fish so that is the only allergen to consider.
What is wasabi masago?
Tiny capelin roe that are flavored with wasabi, these little eggs burst in your mouth with a sweet and punchy pop.
How long does fish roe last?
For instance, an unopened can of fresh caviar can stay fresh for up to 4-6 weeks in the refrigerator. Once opened, however, it will maintain a semblance of freshness for no more than 5 days if kept at 30°F to 38°F.
What is roe on sushi?
Roe is the fully ripe egg masses of fish and certain marine invertebrates, such as sea urchins. As a seafood it is used both as a cooked ingredient in many dishes and as a raw ingredient. A variety of roe types is used in Japanese cuisine, including the following which are used raw in sushi: Ikura - Salmon roe.
What are the balls on top of sushi?
Tobiko (とびこ) is the Japanese word for flying fish roe. It is most widely known for its use in creating certain types of sushi. The eggs are small, ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 mm. For comparison, tobiko is larger than masago (capelin roe), but smaller than ikura (salmon roe).
What is green tobiko?
More Information About Tobiko Caviar (Flying Fish Roe) Green Wasabi. Tobiko (flying fish roe) is a popular sushi roe used to garnish sashimi and many types of sushi rolls. Our tobiko is the original Tobikko® brand, a distinct Asian-style caviar processed in Japan.
What is the black stuff in sushi rolls?
Nori is the dark green, almost black seaweed used to hold toppings in place or to wrap sushi rolls. While most westerners experience Nori only in sushi rolls, Japanese cuisine has many uses for the ingredient. Nori can be added to soups and seafood dishes to add its salty flavor.