California roll--what's that orange stuff?

[stratford]

So I had some California sushi rolls that were coated in a grainy orange substance on the outside of the roll. What exactly is that stuff and, if I wanted to make it myself, can I buy it somewhere?

[almansa]

I once worked with a Japanese chef in Chicago. In an attempt to bond with him I mentioned that I loved tobiko. He snorted and said "so do my children." It's fish eggs with corn syrup and food coloring: fish candy.

[Boccone Dolce]

S'ok Almansa- I love tobiko too. I had NO idea it had corn syrup! I wonder if it's true for all types- black, red, orange...

[kcijones001]

it's fish eggs

[porker]

As JonL said, flying fish roe. You can usually pick it up frozen in an asian market.

[hill food]

I see it in jars at Safeway.

although red more often. nice crunch factor.

[porker]

Yeah, sometimes we'll eat sushi then go out to a movie. I'll be watching Angelina Jolie killing bad guys and be picking out individual flying fish eggs outta my teeth, popping them one by one...

[JonL]

That is flying fish roe or tobiko (alt. sp: tobikko).
I suggest that you google it and you will learn far more than I can tell you about here.

[Ed Dibble]

These days, cal rolls are more likely to have masago instead of tobiko. It is cheaper and in something like cal rolls where cost is more important than the flavor of the roe, an adequate substitute

Real tobiko can be quite good as a sushi item by itself. Not so with masago.