What is black tobiko?

Black tobiko is the small, glossy, jet-black roe you see on sushi rolls. It is the roe of the flying fish, and it is prized for its crunch more than for its flavor.

Where it comes from

Tobiko is the Japanese word for flying fish roe. Natural tobiko is a bright orange-red. The black version is made by coloring the roe, and the color usually comes from squid ink. Tobiko also comes in other colors, such as green (usually from wasabi) and yellow or red, made with other flavorings.

What it tastes like

Black tobiko is lightly salty with a hint of smoke and sweetness, and a clean taste of the sea. Its main appeal is the texture: tiny, firm pearls that crackle between your teeth. Where sturgeon caviar is rich and buttery, tobiko is bright and crunchy.

How it is used

• Sprinkled on sushi rolls such as California rolls, and on nigiri and sashimi
• Spooned onto deviled eggs, canapés or crackers with cream cheese
• Stirred into rice or mixed with mayonnaise for a quick sauce
• Used as a garnish on seafood, noodles or salads

Tobiko vs masago vs ikura

• Tobiko is flying fish roe. It is small, crunchy and bright.
• Masago is the roe of capelin, a small fish. It is smaller, softer and less crunchy, and it costs less. It is often dyed orange and is sometimes used as a substitute for tobiko. See what is masago.
• Ikura is salmon roe. The pearls are large and juicy and burst in the mouth. See the best types of ikura.
• Sturgeon caviar is a different product. Its pearls are delicate and its flavor is rich and buttery. See sturgeon caviar vs salmon roe.

Is black tobiko caviar?

In the United States, the word "caviar" on its own means sturgeon roe, so tobiko is not caviar in the strict sense. It is sometimes sold as "flying fish caviar", with the fish named, which is allowed.

What to check on the label

Squid is a mollusk, which is a type of shellfish. If black tobiko is colored with squid ink, it may matter to people with a mollusk allergy. Tobiko is also often sold frozen, and it can contain added salt, sugar and flavorings. Read the label if you have an allergy, and see our guide on caviar and shellfish allergies. For storing it, see how to store black tobiko.

Opus Caviar sells Kaluga Hybrid sturgeon caviar, not tobiko, and it is opening soon with same-day courier delivery across the South Bay. Join the list to be first to order.