Caviar guidesCaviar FAQs

What is masago?

Masago is the small, soft, orange roe often sprinkled on sushi. It is made from the eggs of the capelin, a small silvery fish that lives in cold northern waters, and it is a budget-friendly cousin of tobiko.

What it tastes like

Masago is mildly salty and slightly sweet, with a soft, subtle taste of the sea. The pearls are tiny and tender, and they have little of the crunch that tobiko has. That is why masago works well as a topping and a mix-in, where it adds color and a little brininess without overpowering the dish.

Why it is orange

Natural masago is a pale yellow or beige. It is usually dyed or flavored, often orange, and sometimes in other colors such as red or green, so check the label if you care about additives.

How it is used

  • On sushi rolls, especially spicy rolls, where it is mixed with mayonnaise and chili
  • On nigiri, sashimi and poke
  • Stirred into sauces for pasta or seafood
  • Spooned onto deviled eggs or canapés for color and salt

Masago vs tobiko

  • Source: masago comes from capelin. Tobiko comes from flying fish.
  • Size: masago is smaller than tobiko.
  • Texture: masago is soft and a little grainy. Tobiko is crunchy.
  • Price: masago usually costs less, which is why it is sometimes used instead of tobiko. If a roll says tobiko, it is fair to ask which one you are getting.

See what is black tobiko for more on tobiko.

Masago vs caviar

Masago is not caviar. In the United States, "caviar" on its own means sturgeon roe, and other roes must name the fish. Sturgeon caviar is larger, richer and served cold by the spoonful, while masago is a garnish. For a comparison with another roe, see sturgeon caviar vs salmon roe.

Allergies

Masago is fish roe. People with a fish allergy should avoid it unless their doctor says otherwise, and anyone with a food allergy should read the label for added ingredients. See our guide on caviar and shellfish allergies.

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