Walk into a Japanese restaurant during the colder months and you might spot something unusual on the seasonal menu.

Soft.

White.

Creamy.

Sometimes served with a simple sauce.

Sometimes grilled.

Sometimes hidden beneath a perfectly crisp layer of tempura.

It looks innocent enough.

This is shirako (白子)—a seasonal Japanese delicacy prized for its rich, creamy texture.

But then someone tells you what it actually is.

Shirako is the milt—or sperm sacs—of male fish.

Usually cod.

Yes.

Fish sperm sacs.

So...

why exactly are people eating this?

And more importantly...

would you try it?

What Is Shirako?

Shirako (白子) is the milt, or sperm-producing reproductive organ, of male fish.

Several types of fish can be used, but cod shirako is among the best known in Japan.

Rather than having the firm texture you might expect from seafood, shirako is remarkably soft.

Almost custard-like.

Its flavor is generally mild, while its texture is rich and creamy.

For people who love shirako, that's exactly the appeal.

For everyone else...

knowing what it is can be the difficult part. 😅

What Does Shirako Mean?

Shirako is written:

白子

The kanji are:

白 (shiro) = white

子 (ko) = child

So the literal meaning is:

“white child” or “white children.”

The name makes a little more sense once you've seen shirako.

It's pale white or cream in color, with a soft, folded appearance.

But the gentle-sounding name doesn't exactly prepare you for the explanation:

male fish reproductive organs.

Japanese food names can be deceptive like that.

What Fish Does Shirako Come From?

Shirako can come from several kinds of fish.

But one of the most famous is tara (鱈)—cod.

Cod shirako is particularly associated with winter in Japan.

Depending on the fish and region, you may encounter different varieties, but when someone in Japan simply talks about eating shirako, cod is often what people imagine.

When Is Shirako Eaten in Japan?

Shirako is especially associated with the colder months.

Cod shirako is at its best during winter, making it a seasonal ingredient rather than something most people think about eating year-round.

That's part of its appeal.

Seasonality plays an important role in Japanese food culture.

Certain ingredients arrive.

Restaurants put them on seasonal menus.

People enjoy them while they're at their best.

Then the season changes.

Shirako is one of those foods that signals:

winter has arrived. ❄️

How Is Shirako Served?

There's no single way to eat shirako.

Its delicate texture works with several different preparations.

You might encounter it:

🍋 Lightly cooked and served with ponzu
🔥 Grilled
🍲 Added to hot pot
🍤 Made into tempura
🍣 Served as sushi
🥢 Simply seasoned and served as a small dish

Each preparation changes the experience.

But the signature creamy interior remains.

What Does Shirako Taste Like?

This is probably the question everyone asks immediately after discovering what shirako is.

Does it taste... like what it is?

Not really.

Shirako is generally described as having a mild, delicate, slightly sweet and creamy flavor.

It isn't usually intensely fishy.

The more distinctive part is the texture.

It's extremely soft.

Smooth.

Rich.

Almost like custard or soft cream.

That texture is exactly why some people consider shirako luxurious.

And exactly why others can't handle it.

Is Shirako Eaten Raw?

Shirako can be prepared in different ways depending on the dish and restaurant.

It may be lightly cooked, boiled, grilled, fried, or prepared in other ways.

Because shirako is seafood and highly perishable, proper handling and freshness are particularly important.

If you're trying it in Japan, it's best enjoyed at a reputable restaurant experienced in preparing it.

Is Shirako Popular in Japan?

Shirako is a recognized Japanese delicacy, especially during winter.

But there's an important distinction:

Japanese delicacy does not mean every Japanese person loves it.

Far from it.

Some people absolutely love shirako.

They wait for winter menus to appear.

Others dislike the texture.

Some dislike the idea of what they're eating.

And some won't touch it at all.

So if you visit Japan and think:

“There is absolutely no way I'm eating that.”

Don't worry.

There are Japanese people sitting firmly on your side too.

Why Do People Like Shirako?

If you can get past what it is, shirako has several qualities prized in Japanese cuisine.

It's seasonal.

It's delicate.

It has a distinctive texture.

And it can be prepared in several different ways without overwhelming its natural character.

For fans, eating shirako isn't about the shock factor.

It's simply a winter delicacy with a rich, creamy texture they genuinely enjoy.

Which creates a funny divide.

One person sees:

luxurious winter delicacy.

Another sees:

fish sperm sacs.

Same plate.

Very different experience.

Why Is Shirako Considered a Delicacy?

Part of shirako's status comes from its seasonality and texture.

Good shirako is available during a relatively limited period, particularly when certain fish such as cod are in season.

Japanese cuisine places considerable value on eating foods during their best season.

There's even a strong cultural appreciation for ingredients that remind you of a particular time of year.

Shirako isn't just seafood.

For people who love it...

it's winter food.

Is Shirako Only Eaten in Japan?

No.

Fish milt is eaten in other cuisines and regions around the world as well.

But shirako has become particularly associated with Japanese cuisine, where it appears in preparations ranging from simple seasonal dishes to tempura, hot pot, and sushi.

For many visitors to Japan, it becomes one of those foods they encounter and immediately ask:

“Wait... what IS that?”

And then someone tells them.

And then comes the decision.

Fun Facts About Shirako

• Shirako (白子) literally means “white child” or “white children.”
• Shirako is the milt of male fish.
• Cod is one of the fish most strongly associated with shirako in Japan.
• Shirako is especially popular during the colder months.
• Its texture is very soft, rich, and creamy.
• Its flavor is generally much milder than people expect.
• Shirako can be grilled, fried as tempura, served in hot pot, or prepared as a simple seasonal dish.
• Shirako is not fish roe—roe comes from female fish.
• Not every Japanese person likes shirako.
• For some people, the texture is the hardest part.
• For others, simply knowing what it is makes eating it impossible.
• Shirako is one of those Japanese foods that can inspire very strong reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shirako?

Shirako (白子) is the milt, or sperm-producing reproductive organ, of male fish. Cod is one of the most common varieties eaten in Japan.

What does shirako mean?

The kanji 白子 literally mean “white child” or “white children.”

Is shirako really fish sperm?

More precisely, shirako is the milt or sperm sacs of male fish, rather than simply a dish made from loose sperm.

What does shirako taste like?

Shirako generally has a mild, delicate flavor and a very soft, rich, creamy texture.

What fish is used for shirako?

Several fish can be used, but cod is one of the best-known sources of shirako in Japan.

When is shirako eaten?

Shirako is particularly associated with winter, when cod and other varieties are in season.

How is shirako cooked?

It can be lightly cooked, grilled, served in hot pot, fried as tempura, served as sushi, or prepared in other seasonal dishes.

Is shirako the same as fish roe?

No. Fish roe consists of eggs from female fish. Shirako is milt from male fish.

Do all Japanese people eat shirako?

No. Shirako is well known in Japan, but people have very different opinions about it. Some love it, while others strongly dislike it.

Is shirako safe to eat?

Shirako is eaten as seafood in Japan, but like other highly perishable seafood, proper freshness, storage, handling, and preparation are important.

🇯🇵 Keep Discovering Japan

If you enjoyed learning about shirako (白子), you might also like discovering beni shōga (紅しょうが)—the bright red pickled ginger that adds a sharp, refreshing bite to many Japanese dishes.

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寿司サーファー

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Calm, adaptable, and always searching for balance, he knows life doesn't stay perfectly still for very long.

Sometimes the wave is smooth.

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Either way...

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🇯🇵 About JapPop

At JapPop, we celebrate Japanese culture through playful illustrations, original characters, and stories inspired by everyday life in Japan.

From beloved foods and unusual delicacies to traditional festivals, folklore, historical figures, martial arts, lucky gods, and language, every article introduces another piece of Japan—and another story worth discovering.

Sometimes that discovery is beautiful.

Sometimes fascinating.

And sometimes someone puts a plate in front of you and says:

“It's fish sperm sacs.”

Japan has surprises. 😅🇯🇵

Discover Japan, one story at a time. 🇯🇵✨