Grilled Hanpen with Mentaiko Butter Sauce – Aohata Verde Recipe

This soft and savory dish features seared hanpen fish cake finished with a rich mentaiko butter sauce made using Aohata Verde Mentaiko Toast Spread. Quick to make and packed with umami, it's a delicious side dish or izakaya-style snack.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1 sheet hanpen (cut into 4 pieces)
• 50ml milk
• 10g butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 teaspoons Aohata Verde Mentaiko Toast Spread (approx. 10 arrows on the package)

Instructions

1. Cut the hanpen into four equal pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in a frying pan. Add the hanpen and cook until both sides are lightly golden.
3. Add water to the pan, cover with a lid, and steam for a few minutes. Transfer to serving plates.
4. In the same pan, add milk and Aohata Verde Mentaiko Toast Spread. Simmer briefly until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter to finish the sauce.
5. Pour the warm sauce over the hanpen and serve immediately.

Tip: This mentaiko butter sauce also pairs beautifully with grilled tofu or steamed vegetables.