Ikura Don
Ikura Don is a popular Japanese rice bowl dish where a bed of steamed sushi rice is topped with a generous layer of glistening, marinated salmon roe (ikura). The roe is typically seasoned with a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sake, giving it a savory-sweet and umami-rich flavor. It's a classic example of a 'donburi' (rice bowl) and is especially prized during the autumn and winter salmon spawning season.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and healthy fats from the salmon roe, while the white rice provides a significant amount of carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium, with a typical serving containing around 500-600 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 65 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 18 mcg |
| Selenium | 45 mcg |
| Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) | 2.5 g |
| Vitamin D | 12 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 350 mg |
| Vitamin E | 3 mg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
Per 1 bowl (350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, ikura is often associated with celebration and luxury in Japan, and its vibrant orange color is considered auspicious. Nutritionally, the roe is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing more omega-3s per gram than many fish fillets, which is crucial for brain and heart health.
