Served alongside muktuk

Muktuk is the traditional Inuit and Yup'ik dish of frozen whale skin and blubber, most commonly from the bowhead, beluga, or narwhal. It is typically served raw and frozen, cut into small cubes, and often seasoned with salt or soy sauce. This is a staple food in Arctic coastal communities of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Muktuk is extremely high in fat, providing a dense source of calories and essential fatty acids, with a moderate amount of protein. It is a significant source of vitamins C and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, with a typical serving containing roughly 250-350 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	300 kcal
Protein	15 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	27 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	120 mg
Vitamin C	18 mg
Vitamin D	10 µg
Vitamin B12	8 µg
Selenium	40 µg
Phosphorus	250 mg
Omega-3 (EPA+DHA)	1.5 g

Per 100 g (about 3.5 oz, a typical portion) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Muktuk is a fascinating example of a traditional food perfectly adapted to an extreme environment, providing critical vitamins (like C and D) that are scarce in a diet lacking fresh produce. Its unique texture—a mix of crunchy skin and waxy blubber—is an acquired taste central to Arctic culinary identity.