Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, which boasts the largest size in Japan. While known as a mecca for abundant nature and marine sports, it has suffered from damage to the ecosystem caused by exotic fish such as black bass and bluegill.

A black bass called "Lake Biwa gang" that devours native species such as crucian carps. As a countermeasure, Shiga Prefecture prohibits the re-release of caught black bass and puts up such a sign on the shore of Lake Biwa.

"These exotic fish (black bass and bluegill) are delicious. Take them home and eat them when you catch them."
Signboard standing on the shore of Lake Biwa
Signboard standing on the shore of Lake Biwa

e? Is black bass delicious? Freshwater fish in rivers and lakes have the image of being "muddy" and "dull"? And how to cook it?

Well, I'm curious! That's why I actually ate it.

I visited the Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Museum (Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture), which introduces the nature and history of Lake Biwa. At the restaurant " Nihonomi ", you can enjoy udon noodles, soba noodles, and set meals while gazing at the magnificent Lake Biwa.
Lake Biwa as magnificent as the sea
Lake Biwa as magnificent as the sea

In addition to black bass, the menu is lined with names of freshwater fish such as catfish and gori. There are various cooking methods such as tempura, tsukudani, and nanbanzuke. After hesitation, I chose "Bath Burger", which is limited to 20 meals a day. I'm thrilled to see what the black bass will look like.
Menu table with the names of freshwater fish
Menu table with the names of freshwater fish

After a while, the bus burger appeared! A black bass that is deeply fried and sandwiched between buns (round bread) with a diameter of about 9 cm. The strange appearance of "Lake Biwa gangster" hurts my chest a little. Then how about the taste?
"Lake Biwa gang" looks like this
"Lake Biwa gang" looks like this
When you grab it, the white meat that easily crumbles has a texture like a kiss or flatfish. It's low in fat and light, but when combined with tartar sauce, the satisfaction level is perfect. There was a faint odor, but it wasn't noticed unless told, and it tasted the same as a normal fish burger. Surprisingly, the black bass was delicious!
It looks like a "fish burger" itself
It looks like a "fish burger" itself
A black bass that devastates the rich ecosystem of Lake Biwa and drives native species into a corner. Although it is said to be a "harmful fish," it was also an attractive fish with a refreshing taste when eaten. The low-fat and nutritious point is also attracting attention from the food and beverage industry.
On the other hand, it seems that there are problems in using it as an ingredient. One of them is the time and effort required for cooking. Even the Nihonomi I visited this time is making careful preparations such as soaking in herbs to eliminate the peculiar odor. Considering the time and effort, black bass may be rather a "luxury food".
Is it actually a high-class ingredient?
Is it actually a high-class ingredient?
Even if it takes time to cook, the "harmful fish" black bass is likely to be used as an ingredient if demand increases. Why don't you go sightseeing around Lake Biwa this summer and enjoy black bass dishes such as bass burgers and bass tendons? The taste of "normally delicious" may overturn the image of freshwater fish as "muddy" and "dull". If you can eat deliciously and contribute to the extermination of foreign fish, it is "two birds with one stone"!
Address:1091 Oroshimocho, Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture
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