Bottarga
May 15
5 min read
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A savory and flavorful Italian delicacy made from cured fish roe.
Bottarga is a traditional Italian delicacy that consists of salted and cured fish roe. It is known for its intense umami flavor and is often grated or thinly sliced to add a burst of savory goodness to various dishes. This recipe will guide you through the process of making bottarga at home using salt, fish roe, and time. Once prepared, you can enjoy this exquisite ingredient in different culinary preparations.
Ingredients
- Fish roe (mullet or tuna) — 2 roe sacs
- Salt — 1 cup
Directions
1. Begin by carefully removing the fish roe sacs from the fish.
2. Gently rinse the roe sacs under cold water to remove any excess blood or membranes.
3. Place the roe sacs on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry.
4. In a shallow dish or container, spread a layer of salt evenly on the bottom.
5. Lay the roe sacs on top of the salt layer and cover them completely with more salt.
6. Place the container in the refrigerator and let the roe cure for about 2 weeks.
7. Every few days, carefully turn the roe sacs and replace the salt to ensure even curing.
8. After 2 weeks, remove the roe sacs from the salt and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt.
9. Pat the roe sacs dry and wrap them tightly in cheesecloth or parchment paper.
10. Hang the wrapped roe sacs in a cool, well-ventilated area for about 2-3 weeks to dry and develop flavor.
11. Once the bottarga is firm and dry to the touch, it is ready to be used.
12. To enjoy bottarga, grate or thinly slice it and use it as a topping for pasta, salads, or crostini.
13. Store the bottarga in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to several months.
14. Savor the unique and intense flavor of homemade bottarga in your favorite recipes.
15. Buon appetito!