Nissui to release three microwave-ready fish dishes in Japan

JAPAN – Nissui Corporation has announced the launch of three new microwave-ready frozen fish dishes in Japan, expanding its “Today’s Side Dish” range with products scheduled to go on sale nationwide on March 1, according to a company statement issued in Tokyo.

The additions include microwaveable grilled salt mackerel, grilled sawara seasoned with Kyoto-style Saikyo seasoning, and fried horse mackerel served with plum and shiso, all designed for home consumption without conventional cooking.

Nissui said the releases fall under its Spring and Summer 2026 product concept, which focuses on aligning product development more closely with everyday consumer needs and household eating habits.

The company’s announcement comes as Japan continues to see growth in dual-income and single-person households, a shift that has fueled demand for prepared foods that minimize time spent on meal preparation.

Industry data cited by Nissui indicates that fish-based meals remain popular for their nutritional profile, but are often skipped in home cooking due to preparation time, lingering odors, and challenges around portioning and waste.

By offering fully cooked fish that can be reheated in a microwave, the company aims to lower those barriers and make seafood more accessible to consumers who do not regularly cook fish at home.

Product composition and preparation

The grilled salt mackerel is seasoned with shio koji and Awaji Island seaweed salt, then cooked to achieve a browned exterior and a soft interior.

Meanwhile, the grilled sawara, Saikyo-style, is marinated overnight in a mixture of white miso, sugar, mirin, sake, shio koji, and soy sauce to reflect the mild sweetness of Kyoto cuisine.

Both grilled products rely on Nissui’s proprietary Fluffy Marinating Technique, a processing method designed to retain moisture and texture after freezing and microwave reheating.

The fried horse mackerel item differs from the grilled offerings, featuring fish coated in a customized batter and breadcrumbs, then paired with a sauce made from ume plum and shiso leaves.

Lineup expansion

All three products are packaged as single-serve side dishes and are positioned for use alongside rice or other staples as part of a complete meal.

Nissui has previously released similar microwaveable seafood items under the same brand, and the new launches extend the variety of fish species and flavor profiles available in the frozen range.

The company said the expanded lineup reflects ongoing adjustments to product development as eating patterns evolve and demand grows for ready-to-heat meals with familiar flavors.

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