Satsuma-age — Fried Fish Cake Tradition

Satsuma-age (さつま揚げ) is Kagoshima's signature fish cake — ground white fish mixed with brown sugar, sake, and miso, shaped into patties or logs, then deep-fried until golden. The sweetness distinguishes Satsuma-age from other regional fish cakes. Varieties include plain fish, fish with vegetables (burdock, carrot), fish with cheese, and fish with squid ink (black satsuma-age).

The name derives from Satsuma Domain (old name for Kagoshima region) where the dish originated in the Edo period.