Tobiko is the name of the caviar from the flying fish species.
The most common place to find tobiko is in sushi restaurants, where people sprinkle them on top of dishes or spread them on sushi rolls to give them a brighter look. People may also eat tobiko as a sushi or sashimi dish.
Tobiko usually has a naturally vibrant, bright reddish color, though restaurants sometimes add other natural ingredients, such as wasabi or squid ink, to alter its flavor and appearance.
Tobiko eggs are very small, typically under 1 millimeter in diameter. They have a characteristic crunch or bursting feeling when a person bites into them, and they add a distinct texture to food.
Tobiko is traditionally salt-cured and will typically have a smoky, salty taste. However, tobiko tends to be a little sweeter than other types of roe, such as caviar or ikura.
Similar to other types of roe, tobiko is high in proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. In fact, a study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences explains that flying fish roe, similar to salmon roe, is very high in phospholipid fats. These fats may help protect the heart and liver, reduce inflammation, and improve learning capacity.
However, tobiko is very high in cholesterol. That being said, this is not usually an issue in moderation, as the serving size for tobiko is typically very small.