Description
Dashi Stock (Japanese Soup Broth) is an authentic, umami-packed broth made with simple ingredients like kombu and bonito flakes. It provides a rich flavor base for Japanese soups, noodle dishes, and simmered vegetables. Quick to prepare and naturally gluten-free, this versatile stock enhances the depth and warmth of many meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 10g kombu (dried kelp)
- 20g bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
- 4 cups (960ml) cold water
Optional Ingredients for Variations
- 5–6 pieces dried shiitake mushrooms (for vegetarian/vegan dashi)
- Additional dried mushrooms (enoki or matsutake) for mixed mushroom dashi
Instructions
- Prepare Kombu: Wipe the kombu gently with a damp cloth to remove any impurities without washing under running water to preserve its umami compounds.
- Soak Kombu: Place the kombu in a pot with cold water and soak for about 30 minutes to slowly extract flavor without heat.
- Heat the Water and Kombu: Slowly bring the water with kombu to just below boiling over medium-low heat. Remove the kombu just before the water starts boiling to avoid bitterness.
- Add Bonito Flakes: After removing kombu, add the bonito flakes to the hot water and steep for 2 to 3 minutes until they sink.
- Strain the Broth: Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the bonito flakes. The clear, fragrant dashi stock is now ready.
Notes
- Use thick kombu with a white powdery coating for richer stock due to higher glutamate content.
- Do not boil kombu to prevent bitterness; remove it just before boiling.
- Use freshly opened bonito flakes for the best aroma and flavor.
- Strain bonito flakes immediately after steeping to keep broth clear and avoid an overly fishy taste.
- Use cheesecloth if needed to maintain a clear broth for presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 10
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: dashi, japanese broth, soup stock, umami broth, kombu, bonito flakes, miso soup base, vegan dashi, gluten free broth
