19 Dashi Recipe Japanese 101 Discover Culinary Perfection!

Published on: Mar 25, 2024

In addition to being a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine, dashi is a versatile and flavorful broth that can elevate any dish. Made from a combination of bonito flakes, kombu, and water, dashi is the foundation of many traditional Japanese dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and marinades. Whether you are a seasoned chef or new to Japanese cooking, learning how to make dashi is an essential skill that will enhance your culinary repertoire. In this article, we will delve into the rich history and cultural significance of dashi, as well as provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this savory broth at home.

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

Dashi (Homemade Japanese Stock)

Main Ingredients: Water, Konbu, Katsuo Bushi

Homemade Dashi (Japanese Stock) From Scratch | Daily Cooking Quest

Basic Vegan Dashi Stock | Lands & Flavors

Home Style Japanese Dashi Stock | RecipeTin Japan

My Favourite Awase Dashi (Homemade Japanese soup stock) - Sudachi ...

If you're looking to add an authentic Japanese flavor to your dishes, then dashi is a must-have in your kitchen. This homemade Japanese stock is the base for many traditional Japanese dishes and is known for its umami-rich, savory taste. Made from simple ingredients like dried kombu seaweed and bonito flakes, dashi is a versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, stews, marinades, and more. In this article, we'll share with you our top 20 beer can chicken recipes that use dashi as an essential ingredient.

2 of 20

Dashi (Japanese Stock)

Main Ingredients: Water, Kombu, Bonito Flakes, Katsuobushi

Dashi (Japanese soup stock) vending machine | 自動販売機, 珍しい

How to make Dashi stock | Chopstick Chronicles

Kombu & Shiitake Dashi | Fused by Fiona Uyema

Dashi is a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and is often referred to as the "mother" of Japanese cooking. It is a simple broth made from kombu seaweed and bonito flakes, which are dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna. The result is a flavorful and savory stock that is the base for many traditional Japanese dishes.

3 of 20

Dashi Stock - Basic Japanese Sea Stock

Main Ingredients: Water, Kombu, Bonito Flakes

Japanese dashi stock recipe | Stock recipes, Soy products, Japanese food

Awase Dashi - Basic Japanese Stock | Chef JA Cooks Simple Gohan ...

How To Make Dashi だしの作り方 • Just One Cookbook

In Japanese, dashi translates to "broth" or "stock," and it's often the first thing taught to aspiring Japanese chefs. This basic Japanese sea stock is the foundation for many dishes, including miso soup, udon noodle soup, and more. The combination of kombu and bonito flakes creates a delicate balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors that can't be replicated with any other ingredient.

4 of 20

Japanese Style Pancakes

Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Milk, Vanilla, Sugar, Baking Powder, Flour

Fluffy Japanese Pancakes | How to Make Soufflé Pancakes!

Hungry Couple: Fluffy Almost Japanese Style Pancakes

Japanese-Style Soufflé Pancakes | #BreadBakers | Karen's Kitchen Stories

One of the most popular Japanese dishes that use dashi is okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese-style pancakes. These savory pancakes are made with a batter of flour, eggs, dashi, and various toppings like cabbage, pork, and seafood. The dashi adds a depth of flavor to the pancakes and complements the other ingredients perfectly.

5 of 20

Japanese ‘Cotton’ Cheesecake

Main Ingredients: Full Fat Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter, Whole Milk

Easy Japanese Cheesecake Recipe - so fluffy and jiggly! - Foxy Folksy

Japanese Cotton Cheesecake - Chocolates & Chai

A Japanese cotton cheesecake I baked today : r/Baking

Japanese Cotton Cheesecake with Mango Glaze • Color Your Recipes

Another unique dish that incorporates dashi is Japanese "cotton" cheesecake. This light and fluffy cheesecake use a combination of cream cheese, eggs, and cornstarch to create a delicate texture, while the dashi adds a subtle savory note. It's a perfect dessert for those who prefer a less sweet option.

6 of 20

Japanese Okonomiyaki

Main Ingredients: Flour, Water, Eggs, Cabbage, Carrot, Spring Onions

Okonomiyaki (Japanese Savoury Pancake) | RecipeTin Japan

Okonomiyaki - Japanese Savory Cabbage Pancake - Tiffy Cooks

The Best Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) | Pickled Plum | Recipe | Okonomiyaki ...

As mentioned before, okonomiyaki is a popular dish in Japan and is often referred to as "Japanese pizza." This savory pancake is a favorite street food in Japan and can be customized with various toppings and sauces. The dashi in the batter adds a unique umami flavor to the dish, making it a must-try for any Japanese food enthusiast.

7 of 20

Dashi Tamagoyaki – Japanese Style Omelet

Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Broth, Soy Sauce, Scallions, Vegetable Oil

Tamagoyaki, or Japanese-style omelet, is a staple breakfast dish in Japan. Made with eggs, dashi, and soy sauce, this omelet has a slightly sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with rice and other side dishes. It's a simple dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

8 of 20

Home Style Japanese Dashi Stock

Main Ingredients: Water, Konbu, Katsuobushi

Commonly used method of making Japanese Dashi stock for home cooking ...

How To Make Kombu Dashi (Vegetarian/Vegan) (Video) 昆布だし | Recipe ...

Dashi | Recipe | Dashi recipe, Recipes, Japanese dishes

Dashi - the Easiest Japanese Stock

If you want to make your dashi at home, then this is the recipe for you. This homemade dashi stock is easy to make and uses only three ingredients: kombu, bonito flakes, and water. The result is a rich and flavorful stock that is perfect for all your Japanese cooking needs.

9 of 20

Miso Soup – Japanese Cooking 101

Main Ingredients: Water, Bonito Flakes, Tofu, Miso Paste, Green Onions

How to Make Miso Soup (味噌汁) - Tested by Amy + Jacky

Miso Soup | Easy Japanese Recipes at JustOneCookbook.com # ...

Miso soup might be one comfort food that helps you live longer in 2020 ...

Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer. This simple soup is made with dashi, miso paste, and various ingredients like tofu, seaweed, and green onions. The dashi adds depth and richness to the soup and is a crucial ingredient in creating the perfect umami flavor.

10 of 20

How To Make Japanese Dashi Broth

Main Ingredients: Water, Kombu, Dried Bonito Flakes

How To Make Kombu Dashi (Vegan Dashi) - From The Comfort Of My Bowl

How To Make Japanese Dashi Broth | Kitchn Dashi Recipe, Tempura Recipe ...

a glass jar filled with liquid sitting on top of a table next to napkins

If you're new to Japanese cooking, you may be wondering how to make dashi broth at home. This recipe breaks down the process step by step and provides tips for achieving the perfect flavor. Once you have your dashi broth, you can use it in various dishes and explore the world of Japanese cuisine.

11 of 20

Basic Japanese Stock - Kombu and Bonito Dashi

Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Kombu, Katsuobushi

Katsuo Dashi (Bonito Stock) かつおだし • Just One Cookbook

How To Make Dashi (Basic Japanese Sea Stock) — La Fuji Mama

This basic Japanese stock recipe uses only two ingredients: kombu and bonito flakes. It's a simple and versatile broth that can be used in many dishes, including soups, stews, and marinades. The kombu and bonito flakes create a balanced and flavorful broth that will elevate any dish.

12 of 20

Agedashi Tofu – Japanese Fried Tofu in Savoury Dashi...

Main Ingredients: Tofu, Salt, Potato Starch, Vegetable Oil, Dashi, Light

Agedashi Tofu (EXTRA Cripsy in 20 Minutes) - Tiffy Cooks

Tofu frit et bouillon comme un dashi (agedashi tofu) | Ricardo | Recipe ...

Agedashi Tofu Recipe (Deep Fried Tofu) - Cooking with Dog | Recipe ...

How to Cook Agedashi Tofu (with video tutorial) - All Day I Eat - like ...

Agedashi tofu is a popular dish in Japan and is often served as an appetizer. This dish features deep-fried tofu that is served in a savory dashi broth and topped with various seasonings like green onions, grated daikon, and bonito flakes. The dashi broth adds a rich and flavorful base to the dish, making it a favorite among many.

13 of 20

Japanese Side Dish | Spinach Ohitashi (dashi based...

Main Ingredients: Spinach, Dashi Stock, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Katsuobushi

Spinach ohitashi is a simple and healthy side dish that is commonly found in Japanese households. This dish is made with blanched spinach that is marinated in a flavorful dashi-based dressing. The dashi adds a subtle umami flavor to the dish and complements the natural sweetness of the spinach.

14 of 20

Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)

Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar

Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad) - Okonomi Kitchen

Sunomono Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe - Low Carb Yum

Easy to make sunomono Japanese cucumber salad. #salad #cucumber # ...

How to Make Sunomono: Japanese Cucumber Salad. Sunomono is a quick and ...

Sunomono is a traditional Japanese cucumber salad that is often served as a side dish or appetizer. This refreshing salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and dashi. It's a perfect dish for hot summer days and adds a burst of flavor to any meal.

15 of 20

Japanese Ramen

Main Ingredients: Vegetable Broth, Miso Paste, Large Carrot, Onion

The delicious falling Japanese ramen bowl Sticker by AnGoArt | Food ...

INFOGRAPHIC: Here's Your Guide to The Different Types of Ramen ...

Spicy Chicken Ramen - EXTRA CRISPY Chicken - Tiffy Cooks

Ramen is a popular dish in Japan and has gained popularity worldwide. This noodle soup is made with a savory broth, noodles, and various toppings like sliced pork, green onions, and soft-boiled eggs. The broth is often made with dashi, which adds a depth of flavor to the dish and makes it a comforting and satisfying meal.

16 of 20

Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri

Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin

Onigiri- Japanese Rice Balls おにぎり | Chopstick Chronicles

Japanese Onigiri Recipe - Onigiri Recipe Japanese Rice Balls Hungry Huy ...

Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls) 焼きおにぎり - Chopstick Chronicles

Onigiri (Rice Balls) Recipe | Food Network

Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a convenient and delicious snack or meal option in Japan. These triangular-shaped rice balls are often filled with various ingredients like salmon, pickled plum, or tuna and are wrapped in seaweed. The dashi in the rice adds a subtle yet essential flavor to the onigiri, making it a staple in Japanese cuisine.

17 of 20

Japanese Udon Noodle Soup

Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms, Spring Onion

Authentic Japanese Udon Soup - Mildly Meandering | Recipe | Udon soup ...

Udon Noodle Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms | Shiitake noodles, Udon ...

Japanese Chicken Curry Udon Noodle Soup - Cooking with a Wallflower

Udon noodle soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is enjoyed by many in Japan. This soup features thick and chewy udon noodles in a flavorful broth made with dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for cold weather or when you need a warm and comforting meal.

18 of 20

Japanese Gyoza Dumplings

Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger

How to Make Japanese Gyoza (Pan-Fried Dumplings) - Savored Journeys

Gyoza Recipe – Gyoza are Japanese dumplings. Learn how to make the best ...

Gyoza are Japanese dumplings filled with moist and juicy ground pork ...

Gyoza, or Japanese dumplings, are a popular dish in Japan and are often served as an appetizer or side dish. These dumplings are filled with a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings and are typically pan-fried or steamed. The dashi in the filling adds a subtle umami flavor to the dumplings and makes them even more delicious.

19 of 20

How to make mentsuyu | Japanese noodle soup base with...

Main Ingredients: Dashi, Light Soy Sauce, Mirin

Mentsuyu is an easy 4-ingredient Japanese seasoning used for making ...

Vegan Mentsuyu | 麺つゆ (Japanese Noodle Soup Base) - Okonomi Kitchen

Kikkoman Japanese Noodle Soup Base(Hon Tsuyu) 17 FL Oz. - Walmart.com

Mentsuyu (Noodle Soup Base) | Japanese Cooking Recipes, Ingredients ...

Mentsuyu is a versatile noodle soup base that is used in various Japanese dishes, including soba and udon noodles. This recipe shows you how to make mentsuyu at home using simple ingredients like dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. The result is a flavorful and savory broth that can be used in many dishes.

20 of 20

Japanese Eggplant

Main Ingredients: Japanese Eggplant, Soy Sauce, Sake, Brown Sugar, Rice

Japanese Eggplant Recipes - NYT Cooking

Japanese Eggplant Recipe | RecipeStudio

Marinated Teriyaki Eggplant | Recipe | Eggplant recipes easy, Japanese ...

Japanese eggplant, also known as nasu, is a staple vegetable in Japanese cuisine. This eggplant has a thinner skin and a sweeter flavor compared to other varieties, making it perfect for dishes like tempura, stir-fries, and stews. The dashi in these dishes adds a savory and rich flavor to the eggplant, making it a standout ingredient.

The Origins of Dashi

The Importance of Dashi in Japanese Cuisine

Dashi has been a staple in Japanese cooking for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). It is often referred to as the "umami of Japan," as it is known for its rich and savory flavor. In traditional Japanese cuisine, dashi is considered the base of all flavor and is used in a variety of dishes, from the iconic ramen to simple udon noodle soups and delicate sauces.

The Key Ingredients of Dashi

The two main ingredients in dashi are bonito flakes and kombu. Bonito flakes are thin, dried flakes made from skipjack tuna, while kombu is a type of edible kelp. Both ingredients are rich in glutamic acid, which is responsible for the umami taste in dashi. The combination of these two ingredients creates a complex and flavorful broth that is the foundation of many Japanese dishes.

Making Dashi at Home

Step-by-Step Guide

Making dashi at home is a simple process, but it requires attention to detail to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. To make dashi, you will need:

4 cups of water
1 piece of kombu (about 2 inches)
1 cup of bonito flakes

1. Begin by wiping the kombu with a damp cloth to remove any excess salt. 2. Place the kombu in a pot with 4 cups of water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. 3. Turn on the heat to medium and slowly bring the water to a simmer. 4. Just before the water reaches a boil, remove the kombu from the pot. 5. Add the bonito flakes to the pot and let them simmer for 5 minutes. 6. Turn off the heat and let the bonito flakes settle at the bottom of the pot. 7. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. 8. Your dashi is now ready to use in your desired recipe.

Using Dashi in Your Cooking

Dashi can be used in a variety of ways in your cooking. It can be used as a base for soups and stews, as a flavor enhancer in sauces and marinades, and even as a delicious hot drink on its own. Its umami-rich flavor adds depth and complexity to any dish, making it an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. In conclusion, learning how to make dashi is a fundamental skill for anyone interested in Japanese cooking. Its history, cultural significance, and versatile use in cooking make it a beloved and essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. So why not try making dashi at home and experience the delicious and unique flavors of this traditional Japanese broth?