Forktionary

Dashi

N/A Broth/Stock

Dashi Broth/Stock

At a Glance

  • Category Broth/Stock

The Forktionary Angle

"Dashi is the secret to unlocking profound umami depth in Japanese cooking, forming the flavor backbone."

Definition

A fundamental Japanese broth, typically made from kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), providing a rich umami base for many dishes.

Common Usage Rate ~80% of Japanese Households
Key Umami Compounds Inosinate & Glutamate
Shelf Life (Powdered) Up to 2 years

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Dashi are:

Umami savory marine subtle sweet

Chef’s Secret

Steep kombu in cold water overnight before heating for maximum glutamate extraction and a clearer, more refined dashi.

Best Substitutes

Vegetable broth + dash of soy sauce

Ratio 1:1

Clam juice

- for some seafood dishes
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for instant dashi granules for convenience, or dried kombu and katsuobushi for authentic homemade broth.

Culinary Pairings

Miso soup tamagoyaki noodle broths sauces stews chawanmushi

Recipes Using Dashi

Authentic Japanese Tamago Yaki image 111
For 1 Or 2 Course Low Carb Dietary

Authentic Japanese Tamago Yaki

Master the art of Tamagoyaki, the delicate Japanese rolled omelet! This recipe, adaptable for both beginners and experienced cooks, delivers the authentic sweet and savory flavor of this popular Japanese breakfast and bento box staple. Even without a traditional rectangular pan, our easy-to-follow instructions will guide you to delicious results. Get ready to impress with this elegant and flavorful dish!

See Complete Recipe
Asian Dipping Sauces image 101
30 Minutes Or Less Dietary Sauces Time To Make

Asian Dipping Sauces

Dive into a world of flavor with this collection of four irresistible Asian dipping sauces! Perfect for spring rolls, dumplings, or anything that needs a delicious boost, these easy-to-make sauces are ready in under 20 minutes. From the classic sesame to the zesty lemon-garlic, each sauce offers a unique taste adventure. Get ready to elevate your next Asian-inspired meal!

See Complete Recipe