The Four Major Dashi Ingredients
The four main ingredients that make up Japanese “Dashi”. Knowing their characteristics, components, and suitable dishes will significantly improve your cooking skills. Click on the cards below for details.
Kombu (Kelp)
Elegant and subtle flavor. It does not interfere with the taste of the ingredients, making it ideal as a base for clear soups and hot pot dishes.
FLAVOR PROFILE
*Showing general tendencies
Umami Synergy: 1 + 1 = 7
Combining “Glutamic acid” (Kombu) with “Inosinic acid” (Bonito) or “Guanylic acid” (Shiitake) boosts the umami intensity by **7 to 8 times**. This is the magic of “Awase Dashi” (Mixed Dashi), the basis of Japanese cuisine.
The Golden Ratio Rule
Generally, combining Vegetable (Kombu) and Animal (Bonito, etc.) ingredients is basic.
Ex: Base with Kombu dashi, finish with Bonito flakes.
Umami Intensity Comparison
How to Make Dashi: Two Basic Methods
Extract gently over time, or use heat to bring out the aroma. Use them according to your purpose.
Cold Brew (Mizudashi)
Fail-proof, clean taste.
Preparation
For 1 liter of water, use 10g of Kombu (or 20-30g for Sardines).
Soaking
Put water and ingredients in a container and let it sit in the fridge overnight (about 8-10 hours).
Completion
Remove the ingredients. Since it’s not heated, there are no off-flavors and it tastes clean.
Heated Extraction (Nidashi)
The standard method to maximize aroma.
Heating Kombu
Put water and Kombu in a pot and heat on medium. Remove Kombu just before boiling (when bubbles appear).
Adding Bonito
Once boiled, turn off heat and add Bonito flakes. Let it sink for 1-2 minutes without touching.
Straining
Line a strainer with paper towel and strain gently. Do not squeeze, or bitterness will come out.
Product Types and How to Choose
Select the best product type according to your lifestyle and preference.
Raw Ingredients
Authentic
Natural state without processing, such as Kombu, dried Bonito shavings, and Sardines.
Cons: Time-consuming. Disposal of dregs required.
Dashi Packs
Tea Bag Style
Crushed ingredients packed in tea bags for easy extraction.
Cons: More expensive. Some contain salt/additives.
Granules/Powder
Instant
Extracted essence dried into granules or powder.
Cons: Aroma fades easily. Often high in salt/MSG.
Dashi Recommendation for You
What are you cooking? Select a dish to get the best dashi suggestion.