There are numerous methods and ingredients in making dashi, Japanese soup stock that lays the foundation for many Japanese dishes. I’ve shared all the different recipes in making dashi (including vegetarian versions) on Just One Cookbook, but today I want to share how to make Katsuo Dashi (かつおだし).
What is Katsuo Dashi?
Katsuo Dashi (かつおだし) is made from katsuobushi (かつおぶし, 鰹節), dried and fermented bonito/skipjack tuna that is shaved into thin flakes. In Japanese cooking, the distinct umami taste from katsuobushi plays an important role to help heightening flavors and senses. Unlike other dashi ingredients such as kombu, iriko (niboshi), and shiitake mushrooms, katsuobushi does not need to be soaked before making delicious dashi. In other words, you can start making Katsuo Dashi now, and it only takes less than 15 minutes to make a rich and savory soup stock.
How to Make Katsuo Dashi
Just like all types of dashi, Katsuo Dashi is unbelievably easy to make. You just need to bring the water to a near boiling point and add katsuobushi shavings to the water. Let them sink in the pot and strain. Just like that, you get a beautiful golden color of Katsuo Dashi.
Recipes Using Katsuo Dashi
You can use katsuo dashi in miso soup or your ramen stock if you like, but below you can find recipes specifically use Katsuo Dashi:
Goya ChampuruOkinawa SobaRafute
The Ultimate Dashi Guide
Dashi is the master flavor enhancer in Japanese cooking, so you don’t need to season the food with too much salt, fat, and sugar. Its function is as indispensable as cooking oil, so anyone who is keen to cook authentic Japanese dishes at home will have to get started with dashi. Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking? Sign up for our free newsletter to receive cooking tips & recipe updates! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.
Awase Dashi – a stock made from a combination of dried kelp + bonito flakesKombu Dashi * – a stock made from dried kelpKatsuo Dashi – a stock made from dried bonito flakesIriko Dashi – a stock made from dried anchovies/sardinesShiitake Dashi * – a stock made from dried shiitake mushroomsVegan Dashi * – a stock made from dried shiitake mushrooms and kombu
If you are new to different types of dashi, check out my Ultimate Dashi Guide.
