Dashi, a flavourful broth made from kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes (dried fish), is a fundamental component in many Japanese dishes. Here are some popular Japanese dishes that feature dashi:
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Miso Soup (Misoshiru)
- Miso soup is a classic Japanese soup made with miso paste and dashi broth. It often contains tofu, wakame seaweed, and green onions.
- Add some miso mixed with honey and soy to a bowl and marinade some seabass
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Soba Noodles
- Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, are often served in a .hot broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. This dish is known as kake soba when served in broth, or tsukimi soba when a raw egg is added.
- Steam or grill some sea bass and add a few slices of red chilli.
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Chawanmushi
- Chawanmushi is a savoury steamed egg custard dish. The base of the custard is a mixture of dashi, eggs, soy sauce, and mirin, often containing ingredients like prawns and mushrooms.
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Udon Soup
- Udon noodles are thick wheat noodles served in a hot dashi-based broth. The broth is seasoned with soy sauce and mirin, and the dish is often garnished with ingredients like green onions, tempura, or fish cake (kamaboko).
- Add some blended Basa with flour and saké
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Ochazuke
- Ochazuke is a simple, comforting dish where hot dashi or tea is poured over rice and topped with various ingredients such as grilled fish such as salmon or mackerel, seaweed, and pickles.
Dashi is essential in providing the umami flavour that defines much of Japanese cuisine, making these dishes particularly rich and satisfying.
