Japanese soup stock, also known as dashi, is a fundamental element in many Japanese dishes, forming the base for soups, sauces, and other culinary creations. It imparts a rich, umami flavor that elevates the taste of various ingredients, highlighting their natural flavors. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to explore the depths of Japanese cuisine, mastering the art of preparing dashi will open up a world of culinary possibilities. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Japanese soup stock, providing tips and techniques to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. We will also delve into the different types of dashi, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your dish. So, let's embark on a culinary journey as we explore the secrets of creating the perfect Japanese soup stock.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
JAPANESE RAMEN NOODLE SOUP
Use chicken, noodles, spinach, sweetcorn and eggs to make this moreish Japanese noodle soup, for when you crave something comforting yet light and wholesome.
Provided by Lina Croft
Categories Dinner, Lunch, Main course, Pasta
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Mix 700ml chicken stock, 3 halved garlic cloves, 4 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, a sliced thumb-sized piece of ginger, ½ tsp Chinese five spice, pinch of chilli powder and 300ml water in a stockpot or large saucepan, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 mins.
- Taste the stock - add 1 tsp white sugar or a little more soy sauce to make it sweeter or saltier to your liking.
- Cook 375g ramen noodles following the pack instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Slice 400g cooked pork or chicken, fry in 2 tsp sesame oil until just starting to brown, then set aside.
- Divide the noodles between four bowls. Top each with a quarter of the meat, 25g spinach, 1 tbsp sweetcorn and two boiled egg halves each.
- Strain the stock into a clean pan, then bring to the boil once again.
- Divide the stock between the bowls, then sprinkle over 1 shredded nori sheet, sliced spring onions or shallots and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 629 calories, Fat 12 grams fat, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 75 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 7 grams sugar, Fiber 6 grams fiber, Protein 51 grams protein, Sodium 4.9 milligram of sodium
DASHI STOCK (KONBUDASHI)
Dashi is the basic stock used in most all Japanese cooking. Dashi stock is the base for miso soup. This recipe is for a Konbudashi, which is made with konbu (dried kelp/seaweed) and bonito flakes (a dried fish which has been shaved into flakes.) There are many variations of dashi, but this is probably the most common.
Provided by Kyle Hildebrant
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Broth and Stock Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Wipe away any dirt from the kombu with a paper towel, being careful not to rub off the white powdery deposits on the seaweed. Place the kombu and water in a saucepan, and allow it to soak for 30 minutes to become soft.
- Remove the kombu from the water, and cut several lengthwise slits into the leaf. Return the kombu to the water, and bring it to a boil. As soon as the water begins to boil, remove the kombu to prevent the stock from becoming bitter.
- Stir the bonito flakes into the kombu-flavored water, bring back to a boil, and take the pan off the heat. Allow the water to cool. When the bonito flakes have settled to the bottom, strain the dashi through a strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 12.2 calories, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 1 g, Sodium 111.1 mg
DASHI (JAPANESE SEA STOCK)
Steps:
- Bring cold water and kombu just to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat. Remove from heat and remove kombu (saving it for pickled Napa cabbage ). Sprinkle katsuo bushi over liquid; let stand 3 minutes and, if necessary, stir to make katsuo bushi sink. Pour through a cheesecloth-lined sieve or a coffee filter into a bowl. Reserve katsuo bushi for rice with soy-glazed bonito flakes and sesame seeds .
JAPANESE SOUP STOCK
Steps:
- Wipe any sand or salt from kombu with a dampened cloth. Bring kombu and water just to a boil in a 3-quart saucepan over high heat. Remove kombu with tongs and reserve for another use.
- Sprinkle katsuo bushi over liquid and remove pan from heat. Let stand 3 minutes, then pour through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a bowl.
ELEGANT JAPANESE SOUP
Be sure to use clear full flavored broth. Personally I like to add the carrots & mushrooms into the bowl of steaming broth without simmering them first , personal preference. This is such an attractive, easy to make, light soup that is just perfect for the start of an Oriental meal or with any meal. Substitute strands of cooked Chicken instead of the seafood. See footnore at bottom of recipe for clarifying broth
Provided by Bergy
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 27m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring your broth to a boil.
- Add Mushrooms& Carrots simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add raw prawns& Scallops, simmer until the prawns are just pink.
- Stir in the lemon juice, Soy& Sherry.
- Strain the broth into 6 soup bowls and artistically arrange some carrots, mushrooms, 2 prawns, 2 scallops.
- a slice of lemon and a green onion in each bowl- Serve.
- N.B ***To clarify Broth:Whisk an egg white into one cup cool broth, Whisk this mixture into the rest of the cooled broth, heat to boiling whisking the entire time. When the broth comes to a boil remove from heat and let it rest 20 minutes. then scoop off the frothy top and you will have beautiful clear broth.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 87.7, Fat 1.7, SaturatedFat 0.4, Cholesterol 18, Sodium 1375.8, Carbohydrate 6, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 2.5, Protein 10
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the dashi will taste. If possible, use organic or locally-sourced produce.
- Use the right water: The type of water you use can also affect the taste of your dashi. If you have access to filtered or spring water, use that. Otherwise, boil tap water for a few minutes to remove any impurities.
- Don't boil the dashi: Simmer it gently over low heat. Boiling the dashi will make it cloudy and bitter.
- Use a variety of ingredients: Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique dashi. Some popular additions include kombu (kelp), shiitake mushrooms, and bonito flakes.
- Make a large batch: Dashi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month. So it's a good idea to make a large batch so you have it on hand whenever you need it.
Conclusion:
Dashi is a versatile ingredient essential to Japanese cuisine. With its delicate flavor and ability to enhance the taste of other ingredients, it's no wonder that dashi is used in so many different dishes. Whether you're making soup, noodles, or even just a simple bowl of rice, adding dashi will take your dish to the next level.
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