Dashi Granules: A Quick Substitute to Dashi Stock Soup

If you’re looking to elevate your Japanese cooking without spending too much time or money, then dashi granules are the perfect ingredient for you! But what is it, how is it made and how can I use it? Learn everything you need to know right here!

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What Are Dashi Granules?

Dashi is the basis of Japanese cuisine. It is a liquid stock similar to “fon” or “bouillon” in Western cooking but uses ingredients that are unique to Japanese cuisine. It is also used more frequently and for various purposes.

Typically, dashi is made from dried kelp, bonito flakes, dried shiitake mushrooms, etc.. Still, it can be time-consuming and labor-intensive to make it from scratch, and the ingredients are not cheap, especially outside of Japan.

This is where “Dashi Granules” or “Granulated Dashi” (和風顆粒だし) comes in handy. This “instant dashi” is made by grinding kelp, dried bonito flakes, and other dashi ingredients into small granular pieces and combining them with other seasonings. These can then be dissolved in water to create dashi with little time or effort.

Although it does not have the same taste or flavor of homemade dashi that has been carefully prepared from scratch, it is very convenient for making Japanese food quickly, simply, and reasonably priced.

Differences from Other Types of Dashi

In addition to granulated dashi, there are dashi bags, powdered dashi, and liquid dash. Let’s compare the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each type.

• Dashi Granules: Dashi granules are heat-treated during manufacturing, resulting in a weaker flavor than other “instant dashi.” They may contain added salt and seasonings, so caution is needed when seasoning. These granules easily dissolve and spread evenly, ensuring a consistent flavor however they sometimes create a cloudy appearance in the water. Various types are available, including bonito, kombu, awase, iriko, ago, and shiitake mushroom dashi. The all-purpose dashi blends several types and is versatile for various dishes.
• Powdered Dashi: This type of dashi is made by finely grinding raw dashi ingredients. Since it’s unheated, it retains a good flavor and is often additive-free. Unlike other forms, it doesn’t dissolve in liquids but can be used similarly to furikake (sprinkles). After opening, it requires careful storage; it should be sealed tightly and stored in a cool, dark place. Various types are available, including high-end products made from carefully selected ingredients.
• Liquid Dashi: Most liquid dashi products are concentrated by adding seasonings, but some are derived directly from the dashi. There’s a wide product range, from budget-friendly to premium options. Adjusting the dilution rate allows this dashi to be used in various dishes. Some versions are additive-free and high-quality, while others might contain additives.
• Tea Bag Style Dashi: The tea bag-style dashi offers a convenient method to make authentic dashi by boiling powdered dashi packets in hot water. This approach addresses the issue of powdered dashi not dissolving in liquid. Once used, the leftover contents of the packets can be roasted and seasoned to create a homemade furikake with soy sauce, mirin, sesame, and chili peppers.

Here is a chart to compare the characteristics, pro’s and cons of different kinds of dashi.

	Characteristics	Advantage	Disadvantage
Granules	Heat treated Easily soluble Long shelf life Various flavors available	Easy to use Consistent taste	Weak in dashi flavor May contain salt Can have a cloudy appearance
Powder	Unheated Strong flavor Easily moistened	Strong flavor Can also be used to make authentic dashi broth	Vulnerable to humidity, the flavor tends to leach out Not suitable for storage after opening Does not dissolve, making it less palatable in some dishes
Liquid	Diluted type Additive-free, seasoning-added, and other varieties	Variety of dashi broths such as kombu dashi, katsuo dashi, and combined dashi	Some contain a lot of additives Be careful of the dilution ratio Need to use up as soon as possible after opening.
Packet	Powdered dashi in a teabag-like packet Easy to use Packaged in single-serving packets	Easy to make authentic dashi No need for measuring	The packaging makes them not very eco-friendly.

When Do People Use Dashi Granules in Japan?

Dashi is the lifeblood of Japanese cuisine. While traditional dashi, brewed with dedication, is unparalleled in taste, there are moments when the practicality of dashi granules shines through.

• Small servings: Need a single cup of miso soup or a small amount of dashi for a lunchtime side dish? The granulated form dissolves swiftly, letting you measure the exact amount without waste, even when making small batches or portions.
• Racing against time: Crafting authentic dashi can take a long time, sometimes stretching beyond an hour. For those moments when every minute counts, the quick-dissolving granulated dashi comes to the rescue.
• Ingredient scarcity: The soul of dashi lies in its ingredients, and their quality can make or break the broth. If top-tier ingredients elude you, the consistent quality of dashi granules is a reliable fallback. Its extended shelf life makes it a pantry essential for unexpected culinary ventures.
• When you’re not used to it: If you’re dipping your toes into Japanese cooking or lack confidence, the granulated version ensures a consistent flavor every time, eliminating the guesswork.
• Beyond just broth: The dashi granules aren’t just a broth substitute. It is infused with salt and other seasonings and doubles as a versatile seasoning. Whether for simmered dishes, stir-fries, dressings, or inventive sauces, its potential is limited only by your creativity whenever you want a bit of dashi element in your cooking.

While traditional dashi remains the gold standard, the granulated version is an indispensable ally in the modern kitchen, blending convenience with consistency.

3 Recommended Japanese Granulated Dashi

In the heart of Japan, the demand for Japanese granulated dashi is soaring. With many options available, each variant brings its unique flavor profile. Here, we delve into some renowned “Japanese granulated dashi” brands, celebrated for their taste, aroma, and versatility:

1. Ajimoto Hon Dashi: One of the stars in the world of dashi, Ajimoto Hon Dashi is renowned for its robust flavor. It’s the quintessential dashi that seamlessly complements many dishes, making it a staple in many kitchens since they are also expanding overseas, probably one of the most inexpensive products.
2. Shimaya Awase Dashi (Additive-free): A harmonious blend of bonito’s rich aroma and the subtle kombu umami, this dashi granule elevates any dish it graces. Its stick-type packaging ensures ease of use, making it a favorite among many.
3. Riken Katsuo Dashi (Additive-free): Purity at its best. With no added salt or chemical seasonings, Riken Katsuo Dashi stands out for its unadulterated flavor. It’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to offering authentic taste without compromise.

How to Make Dashi Using Granules

The preparation method for making dashi with granules varies depending on the brand or usage. Many granules come in packets containing individual sachets for easy use without the need to measure. These sachets can also vary in weight and strength so there’s no “one method for all” when it comes to dashi granules.

With that in mind, I will share the instructions for making dashi specifically using “Ajinomoto’s Hondashi Granules“.

The ratio of dashi granules to water ratio for Ajinomoto’s Hondashi Granules is 1 tsp for every 450ml water. Divide or multiply to suit your needs.