My Favorite Awase Dashi with Niboshi, Katsuobushi and Kombu

This homemade awase dashi made with dried kelp, bonito flakes, and dried sardines is my favorite dashi of all time! It’s depth, umami and robust flavor will elevate your Japanese soups, noodle broths and hot pots!

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What Does My Favorite Dashi Broth Contain?

The essence of Japanese cuisine lies in its dashi broth, a liquid gold that infuses dishes with a depth of flavor that’s both subtle and profound.

In this recipe, I used a combination of niboshi (dried sardines), katsuoboshi (dried bonito flakes), and kombu (dried kelp).

While dried bonito flakes and dried sardines are rich in inosinic acid, kelp brings forth the robust umami of glutamic acid. Niboshi, with its peptides, adds a layer of richness and mildness, making it a valuable addition to the foundational duo of dried bonito flakes and kombu.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Cold Water: To achieve the optimal Japanese dashi, it’s recommended to use soft water with a hardness between 0 to 30. This type of water is ideal for drawing out the rich umami flavors. Conversely, hard water can interact with the proteins in kelp, which might lead to a slightly bitter aftertaste.
• Dried Sardines (Niboshi): Niboshi, or iriko, are tiny dried sardines. Even if you’re not a fan of sardines, these dried ones impart a deep, savory flavor, making the dashi exceptionally tasty.
• Dried Kelp (Kombu): Among the various kelp types, Rausu, Rishiri, Ma, and Hidaka kelp stand out. Dive deeper into the characteristics of each in my complete kombu guide.
• Bonito Flakes (Katsuobushi): Like kombu, Bonito flakes also have multiple types and grades. For a more precise understanding and to make an informed choice, refer to my in-depth katsuobushi guide.

Step-by-Step Process

Here are my step-by-step instructions for how to make my favorite homemade awase dashi using kombu, bonito flakes and dried sardines. For ingredient quantities and simplified instructions, scroll down for the printable recipe card below.

Reusing dashi ingredients

If it’s hard or expensive to find dashi ingredients in your country, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s possible to reuse them to make a second batch! Simply follow these steps:

1. Take your used dashi ingredients and place them in a pot.
2. Add 1 liter of water and an additional 7g of unused katsuobushi.
3. Turn the heat on medium-high and bring to a boil.
4. Once boiling, turn the heat on medium and cook until the liquid is reduced by 20%.
5. Remove from the heat and strain the dashi with a sieve and kitchen paper like before.
6. Rest until it’s cool to the touch, then pick up the kitchen paper and squeeze to release any excess dashi.
7. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator and use within 1 week. (Be aware that the flavor deteriorates every day that you keep it, so try to use it sooner rather than later!)

Alternatively, you can use leftover kombu to make onigiri rice balls! Check out my kombu onigiri recipe!

Storage

Preparing a big batch of dashi in advance can save time, but it’s important to store it correctly to preserve its freshness and flavor. Avoid storing dashi at room temperature as it can quickly spoil.

Refrigeration is a suitable option for those who intend to use the dashi within a short time. However, it’s crucial to let the hot dashi cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container such as a jar or Tupperware. Seal the container and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

To keep a larger stock of dashi for future use, freezing is the best option. Ensure the dashi has cooled down before sealing it in an airtight container, and divide into portions for convenience. Properly stored dashi can be kept in the freezer for up to a month.